HP readalikes - for the young and young at heart (long)

[Goddlefrood]

> Petra with a long reading list, should cover the next month or 
two ;), that included:

> Philip Pullman.
> His Dark Materials
>    1. The Golden Compass
>    2. The Subtle Knife
>    3. The Amber Spyglass

Goddlefrood:

A superb series for readers of almost all ages, although the 
starting age may be a few years higher than the HP books. Teenage 
and above would be my suggestion. An excellent read with a villain
that came in second only to LV in one poll of readers, and which
JKR felt highly complimented about :)
 
> Roald Dahl.
> Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
> Matilda
> James and the Giant Peach

Goddlefrood:

Roald Dahl wrote many books across all age groups. These above are
for younger readers, and I would add "The Fantastic Mr. Fox", which
was a personal favourite when I was about 7-12 and "Danny the
Champion of the World"

For older readers there are the "Tales of the Unexpected", "Switch
Bitch" and many others. He was and remains a joy to read for all :)

> L. Frank Baum. 
> The Wizard of Oz series 
>     * The Marvelous Land of Oz
>     * Ozma of Oz
>     * Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz
>     * The Road to Oz
>     * The Emerald City of Oz
>     * The Patchwork Girl of Oz
>     * Tik-Tok of Oz
>     * The Scarecrow of Oz
>     * The Lost Princess of Oz
>     * The Tin Woodman of Oz
>     * The Magic of Oz

Goddlefrood:

This series is particularly enjoyable to all. My brother's 
girlfriend is a huge addict and she's an, hem hem, older lady :)

> Colfer, Eoin. 
> Artemis Fowl Series 
>     * Artemis Fowl
>     * Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident
>     * Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code

Goddlefrood:

The Artemis Fowl series is excellent also. High paced action and 
highly amusing. Suitable for any age, IMO. Even my four year old
loves these. :)

> Snicket, Lemony. 
> A Series of Unfortunate Events 
>     * The Bad Beginning
>     * The Reptile Room
>     * The Wide Window
>     * The Miserable Mill
>     * The Austere Academy
>     * The Vile Village
>     * The Hostile Hospital
>     * The Ersatz Elevator
>     * The Carnivorous Carnival

Goddlefrood:

I also enjoyed this entire series, which is now complete up to
book 13. (Each has 13 chaptes also, except one :). Suitable to
all ages and has merit for older readers too.  Off topic even more 
the film of the first three books is far superior to the HP films 
so far presented, IMO, and this from someone whop finds Jim Carrey 
grating ;). Brad Silverburg for Movie 6 or 7, anyone ?

> Travers, P. L. 
> Mary Poppins Series 
>     * Mary Poppins
>     * Mary Poppins Comes Back
>     * Mary Poppins Opens the Door
>     * Mary Poppins in the Park
>     * Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane
>     * Mary Poppins and the House Next Door

Goddlefrood:

Very much for younger readers and listeners :). They have a 
certain charm for older readers, but are very much written for 
the younger person.

I won't add any more, but I would refer anyone who loves books to
www.fantasticfiction.co.uk, quite simply the best book resource 
on the net, IMNSVHO :). It has author lists, categories and small 
reviews. Take your time and get to know it ;).

It's tremendously user friendly.

Enjoy!

Goddlefrood