Reading HP books to chilldren

[marda.buz at juno.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 154090

--- Pamela Rosen <pam_rosen at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Here's something that has been on my mind lately. I
> wonder how many of you are (or have) read HP to
> children? 

Marda:
My kids, currently 6, 8 and 10, love the HP books and audio books too. It has provided the openings for wonderful, yet sometimes difficult, conversations about friendship, fear, loyalty, trust, personal abilities and callings, death, .... Adults too often underestimate children, but JKR is the absolute exception to this. IMO, one of the major secrets of her success. 

Witherwing:
<snip>
>After I read the next-to-last chapter of HBP, the big
>scene on the tower, she asked me to stop reading, and
>we talked about it over a few days. I thought to
>myself, what have I done? The shock of an unhappy
>ending was too much. She said to me, *This one ends
>different,* and so we talked about how the books
>usually end.

Marda's 6-yr old replies:
"I'm worried about the 7th year and the little war with magic, with Voldemort and Harry. I worry about if it gets switched, and Harry doesn't win the war."

Witherwing:
<snip>
>A lot depends on the child you are reading to. I have
>loved reading them all to my daughter. We stop and
>discuss, and wonder what will happen. She laughs aloud
>a lot, thanks to Fred and George and many others. 

Marda's 10-yr this morning in the car said with a chuckle:
"My favorite ghost is Nearly Headless Nick. He helped Harry out of a few scrapes."

Witherwing:
<snip>
>Like your experience with your son, my daughter
>remembers details, but I also made a point of stopping
>and checking in with her about certain characters and
>plotlines along the way.

Marda's most moving comment from the 8-yr old:
"My favorite part is that Fleur still wants to marry Bill even though he looks ugly. I can't wait until the wedding."

Withering:
<snip>
>Witherwing, who was deeply moved by the voice of her
>daughter reading HP aloud for the first time.

Marda:
I have experience this joy twice and am looking forward to this one more time, probably this summer. 
They say that having a pet is good for children because it can teach so many life lessons that are easier learned with a pet first. JKR's books are so real to the children that they also serve this purpose. The characters become their friends. They celebrate with them, share their struggles, and grieve for their losses. 
Reading HP with your children is great!