Age 12-16. The Harry Potter series is entertaining and well written, and follows a good-against-evil motif that is in some harmony with a Christian worldview. The magic in the early books seems for the most part fantastical, although the later books move into darker, more occultic territory. More problematic is Harry’s isolationism, as well as the absence of trustworthy, competent adults in his life…. I would recommend that if the books are approved, their introduction should be delayed until the early teen years, when readers are old enough to engage the problematic elements with the help of a discerning adult.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This book is a compilation of three enjoyable rhyming stories for young children…The stories are told in rhyming verse whose rhythmic cadence will please the youngest listeners, while the humor and drama will appeal to slightly older readers… While this book will never win a poetry award, it’s a sure winner for any child who will enjoy the slightly scary but ultimately comforting idea of making friends with a cartoon bear.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Stanley is an ordinary boy whose life changes when a large bulletin board falls on him during the night, flattening him to a thickness of a half-inch…. This whimsical fantasy is entirely enjoyable, and what it lacks in depth of plot and character development (no pun intended), it makes up for in imagination.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This story rounds out the trilogy begun with My Father’s Dragon… This is more of the same fun fare that characterized the first two books, capitalizing on the mystique of dragons which makes Elmer’s participation in their lives quite a romantic adventure. Again, Elmer would set a better example by confiding in his parents, but the lighthearted and fanciful nature of this adventure may help young readers interpret his behavior without emulating his secrecy.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. A continuation of the lighthearted fantasy begun in My Father’s Dragon… It would be better for his adventure take place with his parents’ knowledge and blessing, but this is still an exciting, interesting and funny story excursion.

Age 04-08. This story is masterfully written, in very short chapters that each pack a punch and end with a cliffhanger. The plot points are simple enough that young children will be able to follow them, but clever enough that adults will enjoy the author’s absurd sense of humor. It’s perfect for children transitioning out of picture books. Published in 1947, it reflects mainly wholesome values of kindness, courage, and generosity, with a naivete that will appeal to children who enjoy fantasies.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Delectable is the word for this whimsical flight of fancy around the world… a wonderful early introduction to the concepts of trade, culture, and cooking, and for thoughtful readers may provide an opportunity to discuss the effect of globalization on national economies. It’s infused with a lighthearted wit and and gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “As American as apple pie.” A delicious excursion.

Age 00-04. 5 Stars. This is a delightfully comforting story of a little bunny who decides to run away from his mother. When she informs him that she intends to follow him, he invents many imaginary scenes in which he is transformed into something else and escapes…. This book playfully and gently underscores the unconditional love children ought to expect from their parents, and echoes God’s own relentless pursuit of human souls to be included in His household (Psalm 139:7-12; Ephesians 1:4-6). It is an essential addition to any child’s library, but may be especially well suited for children who who experience anxiety about their place in the family — siblings of a new addition to the family, adoptees, or children who have experienced trauma.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. An entrancing wordless fantasy about a boy who finds a magical camera at the beach…. The stunning imagery of this story is playfully surreal, and some children may be uneasy with the way it plays with reality. But for those who can enter into its fantasy world, the story is wonderfully enthralling, and any child who experiences it may find themselves looking for a camera in the waves the next time they visit the beach.

Age 12-16. 5 Stars. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy continues the story begun in The Hobbit and more fully develops the world of Middle Earth. In this epic saga, ordinary beings must use their small gifts in a struggle against great evil…. This work has becoming a defining influence in the genre in fantasy literature, and none of the works that came after it have matched it for its marvelous use of language, the deep coherency of the fantasy world, and the epic themes which propel the story to its climactic finish. Christian readers have long appreciated the way in which Tolkien’s stories express his Christian view of reality.