I first read The Hobbit at age 11 and LoTR a year or two later (I did not know LoTR was a sequel to The Hobbit) and understood it all fine. My daughter read The Hobbit at age 7 and enjoyed it but I am holding off introducing LoTR to her, not because she would not appreciate it but rather out of slight concern about the battle scenes and scariness (I am probably being over-cautious). When a child can first read the books is a highly individual matter. The child must, first, have good reading skills and, second, be able to tolerate the goblins/orcs, Gollum, the dragon and the Battle of Five Armies for the Hobbit. Probably age 6-10 for most kids. LoTR, due to its length, writing style and complexity, should be held back a bit, in my opinion, until perhaps 8-12 or even later. The last thing you want is to have a kid start it and put it down as "too boring" or unpleasant -- he or she may not pick it back up again.
[ January 24, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]
[ January 24, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]
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Beleriand, Beleriand,
the borders of the Elven-land.
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