Parents' Guide to

The Hobbit

By Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Brilliantly written, inventive pre-LOTR tale.

Book J.R.R. Tolkien Fantasy 1937
The Hobbit Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 28 parent reviews

Analogstoy
Analogstoy Parent
July 1, 2021
age 10+
pricetim
pricetim Adult
August 12, 2020
age 11+
I think the average age for reading aloud is 6+ and the average age for reading to yourself is 11+. It contains a few very sad deaths and my daughter nearly cried when one of the most important characters died. As well, it contains evil elves, goblins and dangerous wolves. Bilbo Baggins & Co were nearly killed more than once, saved by some swift escape. Otherwise, I think J.R.R.Tolkien is a very nice author, although I don’t recommend thoroughly this book.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 28 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Bilbo Baggins, a simple Hobbit, never asked for adventure. It literally came knocking on his door -- 13 dwarves (Tolkien's spelling with the \"v\") and Gandalf the wizard show up to tea to hire Bilbo as a thief in their quest to reclaim a hoard of treasure. It's stashed far away and guarded by a fierce dragon, Smaug. Bilbo will have to cross the Misty Mountains -- troll and goblin country -- and the untamed wilds of Mirkwood, where straying from the path can be deadly. In exchange, he gets an even share of the treasure and quite a story to tell. But is one little hobbit really up for such a big adventure?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (28 ):
Kids say (131 ):

There are few worlds more richly imagined than Tolkien's Middle Earth. Readers would get caught up just in his exquisitely imaginative details if it weren't for the nonstop adventure; it's a perfect balance. Add to that a wonderful main character -- the hairy-footed little hobbit who truly triumphs -- and you have the perfect fantasy-adventure. This is how it's done.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Bilbo changes over the course of the book. Why is he reluctant to have an adventure at first? Would you choose a comfy hobbit-hole over a meeting with a dragon (and riches), or would you face adversity and adventure head-on?

  • For those reading as a family, what parts are the best to read aloud? Is it easier to get through the scary scenes with company? What other books appeal to readers of many ages?

  • Can you see why the fimmakers decided to break the movie version of The Hobbit into three installments?

Book Details

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