The Lord of the Rings Series
The Hobbit
1937 by
on Goodreads (4,148,988)
What’s inside...
The timeless classic presented in the standard hardcover edition using the author's original jacket design. J.R.R. Tolkien's own description for the original edition: "If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of this humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) -- if you do not already know all about these things -- much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred comfort to excitement. But this account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare. They do not like noise.".
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled journey, sparks imagination and creativity.
- Introduces resilience and bravery through Bilbo's character.
- Explores friendship, loyalty, and leadership themes.
- Boosts vocabulary and comprehension skills.
The Big Picture
- Overcoming fears through Bilbo’s adventurous journey
- Learning the value of friendship and wisdom
- Facing challenges with courage and integrity
- Encouraging family discussions on moral decisions
Diversity & Representation
- Lacks diverse racial representation, primarily European-inspired characters.
- Culturally homogeneous, mirrors early 20th-century British society.
- Explores themes of courage across different fantastical races.
Age
11-12
Length
317 pages
Text complexity
proficient
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think makes Bilbo Baggins brave, and can you think of a time when you were brave like him?
Why is teamwork important in the adventures of Bilbo and the dwarves? Can you think of a time when you had to work as a team?
How does Bilbo’s perspective about the world change throughout the story? Have you ever changed your mind about something important?
What does the story teach us about greed and its consequences? How do you think greed affects people’s actions and decisions?
If you were on an adventure like Bilbo, what part would you look forward to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book to highlight Bilbo's courage and relate them to your child's personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Discuss the importance of teamwork by drawing parallels between the book's events and real-life scenarios where your child had to collaborate with others.
Encourage your child to think about how characters evolve in the story and ask them to reflect on any personal changes they’ve experienced.
Bring up themes like greed and its impact as depicted in the book and ask your child to think of real-world examples, fostering critical thinking.
Stimulate your child’s imagination by asking them to elaborate on their favorite adventure scenes and what they find exciting about them.
What parents love
Perfect mix of adventure and lessons.
Captivating story, beautifully written.
Great for young readers’ imagination.
Handles complex themes gently.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and stepping out of comfort zones
Explanation: Bilbo Baggins begins as a reluctant hero, preferring the safety of his home, but he steps out of his comfort zone to join the adventure.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be brave and explore new activities or challenges, even if they initially seem uncomfortable or scary.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork and friendship
Explanation: Throughout their journey, Bilbo and the dwarves face various challenges that they overcome by working together and supporting one another.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of cooperation and building strong relationships to navigate complex situations in school or play.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and resourcefulness
Explanation: Bilbo frequently uses his wits to solve problems, such as the riddles in the dark with Gollum or outsmarting the spiders of Mirkwood.
Real-World Application: Inspirational for children to use critical thinking and creativity in solving problems, whether in academics or daily obstacles.
Example Lesson: The impact of greed and power
Explanation: The devastation caused by the dragon Smaug and the conflict over the treasure highlight the destructive nature of greed.
Real-World Application: A cautionary tale for children about the consequences of valuing material wealth over relationships and ethical behavior.
Example Lesson: Humility and self-growth
Explanation: Bilbo’s journey teaches him about his own capabilities and the importance of modesty, even as he becomes a central figure in the story.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to recognize their personal growth through challenges and to remain humble and open to learning.