By Joy at the Southern Schoolhouse
These highlighted series are my all time favorite fantasy read-alouds. The literary adventures have created many memories and childhood fun for my family and I hope to share them with you. Even my 22 year old will still cuddle up beside me while I read Harry Potter to his little brother. Happy adventuring…
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”-Dumbledore
Harry Potter Series, Best for ages 9+, The first two I began reading to my children around age 8. Be warned, the series gets darker as it progresses. The books are long so by the time my kids were old enough to handle the content of books 3-7, we were there. If you read often and will progress more quickly, I would recommend starting at age 9. Also in my family, it is a must, to read the book first before the movies (which are also very good.)
The Harry Potter series follows the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers he is famous in the wizarding world for surviving an attack by the evil Lord Voldemort when he was a baby.
Harry attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns to use magic and uncovers the truth about his parents’ deaths and Voldemort’s return to power.
With the help of his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry faces numerous dangers, including magical creatures, dark wizards, and the corrupting influence of the Dark Lord himself.
The series culminates in a final battle between good and evil, where Harry and his friends must confront Voldemort and his followers to save the wizarding world.
“She knew that it is a very silly thing to shut oneself into a wardrobe.”-C.S.Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Chronicles of Narnia Series, Best for ages 7+, I still remember curling up with my own mother as she read this series to me and my sisters. I, in turn, read them to my babies.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of fantasy novels by C.S. Lewis. They tell the stories of children who travel to the magical land of Narnia, where they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and ultimately, the lion Aslan, a powerful and benevolent being.
The most famous book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” follows four siblings who discover a magical wardrobe that leads them to Narnia, which is under a perpetual winter spell cast by the evil White Witch. With the help of Aslan, the children fight to overthrow the Witch and restore peace to Narnia.
The series explores themes of good versus evil, courage, self-sacrifice, and the importance of faith.
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”-Galadriel
Lord of the Rings Series, Best for ages 12+. The reading level is high with difficult pronunciations. These would be great as an audiobook. The movies are also amazing but not recommended for younger children due to violence.
The Lord of the Rings tells the story of Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits a powerful and dangerous ring. This “One Ring” is sought by the Dark Lord Sauron, who intends to use it to conquer Middle-earth.
Frodo and a fellowship of companions embark on a perilous journey to destroy the Ring by casting it into the fires of Mount Doom, the only place where it can be unmade. They face numerous dangers, including treacherous terrain, monstrous creatures, and the corrupting influence of the Ring itself.
Ultimately, Frodo and his loyal companion Samwise Gamgee reach Mount Doom, where Frodo nearly succumbs to the Ring’s power. However, Sam intervenes, and together they destroy the Ring, defeating Sauron and restoring peace to Middle-earth.
“Is there not glory enough in living the days given to us?” -Lloyd Alexander, Chronicle so Prydain
Chronicles of Prydain, Best for ages 9+ as a read aloud. My mentor loved this series for her children. The books are engaging and worth a read.
The Chronicles of Prydain tells the story of Taran, a young farmhand who dreams of heroic deeds. His adventures begin when he’s tasked with caring for Hen Wen, a magical pig who can foretell the future. This leads him on a journey across the land of Prydain, where he encounters a wise wizard, a mischievous creature, a bard, and a spirited princess. Together, they face numerous dangers, including an evil lord and his undead army. Through his adventures, Taran learns about courage, friendship, and the true meaning of heroism.
