Coraline...have you read it, what do you think?

[blackrock]

Which age range do you think this is most suitable for?

Is it too dark?? Or perfectly acceptable for the average 8 year old?

I am about the read it, but am interested in knowing other people's opinions.

It's great but possibly a bit too dark and weird for an 8 year old. I teach it and tend to use it with Yr 7 or 8. DD1 read it when she was 10 but dd2 tried when she was ten and was too scared and still won't read it now, at 11. It's a cracking good read though - enjoy!

I think it is quite dark and potentially disturbing if you were very sensitive, or were to dwell on it long. I think most 8 yr-olds wouldn't find it disturbing though, they'd just read it as a story, and probably find it rather dull.

I liked it. I think ds1 (11) read it earlier this year, but didn't pass any particular comment on it to me. So he probably didn't really like it.

I wouldn't give it to my eight year old and she is not particularly sensitive. I would say age 10 up. It is a fantastic book though. If you want something similar but not quite so scary for your eight year old, how about Marianne Dreams?

Thanks for the messages, will take a look at Marianne Dreams too!

"Marianne Dreams" is gorgeous. I bought it last week after Seeker recommended it on here. DD2, 11, loved it too. It's not as dark as "Coraline" but still quite other-worldly.

Just came across a trailer for the film version of Coraline.

Not sure whether this is a good of bad thing...

*good or bad thing