What age for Harry Potter?

[Squashedraddish]

My daughter is 7 in October and really wants to read (for me to read aloud) and watch Harry Potter. I’m not sure if 7 is a bit young? Or would you say the first 2 books are ok for this age? I’m thinking a lot of it might go over her head and be a bit scary and may be better aged 8/9?

I would say the first book is absolutely fine as is the film.
I would have her read the book before the film.
And the same with the others.
They get quite dark.

The first three books should be fine. My ds, 8 has had those read to him and I just skipped the odd bit. After that they do get a big darker. He still won't watch the films though.

I got the first one for my 8th birthday and read 1 - 3 in quick succession.

it was much easier when I was growing up though, as I kind of grew up with them, and I think the last one was published when I was about 15/16.

id let her read the first three, and then somehow ration them from then on!

Think it depends on the child. My eldest was an avid reader and read them all. I think he was about 8or 9 when last book came out and was not going to stop him reading it he was mature for his qge. The next one down had no interest and even today as an adult won't watch the film's as he knows they are scary.youngest also read them but I think he was a bit older he was more interested in non fiction stuff

At a chapter a night, with other books in between each HP book, it'll take you a few years to get through the lot anyways. Fine to start now.

It depends on the child. My DD age 6 has read the first illustrated book, listened to all the audioboooks and then watched the movies over the course of the last year. We were there with her to explain any darker bits of the later books but didn't need to, as we found she is more bothered by sad than scary.

Jurrasic Park/World all fine, Bambi or Dumbo - no way!

I think it depends on the child too. My big issue would be that the later ones would be too complex/difficult to understand for a 7yo. I read the first one at about that age but of course I then had to wait for the others to be released! So I was able to keep up with them. Maybe try the first one and see how it goes. If she doesn’t like it she doesn’t like it. If she does then happy days.

I'd say the first three books are fine. The only reason I'd hesitate at book 4 is because Cedric Diggory dies, and that's pretty harsh. Apart from that, enjoy reading them to her!!

Thanks so much. I think @treehousethunderstorm my daughter would also be more bothered with sad than scary. I also like the idea of the illustrated book. I think I’ll get it for her 7th bday and go from there! Thanks everyone- agree that the books do get pretty dark as they go on. I will read a few pages a night so it takes a while !