Bilbo’s journey is over and he’s home, which means there’s plenty to talk about. So this week we’re discussing the role of luck in Tolkien’s stories, the book’s subtle moral vision, Bilbo’s transformation, Arkenbread, and much more. Happy listening!
My daughter Vera (11 years old) said that the world itself is what draws her most to the Hobbit. She said that it’s so different than any other place she has read about yet- the dwarves, elves, hobbits, etc.- and so interesting. She also loves that the story also goes through many moods (adventure, humor, suspense, fear…).
My son Jack (7 years old) said that he just loves Bilbo.
And Goldie (3 years old) loves those dwarves.
As a mom, I think the speed that Tolkien goes from moment to moment in the plot is really helpful at keeping the kids’ attention in such a vivid world. The humor, the “humanity” of Bilbo that we can all sympathize with, his smallness in a big world, and the narrator’s asides to the readers all make the book so very engaging for little ones (and me, too!).
My daughter Vera (11 years old) said that the world itself is what draws her most to the Hobbit. She said that it’s so different than any other place she has read about yet- the dwarves, elves, hobbits, etc.- and so interesting. She also loves that the story also goes through many moods (adventure, humor, suspense, fear…).
My son Jack (7 years old) said that he just loves Bilbo.
And Goldie (3 years old) loves those dwarves.
As a mom, I think the speed that Tolkien goes from moment to moment in the plot is really helpful at keeping the kids’ attention in such a vivid world. The humor, the “humanity” of Bilbo that we can all sympathize with, his smallness in a big world, and the narrator’s asides to the readers all make the book so very engaging for little ones (and me, too!).
The arkenbread is the best!