2007-04-02 05:17:17 · 17 answers · asked by Mauidog 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
They may be a bit over his head. I would suggest waiting until he is about 7 or 8 years old.
But, if he shows an interest in them, go ahead. Can't hurt anything! If he gets bored with the story, set the book aside and try again when he's a little older.
2007-04-02 05:21:15 · answer #1 · answered by kja63 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it really depends on the child. My daughter is 5 years old and I have absolutely no problem reading the books to her or letting her watch the movies. She's even watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the first Pirates of the Caribbean and loves them. We're going to hold off on letting her watch the 2nd Pirates movie for a while though because we feel that some of the opening scenes might be a bit to graphic for her.
When my nephew was 5, however, he tended to scare really easy, so he didn't start reading the books or watching the movies till much later (he was 8 or 9 I think). He's 11 now and still hasn't watched the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy because it would bother him too much.
Let the child tell you when they are ready. If the child is fairly adept at being able to separate reality from fiction and understand that what happens in the books isn't real, and they don't scare easily, then it should be okay.
2007-04-03 08:25:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it all depends on the 5-year-old in question! Yes, they are a bit dark; yes, they get complex; and some kids may get scared and/or bored. I say, let the 5-year-old cue you into his level of interest and comfort. He will let you know if it's just not his cup of tea. My son is now 7, but he's loved the Harry Potter stories ever since he was 4, and they haven't done him any harm. But just as with adults, what really inspires one kid may be completely unappealing to another. Try it and find out...if Harry Potter isn't his cup of tea, there are so many other great options for reading aloud. The fact that you're taking an interest will help keep him motivated to seek out good stories as well, so keep it up!
2007-04-02 16:14:19 · answer #3 · answered by Leslie D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would start off with books like Charlotte's Web for someone that young. The first Harry Potter is the lightest story and a five year old may still find it scary. I would wait until he ages by a few years, and better understand the plot lines. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and even The Witches would be better choices. You should definitely feel free to enjoy the books yourself though.
2007-04-02 05:27:53 · answer #4 · answered by KND 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I certainly think that Harry Potter is appropriate for a five year old, I'm just not sure if they would be ready. I tried reading the first one to my five year old brother, and he just has too much energy. If they are mature, go ahead and read them. I know the books get darker and darker, but they still teach good things like loyalty and friendship.
When I was in 2nd grade, which I know is a bit older than five, I was already reading the fourth Harry Potter novel. So content wise, I think they are fine for a five year old, but if they can't sit still long enough and can't comprehend it, don't make them sit through it. It would be better to wait till they are older.
2007-04-02 14:37:41 · answer #5 · answered by Prongs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it has anything to do with having inappropriate content. I think the question you should be asking is whether or not a 5 year old would understand the content. I tried to read the first book to my daughter when she was that age, and she had to keeping stopping me to ask what certain things meant. I don't think a 5 year old is ready for Harry Potter books, wait a few more years.
2007-04-02 06:37:55 · answer #6 · answered by just_another_nerd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe the first book but I would let him just watch the movie for now and when he gets older and can read himself then let him read the books. I have a 3,4,6,7 year olds and they all like the movies except for the fourth movie it was alittle scary to my 3 and 4 year olds.
2007-04-02 05:30:23 · answer #7 · answered by Angelina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first 3 are great to read to a five year old I would wait on the last four since they are a little more intense and involve death scenes of very likable characters.
2007-04-02 14:19:59 · answer #8 · answered by teresacmt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think so, yes. I read the 1st HP book when i was six (please dont do the math) and i really liked it. i think by the time it gets to the more mature stuff he should be old enough. After all, it doesnt take 3 days to read aloud the hp books! the first book is really mild, and i would think, if any, wait untill he is 6 or seven. if your (son, neview, cousin, friend, ect) is really mature, though, read it! just dont let him miss it when you think he is mature enough! its a great book!
TW
2007-04-02 05:22:59 · answer #9 · answered by Moonlight Rose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are a bit scary - can i give you the jist?
harry is an orphan whose parents have been killed by the evil lord voldemort. its sad and scary and might upset your child.
i love the books, but id wait a few years!
if its magic your after, try some rold dahl eg. georges marvelllous medecine, charlie and the chocolate factory, the BFG
2007-04-02 05:26:46 · answer #10 · answered by Funny_Thing 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋