The Book That Lived

We started it this morning, with the immortal first chapter titled "The Boy Who Lived."

Yep, we're reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The kids have been begging for a few months now. Please please please. They know we love the stories and movies and they wanted in. They already knew about sorting hats and Quidditch, Albus Dumbledore and Hermione (the characters, not our cats!), owls and Hogwarts, Dementors and Voldemort. In fact, they know more than I wanted them to--that Dobby the house elf dies, for instance--I want them to come to the book as unknowing as possible so that the books are a magical revelation. Which is why we haven't let them see the films yet (besides that they are pretty intense). But it's impossible in this day and age to not know details about the books, especially in this house with its Lego Hogwarts and HP calendar.

And so after much begging, Mama and I researched the reading levels of the series and recommended ages to start. And I re-read sections of it to remember the writing and the plot. (I was surprised to see that I had received the book as a birthday present 12 years ago, from my Uncle W. I couldn't recall how or when I'd started reading the book but knew we'd done so by the first movie, which we went to see for my birthday in 2001.) Turns out that 6 is on the younger side for starting book one. But not impossible, especially because our kids are experienced listeners, absorbing numerous chapter books read by me or on audio. They can remember plot points and wait between readings. They don't necessarily need pictures, even if they like them. Sure, there are some scary bits--like Voldemort drinking unicorn blood or confronting Harry from the back of Quirrell's head--and sad bits like the death of Harry's parents. We had told the kids that we had to be sure they were ready for these books with their sometimes intense, sad, and scary bits. Truth is, I think we were ready for them to begin their HP adventure.

So this morning, bright and early, we started "Year One." I had forgotten much of the beginning, remembering the movie better (gasp)--so much about the Dursleys, so long to get to Harry himself much less Diagon Ally or Hogwarts. I did my best to read the various voices--read aloud expert Jim Trelease says HP is challenging for readers and listeners--trying not to try to do the actors (not that I could do Maggie Smith or Robbie Coltrane or Richard Harris/Michael Gambon if I wanted!) , knowing I'm no Jim Dale (who does the audiobooks brilliantly). The kids didn't seem to mind.

They perked up upon hearing about the stern, still tabby cat--"That must be McGonagall!"--and all the owls flying around--"Those are messages!"--and people in brightly-colored cloaks--"They're witches and wizards!" And were excited when Dumbledore and Hagrid make their appearances. They asked me if the snake part at the zoo was my favorite, knowing very well it wouldn't be.

And when I stopped after two chapters they begged for more.

All of which tells me, today was the perfect day to start reading Harry Potter.