Suggested age9+

Characters engage in battles and fights with a dragon, trolls, giant spiders, goblins, and wolves, with captures, whippings, and a major battle involving deaths. Scary scenes feature pitch-black caves with goblins, a creepy encounter with Gollum who wants to eat the hobbit, and nearly being cooked.

Full breakdown

The Hobbit

Book (1981)

by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, is a peaceful sort who lives in a cozy hole in the Shire, a place where adventures are uncommon - and rather unwanted. So when the wizard Gandalf whisks him away on a treasure-hunting expedition with a troop of rowdy dwarves, he's not entirely thrilled. Encountering ruthless trolls, beastly orcs, gigantic spiders, and hungry wolves, Bilbo discovers within himself astonishing strength and courage. And at the ultimate confrontation with the fearsome dragon Smaug, the hobbit will brave the dangers of the dark and dragon fire alone and unaided.

Fiction / Classics
Fiction / Fantasy / General
Fiction / Fantasy / Epic
287 pages

What to expect

Characters engage in battles and fights with a dragon, trolls, giant spiders, goblins, and wolves, with captures, whippings, and a major battle involving deaths. Scary scenes feature pitch-black caves with goblins, a creepy encounter with Gollum who wants to eat the hobbit, and nearly being cooked.

The good stuff

The story emphasizes that peace outweighs greed for riches and highlights bravery and loyalty. Bilbo acts as a brave and loyal hero using cunning to help travelers, while Gandalf provides mentorship. Readers can explore Tolkien's made-up languages, runes, and expand their vocabulary.

Family guidance

Ages 9+

Characters engage in battles and fights with a dragon, trolls, giant spiders, goblins, and wolves, with captures, whippings, and a major battle involving deaths. Scary scenes feature pitch-black caves with goblins, a creepy encounter with Gollum who wants to eat the hobbit, and nearly being cooked.

Every child is different. Use this guide alongside what you know about yours.

What to know before you start

Content details to help you decide what fits your child.

Sex & Nudity

Sex, romance, and nudity are noted as not present.

Violence & Gore

Characters engage in battles and fights with a dragon, trolls, giant spiders, goblins, and wolves, with captures, whippings, and a major battle involving deaths.

Profanity

Mild language such as hell and curse it is used.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

Characters frequently smoke tobacco with pipes and engage in drinking.

Frightening Scenes

Scary scenes feature pitch-black caves with goblins, a creepy encounter with Gollum who wants to eat the hobbit, and nearly being cooked.

Other things to know

Products and purchases are noted as not present.

Positives & learning

Positive messages

The story emphasizes that peace outweighs greed for riches and highlights bravery and loyalty.

Role models

Bilbo acts as a brave and loyal hero using cunning to help travelers, while Gandalf provides mentorship.

Learning

Readers can explore Tolkien's made-up languages, runes, and expand their vocabulary.

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