I used to work in a children's library, and I've read quite a few children's books. I wonder how many parents today can say the same.

I've read one Harry Potter book (I've forgotten the name), and that was because I was desperate for a book to read on a trans-Atlantic flight.

In my opinion, the book was cheaply done, far too violent, and read like a movie. The ending was simply wrenched into place after the author had written herself into a corner. (I suspect that the book was actually produced by a committee.) There are far better books for kids down at the public library.

My view was shared by a friend of mine, eight years old, who told me, "We stopped reading it. It was too violent."