I haven't dismissed Rowling. I've said that the writing is dull and the books unchallenging, but that at least they get children reading. Yes, I did say that! That there is no harm in occasional indulgence in stuff of that nature and that the books are hardly going to deprave and corrupt. Your comment on Dahl is spot on and identifies exactly what's lacking in Harry Potter.

Incidentally, there's nothing wrong with well-written books for children that have illustrations. I highly recommend The Magic of Reality: How we know what's really true which is beautifully and compellingly written by Richard Dawkins and stunningly illustrated by Dave McKean. Written for children but gripping for adult children too.