voracious reader

How about Sydney Taylor’s All-of-a-Kind Family series? the books are about a Jewish family living in the Lower East Side early in the twentieth century. The five sisters experience things that are common to all children (like adjusting to a new baby), that characterize the immigrant way of life of the period, and that are specifically Jewish (Shabbos, holidays, etc.). For those who liked Betsey-Tacy, these books should appeal. Of course, parents should check any books before the children read or listen to them.

Early in the thread someone mentioned the Narnia books. C.S. Lewis was one of the more prominent Christian apologists of the twentieth century, and the Narnia books are flat out Christian allegory. I am not frum, but I did not allow those books in my house and would not let my son read them. While the Christian allegory may fly over Jewish children’s heads, nonetheless it is very obvious.

While Tolkien’s books have their roots in Catholic theology, they are not Christian allegory and they are not overtly Christian or Catholic. In fact, Tolkien’s world has its own religious mythology that he created. This fantasy religion does not really appear in The Hobbit and only makes limited appearances in the Lord of the Rings, but it is extensive and overt in The Silmarillion and other of his books. Use your judgment.