The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black (2004, Reinforced Hardcover)

Let me start by saying that my 2 oldest sons are in 3rd grade and 2nd grade. I bought these books to read to them because they are both avid readers and I think it also helps aid in comprehension, recall and fluency when children are still read to at their ages.

We read each book in order and on different nights. Each book took me just over 1 hour to read, even with pauses to allow them to look over pictures and predict what would happen next or answer thought questions I would ask them. There were plenty of gorgeously detailed illustrations to supplement the story. The books were fast paced, well written, very well thought-out, engaging, funny and descriptive. My children enjoyed them immensely.

The only thing I did not like about them was some of the language used (cr** for example) and some of the name calling in a couple of the volumes. Other than that, these books were superb.