[gmw]

The first book of Harry Potter was not really anything more than an amusing children's story. Well imagined, I thought, but still only a children's story. The true value (IMO) is in the full series and how the story and characters evolve. Not that I particularly want it as a book for the NLBC.

As for Philip Pullman, something other than His Dark Materials might be interesting (I found that series okay but underwhelming, also Northern Lights aka The Golden Compass was done in the MRBC in 2016). I would be interested in reading his Grimm Tales but they're still quite expensive.

Something from Eoin Colfer could be good, either Artemis Fowl or maybe Airman.

Or I wonder if anyone here is interested in trying William Horwood's The Willows in Winter - an extension to the The Wind in the Willows. I found it quite good - not an instant favourite but still well done, I thought.