The Hobbit Illustrated by the Author Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien

I have read this book several times in my life and each time it gives me something new. When I was a child, I simply enjoyed the silly adventures of Bilbo and the dwarves, but as I grew older, I came to appreciate some of the deeper meaning and the themes that were subtly woven into the story; like the destructive power of greed, the value of friendship, the lengths grief and pain can make a person go to and why that might ultimately lead them to an even worse outcome than they originally thought. It is truly rare to find a book that is able to touch on such profound themes, while also being suitable for children. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.