a very engaging series that might be a little scary for a younger child even if their vocabulary and reading skills were up to snuff. i would say 11 years old and up. in any case, a rich and believable world with some more adult nuances that make it a pleasure for the parent to read, as well. meaningful, gripping and imaginative.

the books are, in order:

1) the golden compas
2) the subtle knife
3) the amber spyglass