Or The Philosopher's Stone as I prefer to call it. I've read the book before, but it's been quite a while. The darker later books were fresher in my mind.

The Sorceror's Stone is a children's book through and through. The story structure is simple and the threats are mainly minor (at least until the end of the book.)

But it's interesting to see how many elements were there right from the beginning though. Just small references, their significance not obvious at the time. Were they always intended for bigger things? I don't know and it doesn't really matter. It works either way.

It's not a sophisticated book and the writing is more journeyman than master. The characters are broadly drawn, the elements are not particularly original when taken individually.

What became really obvious to me while I was reading this to my children though was that this book is fun and optimistic and full of wonder. And that's what draws you in and makes you want to come back. And fundamentally that's more important than literary virtuosity.