I really love "the Hobbit" and prefer it to LotR, actually, BUT I first read it as a kid. Strictly speaking, my mom read it to me first. It was one of my first introductions to high fantasy and unreal worlds, and my mom didn't do a lot of bed time reading because she has a learning disability and reads slowly. I don't remember her reading any picture books to me (although that might just be due to me not remembering it) and the only chapter books I remember her reading are the Little House books and Tolkien. And much of the Little House books ended up me reading them to her. Now, my mom reads for pleasure and is very intelligent. But reading can be a slow process for her. But she loved Tolkien so much she shared it with us out loud so every time I read the books or watch the movies I feel close to her.