Harry Potter and the Summer Blockbuster

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 has lived up to the hype as a summer blockbuster.

It's not only raked in the cash since its opening July 15, but it's thrilled critics and audiences alike who are hailing it as a fantastic ending to the Harry Potter movie franchise.

JK Rowling's books about a lonely, mistreated orphan boy who finds out he's wizard have been credited with bringing children -- and adults --  back to reading.

Let's talk about the magic Harry Potter brought to us muggles, and our kids.

Did your children read the Harry Potter series?

Share what they -- and you -- liked and didn't like in the stories, your favorite character, what you wish had been cut or maybe explored more.

Did reading Harry Potter get your children into reading other books?

Series books are a major part of children's and young adult literature, from the "Little House" books to "Anne of Green Gables" to the "All-of-a-Kind Family" books to the "Twilight" series. What were your favorite series to read growing up?

What do you think makes a "good story" that draws children into a book or book series?

Talk amongst yourselves in the comments.

Joining us, as always, is our fantastic Moms Council:

 is our parenting columnist. Julie, a longtime reporter and communications professional, is a first-time mom of a son born in November.

 works in public relations. She and husband Timothy have a daughter, Amara. Monina is also a member of the Disney Moms Panel, one of 15 moms selected nationwide, advising people online about planning Disney vacations.

 is a mom of three children ages 6 and under with her husband, Bill, and they are expecting their fourth child in early 2012. She also works part-time.

 is a native of New Jersey. She is a marketing professional who has worked in advertising, market research, vending and equipment companies. She and her husband live in Avon with their two children.

 is a mom to a Girl Scout and lives in Avon.

 is president of Avon Early Childhood PTA. She will also be blogging for Avon Patch. If you're a parent and want to share your experiences raising children in Avon, you, too, can .