J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit has to be the greatest children's fantasy book in existence. First published in 1937, the book has lost none of its appeal over the years. The events recounted take place before “Lord of the Rings.” The book follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying a quiet and contented life before being whisked away on an adventure of a lifetime by the wizard Gandalf.