The third volume in the series was the first children's book to win to coveted Whitbread Award. A BBC radio adaptation followed, as did a stage play at London's National Theatre. And soon we shall have the film. Yet the trilogy is surrounded by controversy because of its blatant and outspoken anti-Christian message, advocating as it does a profoundly cynical view of God and the church. Many are concerned at the impact this may have on children. John Houghton give readers of any age an opportunity to consider the challenges of Pullman's work, and to question its assumptions and insinuations.