Another article from a recent New Yorker:
Philip Pullman blasts God, Tolkien

I really think his books are infinitely better than J.K. Rowling’s. I’ve never heard anyone defend the HP series besides saying they’re fun to read — which they are, sure, but it betrays pretty low standards when that’s all it takes to become a smash bestseller. There’s a huge difference between a children’s book which adults can enjoy (Harry) and a book that can be uniquely appreciated by children and adults (Lord of the Flies, et al, and I’d say Pullman’s series).