 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1
- By C.S. Lewis
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Classic Narnia chronicle has Christian themes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the plot and writing, although superior, are somewhat dated, and the art is small and simplistic. The language is simple but precise, and the main characters act valiantly to help save Narnia from the White Witch's enchantment (though one is initially caught under her sway). The story also contains bits of British culture, vivid descriptions of violent combat and is heavy on Christian allegory.
What's the story?
Young siblings discover that a wardrobe in an old country house is a portal to the magical land of Narnia. There, Edmund meets the evil White Witch and is lured into betraying his siblings, but the plot fails.
The lion Aslan, lord of Narnia, returns to the land, heralding the end of a long, joyless winter, and the children, who continue to elude the witch's grasp, meet with him.
The witch demands an audience with Aslan and announces that Edmund, exposed as a traitor, must die. Unknown to the others, Aslan agrees to take Edmund's place and submits to execution. However, he comes back to life and summons anarmy of woodland creatures and mythical characters in time to help Peter and the other children, including a repentant Edmund, defeat the witch's forces and bring peace to Narnia.
After years of ruling Narnia, the children return through the wardrobe to find that time has stood still.
Is it any good?
Unlike the works of his friend and colleague J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series does not stand up as well to the test of time. Written a half-century ago, this novel, occurring in an imaginary realm visited by children, is full of storyteller's asides and precious English children, and features an odd mix of childish adventure and bloody battles. His sometimes heavy-handed Christian allegory (Aslan sacrifices his life for the wayward Edmund and is resurrected) can also get overwhelming: One particularly disturbing scene has the two girls witnessing Aslan being trussed, sheared, and beaten by evil, gloating creatures, a nod to the indignity suffered by Christ before his crucifixion.
Young children who are read this story may enjoy the fairy-tale aspects, but older kids who are not fans of fantasy may be put off by the almost laughable repetition of scenes in which the children are comforted by the sudden availability of tea, and the way the forces of good seem to have too easy a time of it in vanquishing their foes. Other stories in the series are somewhat more fun -- try The Voyage of the Dawn Treader or The Magician's Nephew.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the messages Lewis' books send about the nature of good and evil. Why do you think Edmund chooses to betray his brother and sisters by running off to join the White Witch? Why can't Lucy get back into Narnia through the wardrobe any time she wants to? And why is there a lamppost in the Narnian forest (hint: try reading the first book in the Narnia chronicles, The Magician's Nephew, for some interesting background). If parents and children are familiar with Christianity, they can also discuss how the book's plot and characters are like various stories and people found in the Bible. For example, how is Aslan like Jesus Christ?
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Teen, 13 years old
February 12, 2010
AGE
One of the best books ever made. Dead Serious.
This book is simply amazing. I have read all of The Chronicles of Narnia, and this one is the best by far. C.S. Lewis is one of the best writers in all of history. This book is great fantasy and if you don't like fantasy at all, then you won't like this. It is pure fantasy and is a great storie for children. When I first heard the storie as a little kid, I was just stunned. Highly recommended.
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Parent of 4 and 7 year old
April 28, 2011
AGE
Perfect Read-Aloud or Read-to-Yourself
I have read this series more times than I can count as a child and a grown up. There is something for all ages in these books!
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Teen, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
transparent, but lovable
yeah, it's totally obvious that aslan is jesus. not subtle and all. but despite that (and i'm not even christian!) i still loved this book. my whole family got really into it one summer, so warning: get into it as much as you like, but no matter how good the author makes turkish delight sound, do yourself a favor and don't go out and try it. it is so, so gross.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
A MUST READ FOR ALL AGES
I love this book so much i have read it like 7 times. If your into fantasy you will love this book. even if you hate fantasy you will love this book
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Parent of 11, 15, and 18 year old
January 5, 2009
AGE
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Parent of 6 and 11 year old
June 1, 2009
AGE
Another reason to question the ConnonSense reviewers
Great book and great reading. Great story that lets kids get absorbed into a fantasy world that is built around them in classic language and artistry that is CS Lewis. The CommonSense reviewer feels that he needs to tell parents that this is "Dated" and "Simple"? PLEASE! Why not warn parents about books that have vivid descriptions of violent acts against children, infanticide, and other inappropriate content for these ages? Many newer, "award winning" books that get raves are "current" and are trash and are no where near appropriate for the ages these reviewers say.
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Kid, 10 years old
June 6, 2010
AGE
Perfect 4 all ages7+
I love this book!!!! tons of action. It is a classic!
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Kid, 11 years old
February 22, 2010
AGE
HORRIBLE
i thought it was a horrible book i hated it. i really didn't get it.
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Parent of 10 year old
January 27, 2011
AGE
Best book series
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Kid, 8 years old
September 29, 2010
AGE
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| Author: | C.S. Lewis |
| Illustrator: | Pauline Baynes |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1950 |
| Number of pages: | 208 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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