Common Sense Media Review
Classic Narnia tale has exciting battles, Christian themes.
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say this book serves as a fantastic introduction to fantasy literature, appreciated by readers of all ages for its blend of adventure, moral lessons, and Christian themes. While some find the writing style a bit outdated and the gender roles problematic, many praise the story's ability to convey important messages about courage, faith, and the battle between good and evil, making it a highly recommended read.
- fantasy adventure
- moral lessons
- outdated style
- gender roles
- all ages
- good vs evil
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, the four Pevensie siblings -- Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy -- 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. Meanwhile, the lion Aslan, lord of Narnia, returns to the land, heralding the end of the Witch's long, joyless winter; the children, who continue to elude the Witch's grasp, meet with him. Before their adventure is done, they'll face fierce battle, devastating loss, and glorious triumph, all while learning lessons about faith, forgiveness, and more.
Is It Any Good?
Anyone who's ever dreamed of living in a world where animals can talk is going to enjoy the Pevensies' Narnian escapades. Originally published in 1950, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is full of storyteller's asides and precious English children, with a mix of adventure and serious battles. Those who know the story is full of Christian allegory (spoiler alert! Aslan sacrifices himself for the wayward Edmund and is resurrected) are likely to spot it everywhere, but some children may simply enjoy the book's fairy-tale aspects. Yes, perhaps the forces of good sometimes seem to have too easy a time vanquishing their foes, and, yes, the writing style is now somewhat dated, but this is still a classic series that young fantasy fans will thoroughly enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (and the other Narnia books) sends about the nature of good and evil. Why do you think Edmund runs off to join the White Witch? What does he learn during his time with her? What does his journey teach readers?
Parents and kids familiar with Christianity can 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?
For readers who aren't Christian, do you think you need to share Lewis' faith to enjoy the story? Why or why not?
How do you think the book might be different if it was written today?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Pauline Baynes
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : January 1, 1950
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 208
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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