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Book Review | The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Without a doubt, reading it with little people listening has reawakened me to the magic of C.S.Lewis’ simple sounding tale, as well as to the layered depths within each. Indeed, reading the stories with my girls (ages 5 and 8) has shown me how the story plays for the target audience. These are stories written for children, and yet, it’s often clear that Lewis, for all his efforts sometimes seems to forget who his audience is. But has he? Or is he, like a master teacher, layering multiple elements into his tale to allow each student to learn what he, or she, is ready to learn? Even as my girls lean forward eagerly as the Stone Table cracks and squeal in excitement as Aslan reappears, I see another lesson about Deeper Magic, the Emperor Beyond the Sea, the power of Aslan’s breath on stone animals, and so many other plot points. They are only story–until they are not, until they are metaphor of something closer to home, closer to the transcendent.

So while my daughters hear story about an evil witch, an heroic lion, and an adventure to another world, I hear a parable about our journey here to Earth, a place where we learn and grow, face our fears and demons, and, ultimately, are redeemed by an act of sacrifice by one who is both innocent and does not merit the stripes he bears on our behalf. It’s a multi-tiered story, one which unfolds only as look for the layers.

In short, I loved rereading what was only a straightforward adventure to me as a boy and finding, again, meaning that is not exactly hidden so much as in a language I had not yet learned to understand. Does nostalgia and resonance from my childhood experience play a part in this? Without a doubt–but I somehow wonder if this is exactly what Lewis was playing on as he wrote The Chronicles of Narnia . It is not a new story of his own invention; rather, it is a story as old as the Christianity that Lewis had discovered late in his own life and for which Lewis was an ardent apologist. His power was in finding ways to make the lessons of the gospel come alive to a world that no longer spoke the language of the Old and New Testaments, and yet needed them still.

I was surprised at the depths in The Magician’s Nephew , and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe did not disappoint either. It was more than an added bonus that my littles enjoyed the story for its ability to excite their imaginations, and I look forward to reading The Horse and His Boy with them soon.

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Book Cover

Four adventurous siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change . . . and a great sacrifice.

Journey into the land beyond the wardrobe! The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in C. S. Lewis's classic fantasy series, which has been captivating readers of all ages for over sixty years. This is a stand-alone novel, but if you would like journey back to Narnia, read The Horse and His Boy , the third book in The Chronicles of Narnia .

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Dan Burton lives in Millcreek, Utah, where he practices law by day and everything else by night. He reads about history, politics, science, medicine, and current events, as well as more serious genres such as science fiction and fantasy.

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A Summary and Analysis of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , published in 1950, was the first of the seven Chronicles of Narnia to be published. The book became an almost instant classic, although its author, C. S. Lewis, reportedly destroyed the first draft after he received harsh criticism on it from his friends and fellow fantasy writers, including J. R. R. Tolkien.

How should we analyse The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe : as Christian allegory, as wish-fulfilment fantasy, or as something else? Before we embark on an analysis of the novel, it might be worth briefly recapping the plot.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe : summary

The novel is about four siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie – who are evacuated from London during the Second World War and sent to live with a professor in the English countryside. One day, Lucy discovers that one of the wardrobes in the house contains a portal through to another world, a land covered in snow.

Soon after arriving there, she (quite literally) bumps into a faun (half-man, half-goat) named Mr Tumnus, who takes her to his house and gives her tea while he tells her about the land she has wandered into. Its name is Narnia, and it is always winter (but never Christmas) ever since the White Witch cast a spell over the land. Indeed, Tumnus confesses to Lucy that he should report Lucy’s presence in Narnia to the White Witch, but he can’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he helps her find her way back to the portal so she can return home.

When Lucy gets back and tells her three siblings about her adventure in Narnia, none of them believes her – although Edmund, intrigued, follows her into the wardrobe when she goes back there and finds himself in Narnia, where he meets the White Witch. She gives him Turkish Delight and he tells her about himself and his brother and sisters. She tells him she will make him a prince if he persuades his other siblings to come with him to Narnia.

However, when Edmund talks to Lucy about where they’ve been, and he learns that the White Witch is bad news, he denies that Narnia even exists when Lucy is telling Peter and Susan about it. He accuses her of lying. But eventually all four of them go through the wardrobe into Narnia. When Lucy takes them to visit Mr Tumnus, however, they find that he has been arrested.

The children are befriended by Mr and Mrs Beaver, from whom they learn more information about Narnia. There is a prophecy that when two boys and two girls become Kings and Queens of Narnia, the White Witch will lose her power over the land; this is why the White Witch was so keen to lure the children to Narnia, with Edmund’s help, so she can destroy them and ensure the prophecy does not come true. The Beavers also tell the children that Aslan, the great lion, is on the move, and that he is due to return.

Edmund slips away from them and goes to the White Witch, telling her everything he knows. She takes him to the Stone Table, where Aslan is due to reappear, and orders her servants (wolves) to track down Edmund’s siblings and kill them so the prophecy cannot come true. Mr and Mrs Beaver take the other three children to the Stone Table to meet Aslan.

The snow in Narnia is melting, and Father Christmas appears: proof that the White Witch’s spell over the land is losing its power. Father Christmas gives Lucy, Peter, and Susan presents which will help them in their quest. They arrive at the Stone Table and meet Aslan. The White Witch’s wolf captain Maugrim approaches the camp and attacks Susan, but Peter, armed with the sword Father Christmas gave him, saves his sister and kills the wolf.

The White Witch arrives, and she and Aslan discuss her right to execute Edmund for treason, invoking ‘Deep Magic from the Dawn of Time’. Edmund is spared, but that night the children witness the White Witch putting Aslan to death on the Stone Table. Aslan has gone willingly to his death, in order to save Edmund.

However, the children are surprised and relieved when, the following morning, Aslan comes back to life, citing ‘Deeper Magic from before the Dawn of Time’, which means that a willing victim who sacrificed himself in place of a traitor can be brought back from death. Aslan and the children march to battle against the Witch, with Aslan raising additional troops for his army by breathing on the stone statues in the White Witch’s castle courtyard: traitors she had turned to stone with her magic.

Many years pass. The four Pevensie children have grown into young adults, and have been Kings and Queens of Narnia (reigning jointly) for many years. One day, while they are out hunting the White Stag (which, when caught, can grant wishes), they ride to the lamppost where Lucy first met Mr Tumnus: the location of the portal leading to and from their (and our) world.

Without realising this, the four of them pass through the portal and find themselves back in the wardrobe in the professor’s house. They are children again, as they were before they left all those years ago: time hasn’t passed in our world while they have been away.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe : analysis

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a classic children’s novel which looks back to both earlier fantasy fiction by Victorian writers like William Morris and George MacDonald (the latter a particular influence on C. S. Lewis) as well as pioneering children’s novels by E. Nesbit.

Indeed, the Pevensie children were partly inspired by Nesbit’s Bastable children, who feature in a series of her novels, including The Story of the Treasure Seekers . Nesbit, however, had also written portal fantasy novels (as had George MacDonald, such as his 1895 novel Lilith ) involving children leaving our world behind for a fantastical other world: see her novel The Magic City , for example.

Say ‘ Chronicles of Narnia ’ or ‘ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ’ and many people will say, ‘Oh, the C. S. Lewis book(s) that are Christian allegory, right?’

But C. S. Lewis didn’t regard them as allegory: ‘In reality,’ he wrote, Aslan ‘is an invention giving an imaginary answer to the question, “What might Christ become like if there really were a world like Narnia, and He chose to be incarnate and die and rise again in that world as He actually has done in ours?” This is not allegory at all.’

In short, Lewis rejects the idea that his Narnia books are allegory because, for them to qualify as allegorical, Aslan would have to ‘represent’ Jesus. But he doesn’t: he is Jesus, if Narnia existed and a deity decided to walk among the people of that world. We might think of this as something like the distinction between simile and metaphor: simile is like allegory, because one thing is like something else, whereas in metaphor, one thing is the other thing.

Aslan is not like Jesus (allegory): he is Jesus’ equivalent in Narnia. Perhaps this is a distinction without a difference to many readers, but it’s worth bearing in mind that if anyone should know what allegory is, it’s C. S. Lewis: he wrote a whole scholarly work, The Allegory of Love , about medieval and Renaissance allegory.

Readers might quibble over Lewis’s categorisation here, and decide that what he is outlining is a distinction without a difference (perhaps clouded by his Christianity, and his unwillingness to see his children’s books as ‘mere’ allegory for Christianity, but instead as something more direct and powerful).

But if we stick with mid-twentieth-century fiction and animals for a moment, we can find an example of unequivocal allegory: George Orwell’s Animal Farm (1945), which we have analysed here . Certainly, there are subtle differences between Orwell’s novel in which animal characters ‘stand in’ for human counterparts, and what Lewis is doing with Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia .

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is, nevertheless, a novel in which Lewis draws on the Christian story of salvation through a godlike figure (Aslan’s sacrifice on the Stone Table, and subsequent resurrection, are clearly meant to summon the Crucifixion and subsequent Resurrection of Jesus Christ), in order to promote the Christian story. But what if we aren’t ‘sold’ on the Christian aspect of the story? Does the novel’s only value lie in its power as an allegory – or whatever term we might employ instead of allegory?

Part of the reason for the novel’s broader appeal, even in an increasingly secular age, is that it provides escapism and wish-fulfilment aplenty. The whole idea of a portal to another world symbolises the children’s literal escape from a dreary wartime world (where the danger of being bombed during the Blitz has given way to a rather dull life in the countryside with a professor) into a world of crisp snow, magic, and adventure.

Although The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published five years after the end of the Second World War, children in the early 1950s were still living through a time of rationing and austerity. Even that Turkish Delight that Edmund is given – his thirty pieces of silver to betray his siblings, of course – must have seemed like an almost unattainable treat to Lewis’s original readers.

Even the device with which the novel ends, by which the four children learn that during the years they have spent in Narnia, no time has passed back home, recalls the force of a powerful dream whereby we feel we have ‘lived’ an intense, and intensely long, experience only to wake up and discover it’s only the next morning after all.

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5 thoughts on “A Summary and Analysis of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis”

Fascinating post. Curious that a modern counterpart Philip Pullman loathes and detests the works of C S Lewis.

Read it as a kid, and remains a favorite. As a kid, I never saw the Jesus connection, it wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized it. I love Turkish delight and can understand why Edmund was so tempted. I enjoyed this post.

I think this story must have combined with The Stream that stood Still and Alice in Wonderland to give me the inspiration for my new “Penny ” books as these are also a portal to another land stories with a time slip. Instead of a Christian background I have an ecological one but hope children will find them just as exciting.”Penny down the Drain” is out now and “Penny and the Poorly Parrot,” ( inspired by the pandemic) will be followed by “Penny and The Creeping Weed.” Amazon seem determined to ignore a self published author but I shall renew my marketing efforts with book 2 after the lockdown.

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You’re absolutely right to point out that this isn’t allegory. It is a fictional story featuring Jesus in another world setting which is exactly what Lewis does with the ‘Out of the Silent Planet’ trilogy too – where he attempts to move the traditional Earth-centric ideology of the Christian world into our solar system. How would Christ behave with aliens, is the question Lewis poses there.

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THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

From the chronicles of narnia series , vol. 1.

by C.S. Lewis & illustrated by Pauline Baynes ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 6, 1950

Although metaphysical rumblings may disturb adults, this wily symbolism-studded fantasy should appeal to children of an imaginative turn. While exploring an old English mansion, the four children—Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy—discover through passing into a wardrobe, the strange land of Narnia, where it is winter without ever becoming Christmas. The children soon are swept up in the terror of the rule of the White Witch, fighting with the other subjects—all animals—and the glorious Lion, Asian, who brings spring and hope with him. In spite of the White Witch's terrific enslavement of Edmund, her horrid power, which changes living things to stone, and the sacrificial death of Aslan, the forces of light win, the children are made kings and queens, and Asian returns to life. The plot thickens to a pretty heavy pudding at the end, but the prose is witty and the novel action is fast-moving. Not recommended for adults!

Pub Date: Nov. 6, 1950

ISBN: 978-0-06-171505-1

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: April 9, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1950

CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

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MOMMY'S KHIMAR

by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow ; illustrated by Ebony Glenn ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 3, 2018

With a universal message of love and community, this book offers a beautiful representation of a too-often-overlooked...

From a debut author-and-illustrator team comes a glimpse into a young American Muslim girl’s family and community as she walks around in “Mommy’s khimar,” or headscarf.

The star of this sunny picture book is a young girl who finds joy in wearing her mother’s khimar, imagining it transforms her into a queen, a star, a mama bird, a superhero. At the core of the story is the love between the girl and her mother. The family appears to be African-American, with brown skin and textured hair. The girl’s braids and twists “form a bumpy crown” under the khimar, which smells of coconut oil and cocoa butter. Adults in her life delight in her appearance in the bright yellow khimar, including her Arabic teacher at the mosque, who calls it a “hijab,” and her grandmother, who visits after Sunday service and calls out “Sweet Jesus!” as she scoops her granddaughter into her arms. Her grandmother is, apparently, a Christian, but “We are a family and we love each other just the same.” The illustrations feature soft pastel colors with dynamic lines and gently patterned backgrounds that complement the story’s joyful tone. The words are often lyrical, and the story artfully includes many cultural details that will delight readers who share the cheerful protagonist’s culture and enlighten readers who don’t.

Pub Date: April 3, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5344-0059-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2018

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2018

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ZARA'S RULES FOR RECORD-BREAKING FUN

From the zara's rules series , vol. 1.

by Hena Khan ; illustrated by Wastana Haikal ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 19, 2022

A charming contemporary story with a classic feel.

A 10 ¾-year-old girl weathers changes in her social circle—and her sense of self.

Dubbed “Queen of the Neighborhood” by beloved neighbor Mr. Chapman, who has sadly left Maryland for balmy Florida, Zara is apprehensive when a family with two kids moves into his house, potentially upsetting the delicate social balance. Readers familiar with Khan’s Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream books, set a few years after this series opener, will recognize the bustling Pakistani American Muslim household. Assertive, organized Zara and rambunctious 7-year-old Zayd live with their Mama and Baba; the siblings’ grandparents and uncle are integral parts of their daily lives. Zara and Zayd enjoy playing outside with their friends—Black sisters Jade and Gloria, White Alan, and Chinese American Melvin. Mr. Chapman always said that Zara knew how to “rule with grace and fairness,” but new arrivals Naomi and Michael, Jewish kids who are eager to engage socially, put this to the test. When Jamal Mamoo, Mama’s brother, brings over his Guinness World Records book, Zara decides that becoming a world-record holder is the boost her social status needs. Her humorous (and futile) attempts to make her mark ultimately lead her to being a more patient and understanding big sister and more flexible and supportive companion to friends old and new. Strong pacing, fluid prose, engaging hijinks, and heartwarming scenes of family life and outdoor play are complemented by expressive illustrations.

Pub Date: April 19, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-5344-9759-7

Page Count: 144

Review Posted Online: July 12, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2022

CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY

ZARA'S RULES FOR FINDING HIDDEN TREASURE

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The Literary Edit

Review: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – C.S Lewis

We also studied The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis, and while I hadn’t read the book I had grown up watching a BBC adaptation of the story. It was only upon discussing the novel that I learnt about the highly religious element of it – something that had never previously occurred to me. And so, upon reading it, such a theme was very apparent.

Published in 1950, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is the first published book of The Chronicles of Narnia, and is a truly charming story. It tells the story of four young children – Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy – who are evacuated from London during the Blitz and on exploring the country house in which they are sent to, they discover a magical world called Narnia at the back of a wardrobe. And thus begins an enchanting tale that explores themes of loyalty, forgiveness, faith, courage and self-sacrifice.

While Lewis was clearly influenced by his Christian beliefs, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe can also be seen as an illustration of human growth. Not dissimilar to Judas in the Bible, Edmund characterises betrayal and a lack of faith, while Aslan’s decision to be killed in Edmund’s place clearly echoes Christ’s willingness to die for the sake of mankind. In a scene recalling the crucifixion of Christ, Aslan is tied to a stone table and slain with a knife; and he too rises again.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a beautiful tale. It is fantastically moral and beautifully written book that essentially is a story of good against evil. In a time when much is wrong with society, it is refreshing to read an inspiring novel that encourages its readers to always try to do the right thing. It absolutely deserves its place in the BBC’s Big Read.

About The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

NARNIA…the land beyond the wardrobe, the secret country known only to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy…the place where the adventure begins. Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor’s mysterious old house. At first, no one believes her when she tells of her adventures in the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund and then Peter and Susan discover the Magic and meet Aslan, the Great Lion, for themselves. In the blink of an eye, their lives are changed forever.

About C. S Lewis

Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity , Out of the Silent Planet , The Great Divorce , The Screwtape Letters , and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia . To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.

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3 comments on “Review: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – C.S Lewis”

Hi Lucy, your Antipodean Aunt here. Try also: To Kill a Mockingbird, Cold Comfort Farm, American Gods, Cranford, Pride and Prejudice, A Town Like Alice, Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow, just for starters. And to solve the book buying dilemma, get them to give you Amazon gift vouchers…. Kate

Thanks Aunty Kate 🙂 lots of people have recommended Pride & Prejudice so I’ll definitely try and tackle that in March! Amazon certainly seem to be getting a cut of my wages at the moment – I’ll try and work my way through your suggestions over the next couple of months! xx

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia | Book Review

Book Review of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia The Children’s Book Review

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia

Written by C.S. Lewis

Ages: 8+ | 206 Pages

Publisher: HarperCollins | ISBN-13: 978-0060234812

What to Expect: Fantasy, Classic Literature, Adventure, Mythical Creatures, and Enchanted Landscapes.

C.S. Lewis’s timeless classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , is a captivating tale that weaves together the magic of a hidden world, the trials of courage, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Initially inspired by the wartime circumstances that brought three young girls into Lewis’s care, the narrative unfolds as a fantastical escape into the enchanting land of Narnia.

The story revolves around four siblings – Peter, Edmund, Lucy, and Susan – who stumble upon a mysterious wardrobe in the professor’s old country house. What begins as a simple exploration transforms into a grand adventure as the wardrobe reveals itself to be a portal into the mystical realm of Narnia. Here, they encounter a world gripped by the icy reign of the malevolent White Witch, setting the stage for a timeless battle between good and evil. Lewis masterfully crafts an immersive experience, seamlessly blending fantasy elements with a touch of reality. The juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary enhances the story’s appeal, inviting readers of all ages into the magical escapade.

As each sibling grapples with their unique challenges and discovers inner reservoirs of strength, the character development is both poignant and relatable. Tension escalates as the plot unfolds, reaching a crescendo when the White Witch accuses Edmund of treachery, leading to a fateful encounter with the majestic lion, Aslan. A symbol of courage and nobility, Aslan becomes the linchpin in the siblings’ quest to liberate Narnia from the grips of eternal winter. Lewis skillfully imbues the narrative with moral lessons, seamlessly interwoven with the unfolding events laden with suspense, offering a gripping climax that leaves readers on the edge of their seats.

The enduring appeal of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe lies in its ability to resonate with readers on multiple levels—the narrative not only entertains with its magical escapades but also imparts timeless wisdom about the triumph of virtue over vice. Profound themes and well-crafted characters make it a literary gem that continues to captivate readers across generations.

In conclusion, C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Its seamless blend of fantasy and reality, coupled with rich character development and moral depth, ensures that the tale remains a cherished classic. Whether it’s your first journey into Narnia or a nostalgic return, this enchanting narrative promises an unforgettable adventure that transcends time and captivates the heart.

Buy the Book

About the author.

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954 and was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement.

Lewis wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity , Out of the Silent Planet , The Great Divorce , The Screwtape Letters , and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia . To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and have been transformed into three major motion pictures

What to Read Next if You Love The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia

Prince Caspian: The Chronicles of Narnia , by C. S. Lewis
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: The Chronicles of Narnia , by C. S. Lewis
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread , by Kate DiCamillo
The Indian in the Cupboard , by Lynne Reid Banks

Bianca Schulze reviewed The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia . Discover more books like The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Fantasy , Classics , Fairy Tales , Folklore , and Myths .

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Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

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Book Review: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

The book, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis, is a wonderful read. The classic can be read by any ages and provides a fulfilling story in a fantastical world. The straightforward plot and character development also add nicely to the book's universe. The book also provides illustrations adding to the imagery of Narnia, the world in which the book is in. Overall, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is a phenomenal book that can give any reader a great experience.

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The lion, the witch and the wardrobe by c.s. lewis – at a glance.

The School Reading Lists’ five word review : Classic, Narnia, fantasy, lion, adventure. Children’s book title : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Children’s author : C.S. Lewis. Children’s illustrator : Joey Chou. Genre : Children’s fiction. Published by : Harper Collins Children’s . ISBN : 9780008627362. Recommended for children aged : 0-4+ year-olds. First published : The board book edition: October 2023. This children’s book is ideal for: Introducing young children to the world of classic children’s literature.

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis, illustrated by Joey Chou intro

Our review:

Narnia is a name to conjure with. Whether it’s the reminder of reading childhood favourites or a joking reference in a popular furniture department, everyone over the age of ten recognises it instantly. This version brings that magical world to life showing younger children the basics of a much-loved story alongside relatable, beautifully illustrated scenes to pave the way for immersion in these immensely popular adventures at a later date.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis, illustrated by Joey Chou spread 1

Our verdict:

The basics of this classic novel are all here, but only where it relates to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. With its bright, friendly illustrations and a storyline pared down to almost a synopsis this is a gentle way to introduce very young readers to a more sophisticated series of children’s stories.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis, illustrated by Joey Chou spread 2

Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:

Both the narrative and illustrations give opportunities to talk about how we should behave and have simple examples of what is right and wrong. For example, Edmund is both selfish and reckless in ways a four-year-old could understand.
Personal safety: don’t talk to or take things from strangers and don’t get in their car/sleigh! In a nursery or preschool environment, a discussion could be had in small groups about this.

Many thanks to Harper Collins Children’s Books for the review copy.

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If you like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis you might also like: our reviews of The Moon is a Ball by Ed Franck and Thé Tjong-Khing, An Anthology of Aesop’s Animal Fables by Helen Ward, Ready for Spaghetti by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Polly Dunbar, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, The Princess and the Pea illustrated by Emma Martinez and The Little Thing by Nick Cave.

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Book Review

The lion, the witch and the wardrobe — “the chronicles of narnia” series.

Adventure , Christian Fiction , Fantasy

HarperCollins Children's Books, a division of HarperCollins, is the publisher

Year Published

This book has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine . It is the first book in “The Chronicles of Narnia,” (but not chronologically). Although it was written first, the events in The Magician’s Nephew , another book in this series, chronologically take place before the events in this book.

Plot Summary

Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie are sent to live in Professor Kirke’s home in the English countryside during Word War II. As the children explore the house, Lucy discovers an old wardrobe in a spare room. The wardrobe is actually a passage to Narnia, a world filled with magic. Lucy goes through the wardrobe and meets a goat-legged man named Mr. Tumnus. She learns that Narnia is ruled by the evil White Witch who keeps Narnia under an eternal winter.

When Lucy returns to Professor Kirke’s house, she discovers that though she spent hours in Narnia, no time has passed in her world. Her siblings do not believe her story about Narnia because the wardrobe’s portal doesn’t work when they try to go through it. A few days later, when the children are playing hide-and-seek, Lucy hides in the wardrobe, and Edmund follows her into Narnia. Edmund meets the White Witch, who introduces herself as the Queen of Narnia. The Witch feeds Edmund an enchanted form of Turkish delight and asks him to bring his brother and sisters to her.

Edmund and Lucy return home, but Edmund lies about having been to Narnia, which deeply hurts Lucy. Peter and Susan seek advice from Professor Kirke, who tells them that Lucy may be telling the truth about finding a magical country. When Professor Kirke’s housekeeper gives a tour of the house, all four children hide in Lucy’s wardrobe and are able to enter Narnia together. They find Mr. Tumnus’ home empty and read a notice saying he’s been arrested for high treason against the White Witch. The children want to help Mr. Tumnus, but a talking animal named Mr. Beaver tells them they are in danger and must come with him to safety. At the Beavers’ dam, the children are told that Aslan the Lion, the true king of Narnia, has been seen and that he will put a stop to the White Witch’s evil rule. The children also learn that they will play a part in the Witch’s downfall because a prophecy says that when four humans sit in the thrones at the castle of Cair Paravel, the Witch will die.

Edmund runs away from his siblings to meet the White Witch, and the Beavers take the remaining children to a hiding place to protect them from her. The next morning, Father Christmas arrives at their new hiding place and gives the children presents. He says the Witch’s magic is weakening. When Edmund reaches the Witch’s house, she is angry that he has come alone until he tells her that his brother and sisters are at the Beavers’ house. The Witch dispatches wolves to kill everyone at the Beavers’ house, but they find no one there. The Witch takes Edmund with her as she journeys to an ancient landmark called the Stone Table. As they travel, the eternal winter thaws into spring. Meanwhile, the other Pevensies reach the Stone Table where Aslan and a large group of Narnians welcome them. A wolf sent by the White Witch attacks the company, and Peter kills it with his sword.

The White Witch decides to kill Edmund, but a rescue party sent by Aslan saves Edmund and brings him back to the Narnians at the Stone Table. The White Witch demands that Aslan allow her to kill Edmund because traitors are her lawful victims. That night, Susan and Lucy wake and find Aslan leaving the Narnian camp. They follow him. Aslan goes to the White Witch’s camp, where she and her servants mock, then tie up Aslan before killing him. Susan and Lucy are heartbroken, but rejoice when Aslan comes to life again the next day. Aslan takes the girls to the Witch’s castle, where he breathes on the stone statues, including the one of Mr. Tumnus, and restores them to life. Aslan leads the resurrected Narnians to the battlefield where the Witch fights Peter’s army. Aslan kills the Witch, the good Narnians win the battle and the four Pevensies are taken to Cair Paravel to be crowned. The children rule Narnia until they are adults. A hunting trip through the woods leads them back into their own world, where no time has passed and they are children again. Professor Kirke tells them they will all return to Narnia someday, but not through the wardrobe.

Christian Beliefs

Aslan is a mighty lion, and his character is representative of Jesus Christ. Simply hearing Aslan’s name creates a different, powerful sensation in each of the children: It horrifies Edmund, makes Peter feel brave, comforts Susan and gives Lucy hope. Aslan is called King, Lord and the son of the Emperor-beyond-the-Sea . He is killed in Edmund’s place and is resurrected the following day.

Some old books in Professor Kirke’s house are said to be bigger than a Bible. When Mr. Tumnus is first seen carrying some packages, Lucy thinks he looks like he’s been Christmas shopping. Tumnus emphasizes that one of the worst things about the constant winter is that the White Witch prohibits Christmas.

Human children are called either Sons of Adam or Daughters of Eve. Mr. Beaver exclaims, “Lord love you.”

Other Belief Systems

Mr. Tumnus is a faun, a demigod creature from Roman mythology. Two of the titles on Mr. Tumnus’ bookshelf are “The Life and Letters of Silenus” (the Roman god of wine) and “Nymphs and Their Ways.” Tumnus tells Lucy stories that involve figures from Greek and Roman mythology. At the Stone Table, the children see centaurs, a bull with a human head and a unicorn.

The White Witch’s magic keeps the seasons from changing. She works magic through her wand and can make objects appear by pouring drops of magic liquid into the snow. The Turkish delight she produces for Edmund is enchanted to make him desperate for more. Mr. Beaver says the Witch is a descendant of a Jinn named Lilith who was Adam’s first wife, and the other side of her family are giants. When the Witch summons her army, she lists giants, werewolves, ghouls, boggles, ogres, minotaurs, cruels, hags and specters as allies.

The implication is that the trees in Narnia are conscious. Mr. Tumnus says that some trees are spies for the White Witch, and Mr. Beaver says that the trees are always listening. Some would be willing to betray the children.

Professor Kirke suggests that many other worlds besides Earth exist, each with its own separate flow of time. Father Christmas (Santa Claus) exists in Narnia. It’s implied that the four children enter the wardrobe together because some element of magic in Professor Kirke’s house wants them to go to Narnia. Susan wonders if the resurrected Aslan is a ghost. The White stag is supposed to give wishes to anyone who catches him.

Authority Roles

The Pevensies’ parents are rarely mentioned. When Lucy is distraught, she tells her siblings that they can write to their mother and tell her about the situation but she won’t change her mind about Narnia being real. Peter says that Professor Kirke will write to their father if he thinks Lucy is in need of medical attention.

Professor Kirke is likable, and the children are fond of him. He lets them do whatever they want in his house. When Peter and Susan believe Lucy is mentally unstable, they go to Professor Kirke to explain their situation and ask for advice. He listens without interruption and asks them questions about Lucy and Edmund to help them determine which child is telling the truth.

Mrs. Macready is Professor Kirke’s housekeeper. She dislikes children and tells the Pevensies to stay out of her way when she is leading a tour of guests through Professor Kirke’s house.

Peter is the substitute head of his family. He’s an enthusiastic advocate of exploring and having adventures. He is willing to believe Lucy when she first mentions Narnia, but when she’s seemingly proven wrong, he advises her to stop playing her practical joke. When Edmund persists in mocking Lucy, Peter angrily corrects him, and his harsh response makes Edmund resentful. Peter is disgusted with Edmund when he discovers that his brother has been lying. Peter acknowledges to Aslan that his disapproval and anger may have pushed Edmund into further wrongdoing. Peter kills a wolf that is attacking his sisters, and later leads an army against the White Witch. When he grows to adulthood, he is described as a great warrior.

Susan takes on a motherly role, and Edmund accuses her of acting like their mother when she tells him it is past his bedtime. She asks Peter and Edmund to stop arguing and is motivated to keep her siblings safe and comfortable. Susan recommends that they leave Narnia at the first sign of danger, but she eventually agrees that they must stay to help Mr. Tumnus. As an adult queen of Narnia, she is gracious and gentle.

Edmund resents Peter’s and Susan’s attempts at leadership, and since he only has authority over Lucy, he corrects her frequently. The narration calls him spiteful, and he doesn’t seem to tire of hurting Lucy’s feelings. Edmund dislikes his lack of power and is vulnerable to the White Witch’s offer to make him a prince over Narnia. Peter believes that Edmund enjoys bullying anyone smaller than himself. After his rescue from the White Witch, Edmund destroys her wand in battle. As an adult, Edmund is more solemn and quiet than Peter and has a reputation for being wise.

Mr. Tumnus is an adult faun, and he convinces Lucy to come to his house and have tea with him. He feeds her, entertains her with Narnian stories and plays on a magic flute to put her to sleep. The White Witch hired Mr. Tumnus to kidnap human children and bring them to her. Mr. Tumnus doesn’t want to betray Lucy and repents for his actions. Mr. Tumnus says his own father would not have worked for the White Witch.

The White Witch currently rules Narnia. She does not value the lives of those she rules and frequently turns her subjects into stone statues.

Mr. and Mrs. Beaver act as advisers and guides to the children. They offer their hospitality, serve the children supper and shepherd them to safety.

Profanity & Violence

Queer is used to describe something unusual. Peter often calls Edmund a beast , and Edmund says his siblings are prigs. Hang it all, shut up, by Jove, and brat are also used.

Mr. Tumnus says that if the White Witch finds out he helped Lucy, she will cut off his tail, saw off his horns, pull out his beard and maybe even turn him into stone. Father Christmas gives Peter, Susan and Lucy weapons but tells the girls they are not meant to fight in the upcoming battle. The girls must only use their weapons to defend themselves. Aslan pointedly tells Peter to wipe the blood off his sword after killing the wolf. During the battle, Edmund is wounded and covered with blood.

Sexual Content

Discussion topics.

Get free discussion questions for this book and others, at FocusOnTheFamily.com/discuss-books .

Additional Comments

Alcohol: Mr. Tumnus says that in times past, Bacchus would come to the Narnian woods, and the streams would turn to wine. Mr. Beaver drinks beer at dinner and smokes a pipe.

Drugs: The Witch’s Turkish delight has an addictive effect on Edmund, but it never satisfies him. It is said that if people have enough Turkish delight, they will continue eating it until they die from overindulgence.

Slang: Some of the British slang and idioms may be difficult for American readers to understand at first glance.

Safety: The book notes on four separate occasions that children should never go inside a wardrobe and shut the door behind them. When Edmund shuts the wardrobe door, the book again mentions that this is a very unwise idea, which could help younger readers avoid locking themselves inside closets while trying to reach Narnia.

You can request a review of a title you can’t find at [email protected] .

Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book’s review does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.

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Review: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Gregory Rummo has shared several reviews of C.S. Lewis books on the blog this summer. This is his last, the first of C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. Spoiler Alert : Because the book is familiar to many, Rummo includes discussion of the plot outcome. If you are new to the Narnia stories, you may wish to refrain from reading this review until after you’ve read the book.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is the first [1] of C. S. Lewisâ€™s seven-part series, The Chronicles of Narnia . It is a fantasy story about four siblings, Lucy, Susan, Edmund and Peter Pevensie who are sent to the countryside to an estate of an eccentric professor to escape the bombings in London during the Second World War. Upon arrival, they meet Mrs. Macready, the housekeeper who obviously dislikes children. After an uncomfortable introduction, the children are warned not to bother the professor. They set out to explore their new surroundings by playing a game of hide and seek. Lucy, the youngest hides in a wardrobe among hanging fur coats. As she backs up, deeper into the wardrobe, the coats slowly become snow-covered pine trees. She ultimately finds herself standing in snow next to a lamppost in another world, which she soon learns is called Narnia. She meets Mr. Tumnus, a faun, who addresses her as â€œdaughter of Eve.â€ He takes her to his home in a cave where, over tea and a light snack, he explains that Narnia is under the spell of the White Witch and it is always winter but never Christmas. He warns her that he is under orders from the White Witch to report sightings of any children (sons of Adam or daughters of Eve). Lucy returns to the lamppost, escorted by Mr. Tumnus. She finds the portal from Narnia back into the wardrobe, emerging through the doors mere seconds after leaving, virtually no time having elapsed in her world.Â

None of the other three siblings believe Lucy, who shortly ventures back. Her younger brother Edmund follows her and he meets the White Witch, who offers him a steaming cup of some beverage to warm him along with his favorite candy, Turkish Delight, in exchange for information about his brothers and sisters and the promise to bring them back with him. When Lucy meets Edmund, she warns him what Mr. Tumnus told her about the White Witch, that she is evilâ€” â€œa perfectly terrible person,â€ with no right to call herself the Queen of Narnia and that she is hated by all and capable of turning people â€œinto stone and do all kinds of horrible thingsâ€ (43). [2] Edmund plays dumb and the two go back through the wardrobe portal.

Upon their return, despite Edmund now having been in Narnia, he accuses his younger sister of making it all up. Edmundâ€™s worst character traits have been magnified by his proximity to the White Witch. He has morphed into both a liar and a traitor [3] to his own family something that will later become an uglier betrayal. Peter accuses Edmund of bullying his younger sister similarly to the younger children he has bullied at school.

The four finally visit the professor for insight. He asks them why they would think their sister, Lucy, is lying since she has always told the truth in the past. But Peter and Susan are thinking something worse, that Lucy has gone mad. The professor however remains open to there being another world around the corner and explains it could exist in a temporal time warp.

The mansion was such a unique place it had become a tourist attraction. During one such tour, led by the fearsome Mrs. Macready, the children, upon hearing the sound of approaching voices seemingly coming from all directions run into the Wardrobe Room to hide. In the ensuing panic, the voices growing louder and louder, they all enter the Wardrobe and close the door behind them.Â

The children find themselves in Narnia, and they don the fur coats in the wardrobe to ward off the cold. They quickly discover that Mr. Tumnus has been arrested and at Lucyâ€™s urging, they press on, determined to find out what happened. They are led by a bird to a place where they meet two Beavers who address them as Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve. The Beavers explain that â€œAslan is on the move,â€ but none of the children know who Aslan is or what this means but suddenly, â€œeveryone felt quite differentâ€ (74).

Over dinner in the Beaverâ€™s den, the children learn that Aslan is a lion and the King of Narnia, â€œthe Lord of the whole woodâ€ (85) and the â€œson of the great Emperor-beyond-the-seaâ€ (86). As the discussion continues, the children learn that Aslan has returned and they are the only humans that have ever come to Narnia. But even more intriguing, they learn they are the fulfillment of a prophecy that one day, the four thrones in Cair Paravel, the castle by the sea, would be occupied by two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve, thus ending the reign of the White Witch. In the middle of this discussion, the children suddenly realize that Edmund, still under the Witchâ€™s spell from having eaten the Turkish Delight, has slipped away. The others quickly surmise that he will tell the White Witch of their plans to meet Aslan at the Stone Table. Fearing that the White Witch will capture the children before they can fulfill the prophecy, Mr. Beaver warns, â€œWe must all get away from here. Thereâ€™s not a moment to loseâ€ (94). And so, they flee the Beaverâ€™s den, in search of Aslan.

Meanwhile Edmund finds his way to the White Witchâ€™s castle where, in the courtyard, he comes across stone statues of various figures including a lion. He steps over what he thinks is a stone statue of a large wolf only to realize too late it is merely asleep. It is Maugrim, the Chief of the White Witchâ€™s Secret Police. Maugrim summons the White Witch who invites Edmund inside. â€œHow dare you come alone!â€ (106) She screams at Edmund. He apologizes and then explains that he has indeed brought the others â€œquite closeâ€ (107). After revealing their location, he adds that he learned Aslan has returned.

This is unsettling to the White Witch who summons her sledge and together with Edmund and one of her dwarves, takes off in search of the three other children. But her spell over Narnia has slowly begun to break. The snow begins to melt. More birds begin to sing. [4] There is a brief visit of Santa Claus to the three children bringing three gifts [5] that will shortly turn out to be very important. It is Christmas, albeit briefly, in Narnia once again.

Peter, Lucy and Susan press on until finally arriving at a great open green space where they can see the sea in the distance. And there in the middle of the hilltop is the Stone Table, an encampment close by, and a pavilion with tents and flags blowing in the breeze. Standing in the middle of it all is Aslan, surrounded by a myriad of his loyal followers.

A feast is prepared for the children during which Aslan reveals more details about the prophecy. Their conversation is interrupted by an attack from the White Witchâ€™s wolves. Susan climbs a tree to escape from one of them, which Peter kills using the sword he received as a gift from Santa Claus. The rest of the wolves scatter and are followed by Aslanâ€™s army knowing they will lead them back to the White Witch and allow Edmund to be rescued.

The rescue party returns to Aslanâ€™s encampment with Edmund. Shortly after breakfast, Aslan and Edmund take a walk together and have a private conversation about something that is never revealed by any of the characters or the narrator. [6] â€œIt was a conversation which Edmund never forgotâ€ (152) and that Aslan cautioned there was â€œno need to talk to him about what is pastâ€ (153).

Edmund apologizes to his siblings and they forgive him. The meeting is interrupted by a leopard with a message from the White Witch who requests an audience with Aslan. She confronts Aslan telling him he simply cannot forgive Edmund because his sin was against her and she reminds Aslan, according to the Deep Magic written on the Stone Table, â€œEvery traitor belongs to me [7] as my lawful prey and that for every treachery I have a right to a killâ€ [8] (155). Aslan agrees to go to the Stone Table to die in Edmundâ€™s place as a substitutionary death, his blood for Edmundâ€™s. [9] The White Witch agrees, thinking she has finally won.Â

Aslan begins the journey to the Stone Table. Susan and Lucy sense there is a great weight of sadness that they donâ€™t quite understand. They follow him through the woods until he confronts them. They offer him some comfort along the way. [10] Arriving at the Stone Table, the White Witch is waiting with her hordes of demon-like creatures. [11] They shear Aslanâ€™s mane. They muzzle him. And the White Witch taunts,

And now who has won? Fool! Did you think by all this you would save the human traitor? Now I will kill you instead of him as our pact was and so the Deep Magic will be appeasedâ€¦ Understand, you have given me Narnia forever, you have lost your own life and you have not saved his. In that knowledge, despair and die. (170)

And with one swift motion, the White Witch plunges the knife into Aslan, killing him. After the hordes leave. Lucy and Susan [12] are left alone to attend to the limp body of Aslan. They kneel and kiss his cold face, and stroke his beautiful fur (172). It isnâ€™t long before something magic begins to happen. The sky begins to lighten. Mice appear and begin to gnaw away at the cords that had held him fast to the Stone Table. One by one, the birds begin to sing. As the girls walk off heartbroken, they hear the sound of a huge crack. Turning to look back they see the Stone Table has been split in two and Aslan has disappeared. Suddenly Aslan appears in the light of the bright morning sun. â€œWhat does it all mean?â€ (178) Susan asks Aslan who explains,

Though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness of the darkness before Time dawned, [13] she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitorâ€™s stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward.

The girls and Aslan go to the White Witchâ€™s castle and Aslan frees all the creatures who had been turned to stone. He then leads them all back to the encampment, where a fierce battle between the forces of good and evil is being waged. In the final battle scene, Aslan falls on the White Witch, destroying her once and for all [14] , as the few surviving enemy hordes flee in terror.Â Â

The Pevensie children are crowned and with much fanfare, assume their thrones fulfilling the prophecy. Years later, as adults, while pursuing a White Stag through the woods, they come upon a place that is vaguely familiar. Dismounting, they discover the lamppost. And then they remember. Following the trail, they come across the portal back into the Wardrobe where they return to their world, as the children they were when they left.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is unmistakably a Christian allegory rich in Bible symbolism. It is a brilliant example of Lewisâ€™s characterization of â€œa childrenâ€™s story [being] the best art-form for something you have to say.â€ [15] We are all sons of Adam and daughters of Eve, living in an alternate realityâ€”to us it is our temporal realityâ€”yet there exists another dimension, [16] a spiritual realm that Scripture characterizes as a battle against â€œcosmic powers â€¦and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.â€ Eph. 6:12. As the Earth â€œgroans in travailâ€ (Rom 8:22) for the return of Jesus so did Narnia for the return of Aslan. Edmund might be thought of as an archetype of Judas Iscariot for betraying his siblings for [30?] Pieces of Turkish Delight. But as far as we know, unlike Edmund, Judas was not offered an opportunity for repentance and forgiveness. Edmund is a better representation of humankind as we all are under the curse of sin. The White Witch is an archetype of Satan and Aslan of Christ. Aslan had committed no treachery and therefore could die in Edmundâ€™s place, satisfying not only the Deep Magic but the â€œmagic deeper still.â€ Lucy and Susan remind the reader that it was women who comforted Jesus along the way to the cross and who were the first to visit the empty tomb. The one major flaw in the allegory is that Edmund had sinned against the White Witch, yet, our sin is against Christ, not Satan. Â

[1] Although Lewis wrote The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe first, he wanted The Magicianâ€™s Nephew to be read as the first installment of The Chronicles of Narnia .

[2] C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , Harper Trophy, a Division of Harper Collins, New York, N.Y., 1950, 1978.

[3] â€œThen one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, â€œWhat will you give me if I deliver him over to you?â€ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.â€ Matt. 26:14-16

[4] â€œ[F]or behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.â€ â€“ Song of Solomon 2:11-12

[5] â€œAnd going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.â€ Matt. 2:11

[6] â€œIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.â€ 1 John 1:9

[7] â€œWe know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.â€ 1 John 5:19

[8] â€œIndeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.â€ Heb. 9:22

[9] â€œ[T]he blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.â€ 1 John 1:7b

[10] Reminiscent of the women on the Via Dolorosa who offered comfort to Jesus as he carried the cross.

[11] The Disney adaptation captures this scene with horrifying imagery. I watched the movie after reading the book. It is a very disturbing scene and illustrative of the demonic forces that poured out their filth and horror on Jesus as he hung on the cross, bearing our sinâ€”the other filth and horror: â€œHe who knew no sin was made sinâ€¦â€. 2 Cor. 5:21

[12] â€œAnd very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, [the women] went to the tomb.â€ Mark 16:2

[13] â€œIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.â€ John 1:1

[14] â€œAnd when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them.â€ Rev. 20:7-9

[15] C. S. Lewis, â€œOn Three Ways of Writing for Children,â€ Of Other Worlds, Essays and Stories , First Harvest, 1975.

[16] Gregory J. Rummo, â€œAre We Living in a Christ-Animating Simulation?â€ Minding the Campus , September 16, 2022.

About the author:

Gregory Rummo

Gregory J. Rummo, M.B.A., M.S. is a Lecturer of Chemistry in the School of Arts and Sciences at Palm Beach Atlantic University and an Adjunct Scholar at the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation. He is currently a DMin student at Knox Theological Seminary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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The lion, the witch, and the wardrobe: the chronicles of narnia, book 1.

Common Sense Says
Parents Say 18 Reviews
Kids Say 46 Reviews

Parents Say

Based on 18 parent reviews

Parent Reviews

Another reason to question the connonsense reviewers, report this review, don't go by the commonsensemedia review on this one, classic must-read.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models

Excellent read aloud for the whole family!

The best read, suspenseful and awesome, a adventurous journey, adriana's book review, not book 1, what to read next.

Prince Caspian: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 2

Want personalized picks for your kids' age and interests?

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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe by CS Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 2)

The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe by CS Lewis book cover

Heralded as one of the most enchanting and well written stories of our time The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe was the first published story about the magical land of Narnia.

Set in London in the Blitz in 1950 four children are sent out of the city and into the country while the war effort is fought by their parents. Staying with an old and mysterious professor the youngest Lucy finds herself falling through a wardrobe and stepping out into the magical world of Narnia. A land blanketed with snow and ice, inhabited by mystical and magical creatures Narnia has fallen under the spell of the White Witch, the self proclaimed queen of the land.

Lucy meets a faun by the name of Mr Tumnus and the pair become instant friends over tea. Unable to betray Lucy to the white witch the fawn returns Lucy to the wardrobe and makes her promise not to tell anyone about what she has seen. Upon her return she tells her sister and two brothers who refuse to believe her seemingly tall story.

Several days later Lucy returns to Narnia and is secretly followed by her spiteful brother Edmund. Losing Lucy in the snow, Edmund is found by the white witch who treats him kindly and makes him promise to return with his brother and two sisters with the promise of making him king and all the Turkish delight he can eat.

Several days later all four children find themselves forced into the wardrobe and into Narnia. They are met by Mr and Mrs Beaver who take them to meet Aslan, the great lion, who will assist the children in defeating the white witch and restoring peace to the land of Narnia.

For years the story of Wardrobe has been criticized and studied for its supposed religious allegory, stating that the tale of Aslan is the story of Jesus. Lewis always defended this stating that it was never written with any religious alignment or values set in his mind. If people choose to draw that conclusion from it they can.

Lewis has an outstanding ability to be able to write just enough to give the reader a description of the setting, scene and characters and leave the rest to your imagination. This is a technique that is hard to master and he always manages to pull it off seamlessly. This is one of the best things about his writing technique and makes Wardrobe a lot of fun to read and interpret.

Arguably one of the finest stories in English literature from the 20th Century C.S Lewis cemented himself as a master story teller and perfected a novel that would survive the test of time and still entertain and educate children and adults everywhere to this day. Alaisdair Dewar, 10/10

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in C.S. Lewis's Narnia Chronicles and was first published in the U.K. in 1950.

Lucy steps into the Professor's wardrobe - but steps out again into a snowy forest. She's stumbled upon the magical world of Narnia, a land of unicorns, centaurs, fauns ... and the wicked White Witch, who terrorises all. Lucy soon realises that Narnia, and in particular Aslan, the great Lion, need her help if the country's creatures are ever going to be free again.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the most memorable book amongst the entire Narnia Chronicles. When someone is asked about CS Lewis this is the book that immediately springs to mind. Lewis’s Christian beliefs are in the book but I do not feel that this is overplayed. There is plenty of humour and courage and these inhabitants of Narnia will stay with the reader for a long, long time.

The is terrific fantasy for the young adult, young readers of both genders will be able to see a part of themselves in one of the four children. An essential read for the young fantasy reader. Floresiensis, 9.5/10

"We've fallen on our feet and no mistake. This is going to be perfectly splendid. That old chap will let us do anything we like," said Peter to Susan, Edmund and Lucy. The old professor certainly did seem to live in a world of his own, so the children set about finding their own entertainment in the huge old house set miles from anywhere in the heart of the country. First there was the thrilling business of exploring the house - long corridors, endless spare bedrooms, series of rooms lined with books, and one very bleak enormous room that had nothing in it but a very large wardrobe. This, thought Lucy, was worth examining. As she was pushing her way through the rows of coats hanging up inside, she felt something soft and powdery and extremely cold. Then she noticed something cold and soft falling on her, and she found she was standing in the middle of a wood at night-time with snow under her feet and snowflakes falling through the air. Lucy had arrived in the strange, magical land of Narnia.

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Reviews by Alaisdair Dewar and Floresiensis

13 positive reader review(s) for The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe

68 positive reader review(s) in total for the The Chronicles of Narnia series

CS Lewis biography

The Chronicles of Narnia

The Magician's Nephew (The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 1)
The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 2)
The Horse And His Boy (The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 3)
Prince Caspian (The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 4)
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 5)
The Silver Chair (The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 6)
The Last Battle (The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 7)

Amelia Reed from USA

The Chronicles of Narnia is one of my favorite book series. Both Disney and BBC did a great job making the books into movies, This is a great book for people who like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Game Of Thrones, and many more, the books are also good for younger kids my rating is 100,000,000,000/10.

Alex from UK

I don't really like it but i would recommend it for kids.

Maria from Pakistan

I surely like this book. The lion,the witch and the wardrobe is the best book from the whole series of chronicles of narnia! The beginning might be a little dull....but you just hang in there for the end! This is a recommended book!😁😁

Holly from United Kingdom

You have to read this book it the best book you have ever read =)

Dolcie Walton from USA

I like the part where the Lion comes to help the country of Narnia and free the animals from the horrible witch I love the End. I decided to use this book for my project report.

Daniel from Israel

An instant classic. Original, captivating and so fun to read. Even the Christian subtexts (Aslan rises from his grave, etc.) doesn’t interfere with the greatness of the story and the wonderful timeless adventure.

Gabriella from Indonesia

I love this book so much!!! I'm using this book for my book project at school!!

Wendy from America

Great book.

Kelly Richards from Australia

Lovely use of words and has a interesting way of putting things together.

Lana from Notgoingtotellyou

Dogukan from London

This book is very exciting. With its up's and down's due to a little traitor, Edmund. The magical land of Narnia never get's old/boring and never will. The series will carry on, while the 4 children seek out new adventure's and also meet new characters. This book made me feel like I was actually in the beautiful world of Narnia and I hope C.S. Lewis will carry on writing these amazing books. :D

Howard from North America

This is the best book in the world! It never gets boring, even when you read it 1,000,000 times!

Sarah from Stroud

An absolute must-read in my opinion. The Christian analogy is strong but not over-riding. A victory for good over evil set in a magical land. Edmund is a little sneak but even he comes good in the end.

9.5 /10 from 14 reviews

All CS Lewis Reviews

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The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Book Review

Its been made into a major motion picture by Disney, but originally it was the second book in C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia book series. Get the book review for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

It may not be as intense as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia spin a fantastical tale of magic and wonder . The second book in the series, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has been made into a feature film by Disney . Get the scoop on the book the movie is based on !

The Land of Narnia

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is the tale of the four Pevensie children , sent to the country to live with their uncle during the second world war . London is being bombed by the Nazis and to keep the children safe they are shipped out of the city . While living with their uncle, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy explore their uncle's giant, old house. One day, while playing a game of hide and seek, they all stumble upon a magical land called Narnia hidden at the back of an old wardrobe .

Family Ties

Lucy Pevensie is actually the first one to find Narnia, but her siblings don't believe her magical story . One night, when she can't sleep, she decides to return to Narnia and is followed by her brother Edmund. Edmund loses Lucy's trail but quickly runs into the White Witch, who claims she is the queen of the land . She offers Edmund the chance to be king, if he will just bring the rest of his siblings to her. When all four Pevensie children wind up in Narnia, Edmund forgets his loyalties fast and ditches his brother and sisters to set off for the witch's castle. He'd rather outshine his older brother than help save a world inhabited by talking animals.

Battle of the Century

Peter, Susan and Lucy have many obstacles to overcome before they can even come close to saving Edmund. Luckily, they meet the great Aslan, who has come back to Narnia to help them on their quest to defeat the White Witch . Aslan is a giant, talking Lion who originally created Narnia. Aslan sends some of his followers to take save Edmund from the grips of the witch's henchmen . When the four Pevensie children are reunited, a battle to end the 100-year winter begins, with Peter leading the way!

The Bottom Line

People of all ages - from your little sister to your grandpa - will enjoy the story of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. There's magic , adventure and a heart-warming lesson . The perfect story to read as a family or on your own, curled up by the fire in the cold winter months !

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

By C. S. Lewis

Interest Level	Reading Level	Reading A-Z	ATOS	Word Count
Grades 4 - 8	Grades 10 - 8	T	5.7	36363

A unique and special gift pack which contains a hardback picture book plus an audio cassette, featuring a full production of the story with specially composed music. When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are sent to stay in the countryside, they can hardly imagine the extraordinary adventure that awaits them. It all begins when Lucy opens the wrdrobe and finds herself standing in a snowy wood. She has discovered Narnia, a amagical land of fauns and centaurs, nymphs and talking animals. But Narnia is under the enchantment of the evil White Witch and has become a land of eternal winter...C S Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has enchanted readers for 50 years. Now the critically aclaimed picture book illustarted by Christian Birmingham has been brought to life on tape.

Book Reviews (92)

The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion,The Witch,and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis. Talks about the curiosity of a little girl, Boom Crash. Lucie,Edmand,Susan,and Peter were being sent off away from home to a scientists house. They are playing hide and seek when Lucie is hiding in the wardrobe and feels a tree. She meets a Fawn named Mr.Tumnus and he kept saying im a bad Fawn but Lucie asked why I was supposed to kidnap you and give to are evil queen she has made it a never ending winter. Lucie tells her brothers and sister but they say she is crazy. Later a Tour was coming they all jumped in the wardrobe and hid. Susan and Peter had just been proved wrong about this magical place. Lucie couldn't wait to show the the Fawn but he wasn't there. They traveled through the forest and met a talking bever. The bever said you must meet a lion named aslan. Aslan had made a deal with the queen so they wouldn't die. Aslan snook off and Lucie and Susan followed him as they watched as she stabbed him. He awoken Peter and Edmund are at war will they survive read the book to find out. This is a harsh loving and beautiful book to read.

U must read the book before u watch the movie. I will not spoil the book but I will say if u are a fan of fantasy u will loveeeeeeee this book! Recommend you reading the whole series there amazing! 🌸 🌺 👄

I love the movie and the characters

it is a fun book to read and it's English reding

It is a very good book and so is the movie !

During World War Two, four siblings, Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter. Are sent away to a mysterious relatives house to be safe. While there, they discover a magic wardrobe that leads them to the world of Narnia. Where they are destined to defeat he white witch and end her never ending winter. But will they be able to find the courage they need, or will the white witch lead them all astray? This story is really fun. I liked the talking animals and the amazing battles.

ive seen the movie im hoping i can get the book

The magical world of the Narnia series is very special! My favourite one out of all of them is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, because it has expanded my vocabulary and has made me more interested in chapter books. I hope you will choose to read it too!

This is a great book with a very good story behind it. Not only is the story is good, but the way that the illustrator is very good. This is a great book, and if you haven’t read it, READ IT!!!!!!!!! I love this book!

'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' review — a magical, modern take on the classic Narnia story

Read our five-star review of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in the West End, adapted from C. S. Lewis's book, now at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

“All humans are good, mostly, deep down,” says Lucy to Mr. Tumnus. She’s introducing herself to her new faun friend in Narnia ane explaining people in the “real” world. With the state of the world today, it’s sometimes difficult to see the good in the current climate. Thankfully, theatre can provide a much-needed respite from reality. And there's no better escape than The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe .

On paper, a winter-themed play in summer shouldn’t work. Snow falling on stage during a warm summer's evening is rightfully confusing. But upon stepping into the (mercifully and appropriately) air-conditioned Gillian Lynne Theatre, the winter blast invites audiences into a magical Narnia world where everything feels a little bit more beautiful than reality.

C. S. Lewis’s tale follows the four Pevensie children as they escape wartime Britain and find themselves in a new world. Elements of the original story remain: subtexts of Christianity, imperialism, and war ground the moral retelling. However the contemporary flair elevates the classic children’s book into a classy adult affair.

Sally Cookson's production started out as an immersive retelling at Leeds Playhouse, before a Bridge Theatre engagement, and a subsequent national tour. Now, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe plays in a proscenium arch, and it snugly fits like a hardcover on your bookshelf. Michael Fentiman directs every element to fill the vast auditorium, while also bringing intimacy to bring you into the Narnia story.

Benji Bower’s and Barnaby Race’s original composition adds melodic Celtic undertones similar to Once and Come From Away bringing the Gillian Lynne auditorium into life. Shannelle "Tali" Fergus’s modern, fluid choreography paints broad and beautiful strokes across the stage. Add in Max Humphries and Toby Olié’s stylish puppetry — notably a boy made up of glowing Turkish delight boxes — and the end result is a play as quintessentially British as a Victoria sponge.

Samantha Womack shines as Jadis, the sneering, frosty White Witch who seeks absolute control over her nation. Womack balances an equal amount of taunting and dominance with an alluring mystery; her Act Two disappearing trick is worthy of the Magic Circle. When the majestic Aslan parades around the stage in the second act, the crowd appropriately roars into action. Chris Jared matches the grand puppeteering as the stately Aslan human actor. Actor-musicians complement the whimsical forest feel, notably Julian Hoult and Christina Tedders as the charming Mr and Mrs Beaver, and Jez Unwin as a spritely Mr. Tumnus.

It’s 149 days to Christmas. But in Narnia, every day could be Christmas Day. And in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , one person can exist in two parallel worlds. If I could exist in real life and Narnia at the same time like the Pevensies, it’d be a Christmas miracle.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Photo courtesy of production)

Originally published on Jul 29, 2022 10:20

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Paperback – January 2, 2008

Don’t miss one of America’s top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS’s The Great American Read.

A beautiful paperback edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , book two in the classic fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia . This edition features cover art by three-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator David Wiesner and interior black-and-white illustrations by the series' original illustrator, Pauline Baynes.

Open the door and enter a new world! The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in C. S. Lewis's classic fantasy series, which has been captivating readers of all ages with a magical land and unforgettable characters for over sixty years.

This is a stand-alone read, but if you would like to discover more about Narnia, pick up The Horse and His Boy , the third book in The Chronicles of Narnia .

Book 2 of 7 Chronicles of Narnia
Print length 208 pages
Language English
Grade level 3 - 6
Lexile measure 940L
Dimensions 5.2 x 0.47 x 7.68 inches
Publisher HarperCollins
Publication date January 2, 2008
ISBN-10 9780064404990
ISBN-13 978-0064404990
See all details

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The Chronicles of Narnia Official Coloring Book: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids to Share

Editorial Reviews

From the back cover, about the author.

Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954, when he was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Out of the Silent Planet , The Great Divorce , The Screwtape Letters , and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and have been transformed into three major motion pictures.

Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) fue uno de los intelectuales más importantes del siglo veinte y podría decirse que fue el escritor cristiano más influyente de su tiempo. Fue profesor particular de literatura inglesa y miembro de la junta de gobierno en la Universidad Oxford hasta 1954, cuando fue nombrado profesor de literatura medieval y renacentista en la Universidad Cambridge, cargo que desempeñó hasta que se jubiló. Sus contribuciones a la crítica literaria, literatura infantil, literatura fantástica y teología popular le trajeron fama y aclamación a nivel internacional. C. S. Lewis escribió más de treinta libros, lo cual le permitió alcanzar una enorme audiencia, y sus obras aún atraen a miles de nuevos lectores cada año. Sus más distinguidas y populares obras incluyen Las Crónicas de Narnia, Los Cuatro Amores, Cartas del Diablo a Su Sobrino y Mero Cristianismo .

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0064404994
Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins; Reprint edition (January 2, 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780064404990
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0064404990
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6+ years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 940L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 6
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.2 x 0.47 x 7.68 inches
#314 in Children's Classics
#409 in Children's Fantasy & Magic Books
#532 in Children's Action & Adventure Books (Books)

About the authors

CLIVE STAPLES LEWIS (1898-1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a fellow and tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954 when he was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance English at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics, the Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.

Pauline Baynes

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 79% 13% 4% 1% 2% 79%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 79% 13% 4% 1% 2% 13%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 79% 13% 4% 1% 2% 4%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 79% 13% 4% 1% 2% 1%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 79% 13% 4% 1% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the morals in the book deep, transformational, and spiritual. They describe the content as classic, magical, and symbolic. Readers describe the book as a great and fun read, ideal for a read-aloud bedtime story. They appreciate the beautiful illustrations that enhance the reading immensely. Customers also mention the book holds magic and is exciting and joyful. They find the characters awesome and colorful.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book great and fun. They say it's ideal for a read-aloud bedtime story. Readers also mention the classic storytelling paints vivid pictures. They describe the book as amazing and well-done.

"...slightly simpler read at a child-appropriate level; this story stays true to the plot , theme, and MESSAGE of the original book, which was very..." Read more

"...Then, met with book club group and pieces came together. Entertaining ..." Read more

" One of the best books I have read in a while. At first I thought it was for children but boy was I wrong!" Read more

"...I think I liked the movie a bit more, but this was still a very good read ." Read more

Customers find the book classic, magical, and symbolic. They appreciate the beautiful illustrations and classic hardcover. Readers also say the series is unique and better than the movie.

"... This book never gets old ...." Read more

"...and the Wardrobe is the best known of the Narnia novels and it is a true classic ...." Read more

"...As for a read. Yes, I enjoyed it. No surprise. It is a classic . I did find it hard to put down once I began." Read more

"The book was even better than the movie . Fantastic! My daughter and I read it together. Her words, ”I have just one thing to say. That was amazing!”" Read more

Customers find the illustrations in the book beautiful, fun, and true to the book. They say the words that C. S. Lewis uses paint the pictures well. Readers also mention the look and feel of Narnia is realistic. They describe the book as a nice escape from the reality of life.

"...The illustrations are stunning !! My son and I have just started reading it together, and he loves it!..." Read more

"This is a beautiful book. Lots of fun illustrations . However, I was hoping it was the complete book, but it’s unfortunately not...." Read more

"...I love that sin is like a candy. I love that the devil is a beautiful queen ...." Read more

"...He learned quickly that in spite of her best efforts.. in this beautiful , wonderful story.. of course evil does not win...." Read more

Customers find the morals in the book profound, spiritual, and even transformational. They say it provokes deep thought and devotion, and gives them a deeper appreciation for Bible teachings. Readers also say the book introduces various lessons and morals. They mention the Christian themes are not too heavy-handed and the story is appropriate and has lessons for families of any creed.

"...level; this story stays true to the plot, theme, and MESSAGE of the original book , which was very important to me. The illustrations are stunning!!..." Read more

"...In any event, the Christian themes are not too heavy handed , and the book can easily be enjoyed by readers of any faith for what it is, a..." Read more

"C.S. Lewis was a great theologian and excellent author...." Read more

"...and the Wardrobe is a book that teaches many lessons and promotes many different emotions ." Read more

Customers find the characters awesome, colorful, and great. They say the book has great parts and heroes. Readers also mention they are taken with the character of Lucy.

"...animals would be amazing and C. S Lewis makes them believable and unique characters ...." Read more

"Great, classic storytelling that paints a vivid picture. Heartwarming characters , both human and animal, along with a wide variety of evildoers...." Read more

"...Able to read it quickly, and very cool to compare characters to biblical persons and events!" Read more

"...This time through, I was especially taken with the character of Lucy . She is inarticulate when not believed by her siblings...." Read more

Customers say the book teaches many lessons and promotes different ideas. They say it's great for novel study and class projects. Readers also mention it'll serve well as an introduction to the fantasy genre for young readers. They mention the storyline presents lots of topics to discuss with their children.

"...and true; not only the magic inside Narnia itself but the magic of a truly enveloping book ...." Read more

"...This book serves well as an introduction to the fantasy genre for young readers. At a little under 200 pages, it is a fairly quick read...." Read more

"...The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a book that teaches many lessons and promotes many different emotions." Read more

"...The Narnia series is one for the ages as it is full of hidden meanings ..." Read more

Customers find the book enchanted. They say it captures their interest, holds magic, and is exciting and joyful. Readers mention it's a moving account of giving of one's self for others. They also say the book is unique and creative.

"...and the quick-moving adventure laced with magic combine to create a world that feels so real that I have never quite stopped looking for it outside..." Read more

"...towards the end when they all came back to life it was a very exciting and joyful time ...." Read more

"...Reading it now, years later, I'm impressed with how it still captivates me ...." Read more

"... The magic still holds ." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the narrative quality of the book. Some mention they love the story of redemption and sibling togetherness, with a Christian message and good triumphing over evil. However, others say the narrative is slight and difficult to follow. They also mention the ending seems a bit boring.

"...I love the story of redemption and sibling togetherness. I love that sin is like a candy. I love that the devil is a beautiful queen...." Read more

"...It is an abridged version, with no good chapter breaks . Still enjoyable for younger children." Read more

"...children and adults because it has many fairy tale aspects with a happy ending ...." Read more

"...amount of enjoyment will undoubtedly go down, as this story lacks the detail and texture which can be found in Lewis's contemporary's work "The..." Read more

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Enjoying my paperback copy of this classic book.

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VIDEO

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Chapter 14
The Wardrobe
Part 7: 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' Film Commentary (Eustace is Dragoned)
Book Review: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Christology of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

COMMENTS

Book Review
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in C. S. Lewis's classic fantasy series, which has been captivating readers of all ages for over sixty years. This is a stand-alone novel, but if you would like journey back to Narnia, read The Horse and His Boy, the third book in The Chronicles of Narnia. Amazon.
A Summary and Analysis of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS
By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, published in 1950, was the first of the seven Chronicles of Narnia to be published.The book became an almost instant classic, although its author, C. S. Lewis, reportedly destroyed the first draft after he received harsh criticism on it from his friends and fellow fantasy writers, including J. R. R. Tolkien.
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
The plot thickens to a pretty heavy pudding at the end, but the prose is witty and the novel action is fast-moving. Not recommended for adults! 6. Pub Date: Nov. 6, 1950. ISBN: 978--06-171505-1. Page Count: -. Publisher: Macmillan. Review Posted Online: April 9, 2012. Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1950.
Review: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a beautiful tale. It is fantastically moral and beautifully written book that essentially is a story of good against evil. In a time when much is wrong with society, it is refreshing to read an inspiring novel that encourages its readers to always try to do the right thing.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis's timeless classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is a captivating tale that weaves together the magic of a hidden world, the trials of courage, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.Initially inspired by the wartime circumstances that brought three young girls into Lewis's care, the narrative unfolds as a fantastical escape into the enchanting land of Narnia.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1
Parents need to know that the The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the first book published in C.S. Lewis' classic Chronicles of Narnia series, which children have loved for generations. Lewis, a devout Christian, weaves lots of Christian allegory into the book (and the series as a whole), but the story can be enjoyed on many levels, by all kinds of readers.
Book Review: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The first book in the series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, takes place during World War II, during the Blitz, when London was being bombed by the Nazis and many children were sent away to the countryside and safer havens. Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie find themselves living in the big old mysterious country ...
Book Review: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
The book, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis, is a wonderful read. The classic can be read by any ages and provides a fulfilling story in a fantastical world. The straightforward plot and character development also add nicely to the book's universe. The book also provides illustrations adding to the imagery of Narnia, the ...
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis - at a glance. The School Reading Lists' five word review: Classic, Narnia, fantasy, lion, adventure. Children's book title: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Children's author: C.S. Lewis. Children's illustrator: Joey Chou. Genre: Children's fiction. Published by: Harper Collins Children's.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a portal fantasy novel for children by C. S. Lewis, published by Geoffrey Bles in 1950. It is the first published and best known of seven novels in The Chronicles of Narnia (1950-1956). Among all the author's books, it is also the most widely held in libraries. [3] It was the first of The Chronicles of Narnia to be written and published, but is marked ...
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe book review
The Book. In the The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, published in 1950, a fight between good and evil is going on and a group children will play a major role in that struggle. In 1940, four children are evacuated from London to escape the German attack on the city. They are sent to live with Professor Digory Kirke, who lives in the countryside.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie are sent to live in Professor Kirke's home in the English countryside during Word War II. As the children explore the house, Lucy discovers an old wardrobe in a spare room. The wardrobe is actually a passage to Narnia, a world filled with magic. Lucy goes through the wardrobe and meets a goat-legged man ...
Review: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis, illustrated by Pauline Baynes. New York: HarperCollins, 2008 (first published 1950). Gregory Rummo has shared several reviews of C.S. Lewis books on the blog this summer. This is his last, the first of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. Spoiler Alert: Because the book is familiar to many ...
Parent reviews for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The
The lion the witch and the wardrobe is about when four siblings sent to live in the country with a Professor named Kirke during World War II. Lucy, the youngest, finds an enormous mystery. Lucys four siblings get worried about her Lucy was only gone for seconds and not for hours as she claims.
The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe by CS Lewis book review
10/10. Heralded as one of the most enchanting and well written stories of our time The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe was the first published story about the magical land of Narnia. Set in London in the Blitz in 1950 four children are sent out of the city and into the country while the war effort is fought by their parents.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Book Review
Title: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Author: C.S. Lewis. Ages: 9+. Rating: It may not be as intense as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia spin a ...
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Don't miss one of America's top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS's The Great American Read.. A mass-market paperback edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, book two in the classic fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia.This edition features cover art by Cliff Nielsen and interior black-and-white illustrations by the series' original illustrator, Pauline Baynes.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Book Review and ...
ISBN-13: 9780064404990. ISBN-10: 0064404994. Published on 1/2/2008. Binding: Paperback. Number of pages: 208. Show More. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has 92 reviews and 88 ratings. Reviewer jemikezosuvi wrote: "The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion,The Witch,and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis. Talks about the curiosity of a little girl, Boom Crash.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in C. S. Lewis's classic fantasy series, which has been drawing readers of all ages into a magical land with unforgettable characters for over sixty years. This is a stand-alone read, but if you would like to explore more of the Narnian realm, pick up The Horse and His Boy, the third book ...
'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' review
Read our five-star review of *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe* in the West End, adapted from C. S. Lewis's book, now at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. ... Book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tickets on London Theatre. Photo credit: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Photo courtesy of production) Originally published on Jul 29, 2022 10:20.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Full-Color Collector's Edition)
Don't miss one of America's top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS's The Great American Read.. A full-color paperback edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, book two in the classic fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia.This edition is complete with full-color cover and interior art by the original illustrator, Pauline Baynes.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Don't miss one of America's top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS's The Great American Read.. A beautiful paperback edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, book two in the classic fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia.This edition features cover art by three-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator David Wiesner and interior black-and-white illustrations by the series ...