The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe

C.S. Lewis (author)

HarperCollins, UK: 1950, 1998; 192pp

ISBN: 9780006716778

Genres: adventure, classics, fantasy, mythology

Issues: family, friendship, identity, religion

Although not the first in reading order, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is generally considered the beginning of the famous Narnia series.

The Magician's Nephew can be read at a later date by children who want to know about how the world of Narnia was created and how the White Witch came to be there.

This tale of how Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy tumbled through a wardrobe in the spare room of a large country house and found themselves in the mysterious land of Narnia at a time when it was 'always winter and never Christmas' is one that has appealed to children for decades. Despite the fact that the dialogue now seems a little dated, the characterisations and adventures still enthral the young and old alike. Those familiar with the Christian tradition will find echoes of the trial of Christ when the great lion, Aslan, is the innocent sacrificed to save Edmund's life.

Most children will just love the fantastic narrative - talking animals, fauns, satyrs, nymphs of wood and water, mythical and imaginary figures that are real in Narnia. Above all, the idea that four children can become the most that they can be in a world full of magic and marvels. It is worth getting really good copies of these as they will otherwise wear out over the years as they are read and reread by generations of children.

Same Author: The Magician's Nephew; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; The Last Battle