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.
To see the latest price or order, click on the book cover image.
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.
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.
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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