Lewis, C.S. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Scholastic. 1995. 189 pages. ISBN: 978-0439861359 Genre/Subject: Fantasy, Mystery
Ages: 8 and up
Plot: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie are four siblings, who are orphans, sent to live with the Professor Kirke during World War II. The children explore the professor's house Lucy, the youngest, finds an enormous wardrobe. Lucy steps inside and finds herself in a place called Narnia. Lucy encounters the Faun, named Tumnus, who has never met a human girl. Tumnus tells Lucy that she has entered Narnia, a different world. Lucy and Tumnus have tea together, but the faun bursts into tears and confesses that he is a servant of the evil White Witch. The Witch has enchanted Narnia so that it is always winter and never Christmas. Tumnus explains that he has been enlisted to capture human beings. He lets Lucy get away and leave before the White Witch finds out he did not turn Lucy in. Lucy exits Narnia through the wardrobe, and tells her siblings about her adventure in the wardrobe. At first, they do not believe her, and think she might have mental issues. However, one day Edmund follows Lucy and finds himself in Narnia, as well. He does not find Lucy, and instead meets the White Witch. The White Witch introduces herself to Edmund as the Queen of Narnia. The Witch feeds Edmund enchanted Turkish Delight, which makes Edmund desire more of the dessert. The Witch uses Edmund and instructs him to bring back his siblings to meet her. When all four children find themselves in Narnia, Lucy leads them to Tumnus's home. She finds a note that Tumnus has been arrested on charges of treason. Lucy realized the Witch knows that Tumnus spared her life, and that the Witch has captured Tumnus. Lucy asks her brothers and sister help her rescue Tumnus from the Witch. Along the way they meet many different animals, who all help them rescue Tumus--starting withe the Beaver family, and then they meet Alsan the lion who was King, but disappeared. The White Witch becomes furious that Alsan is back in Narnia, and plots to kill the children and Alsan with evil magic. Alsan allows the White Witch to kill him, but soon rises from the dead and kills the Witch. The children are ascended to the thrones in the castle of Narina to rule. The children become adults and reign over Narnia for many years.One day, they arrive where the story begins, and returns to Professor Kirke's house as children.
Review: This is a classic fantasy story for kids who like adventure. It is a great representation of siblings working together. At one point, the main characters are hopeless orphans, but when they enter the world of Narnia, they become heroes, and they save all the animals from the evil White Witch's enchantment. The language is simple, but precise, which makes for an enjoyable read. There is action, war battle descriptions, that will be engaging. For readers who love talking animals, this is an excellent book.
The Series:
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Horse and His Boy
The Magician's Nephew
The Last Battle
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