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The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

(1950, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by C. S. Lewis, Illustrated by Pauline Baynes)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Classic Narnia chronicle has Christian themes.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Edmund, said by his siblings to be difficult, resents his older brother and aids the witch to spite the other children. The gender roles among the children are traditional, as when the girls are told they must avoid getting involved in an impending battle
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Peter kills a wolf that attacks his sisters. The White Witch kills Aslan, though he is resurrected. A battle occurs, and combatants are killed or injured. The witch treats Edmund cruelly; the girls watch as her minions torment Aslan, who has allowed hims
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Parents need to know that the plot and writing, although superior, are somewhat dated, and the art is small and simplistic. The language is simple but precise, and the main characters act valiantly to help save Narnia from the White Witch's enchantment (though one is initially caught under her sway). The story also contains bits of British culture, vivid descriptions of violent combat and is heavy on Christian allegory.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the messages Lewis' books send about the nature of good and evil. Why do you think Edmund chooses to betray his brother and sisters by running off to join the White Witch? Why can't Lucy get back into Narnia through the wardrobe any time she wants to? And why is there a lamppost in the Narnian forest (hint: try reading the first book in the Narnia chronicles, The Magician's Nephew, for some interesting background). If parents and children are familiar with Christianity, they can also discuss how the book's plot and characters are like various stories and people found in the Bible. For example, how is Aslan like Jesus Christ?

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See all 43 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect for anyone over 6 years old!!

    I love this book AND the movie. I really recomend reading this with your child especially if you are a first time reader. Otherwise I really recomend reading it as many times as you want!!!!!!!!!

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    Another reason to question the ConnonSense reviewers

    Great book and great reading. Great story that lets kids get absorbed into a fantasy world that is built around them in classic language and artistry that is CS Lewis. The CommonSense reviewer feels that he needs to tell parents that this is "Dated" and "Simple"? PLEASE! Why not warn parents about books that have vivid descriptions of violent acts against children, infanticide, and other inappropriate content for these ages? Many newer, "award winning" books that get raves are "current" and are trash and are no where near appropriate for the ages these reviewers say.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it 5.0

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it 5.0

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A MUST READ FOR ALL AGES

    I love this book so much i have read it like 7 times. If your into fantasy you will love this book. even if you hate fantasy you will love this book

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