Rating: Needs Parent Supervision

Reading Level: Mid-Elementary, or Early Elementary (as a read-aloud)

Although this is one of my favorite books of all time, as usual I was surprised upon a critical reading to find several possible concerns:

  • Magic. Witches, wands, etc.
  • Occult creatures. Hags, Evil tree spirits, etc.
  • Peril. Sword fighting, murder, and the like.
  • Stranger Danger. Lucy goes to eat with Mr. Tumnus, goes to his house without even knowing him.
  • Father Christmas (Santa Claus) brings gifts to the Children. Santa is associated with the witch’s spell being weakened.
  • Murder. The witch sharpens her blade to kill Edmund, eventually she kills Aslan instead.
  • Lying. Edmund is not truthful about his experiences in Narnia with the white witch.
  • Mild name calling, and unkind language: “Shut up,” “fool,” etc.

Things I liked:

  • Gospel. The story clearly illustrates Jesus going to the cross in our place.
  • Imagination. It helps me dream big.
  • Honor, character, and children taking responsibility. Lucy fights for saving Tumnus, Peter leads a battle, etc.
  • Redemption. Edumund is later praised for his work against the White Witch; there is hope for the fallen.
  • Reflections of God. Aslan’s portrayal of being good, but not tame is a beautiful illustration of God’s goodness and his power.

See also my reviews of Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and The Magician’s Nephew.

This book is also recommended by ChristianParentReviews.com: https://christianparentreviews.com/book-reviews/The-Lion-The-Witch-and-The-Wardrobe

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