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.

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