Rating: Needs Parent Supervision

Reading Level: Early Elementary, Mid Elementary, Late Elementary

Although this book has some beautiful themes regarding faith and doubt, there are a lot of concerning characters I had forgotten about. There were also issues of treason that my little ones had trouble following.

Possible Concerns:

  • Alcohol and Smoking. A dwarf smokes his pipe, the God of wine (Bacchus) shows up and throws a party with his entourage of party animals.
  • War. There are arrows flying, casualties, a sword fight, and other aspects of a war.
  • Magic. Wizards, spells, etc.
  • Polytheism. Trees are described as gods and goddesses. This surprised me because Aslan clearly is the highest power, and I wish Lewis had avoided referring to others as deities. Also Bacchus, the God of wine and ritual madness makes an appearance along with his entourage of women, and he throws a party to honor Aslan’s appearance. A swamp God bows to Aslan as Aslan calls upon him to break down a bridge.
  • Occult creatures. Hags, tree spirits, etc.
  • Peril. Deception, murder, and the like.
  • Talk of Murder. Caspian’s treacherous uncle wishes to murder him; Caspian’s caretakers consider murdering him too!
  • Mild name calling, and unkind language: “Shut up,” etc. Peter calls Reepicheep an “ass” when he believes him to be behaving foolishly.
  • Gender war/disrespect to boys and girls. Edmund makes a comment about how girls don’t carry maps in their heads. Lucy responds that it’s because their heads are full of other things.
  • Use of the term “fat” to describe a person.
  • Use of the term “dumb” to describe the non-Narnian animals who can’t talk.
  • Example of school as a boring place with bad teachers. Aslan rescues a girl from her horrid school.
  • Corporal punishment. A man is beating a boy with a stick when Aslan shows up to remedy the scene.

Things I liked:

  • Faith and Obedience. The story clearly illustrates aspects of faith and walking in obedience to God even when others do not see or obey.
  • Honor, character, and children taking responsibility. The children help tonight a war.
  • Reflections of God. Aslan’s kindness, His leading the children, His gentle rebukes and forgiveness are all reflections of God’s graciousness towards us.
  • Imagination. The story invites creativity and possibility.

Overall, not my favorite Narnia book and needs Parent Supervision to highlight the faith themes.