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:

  • Slave Trade. Edmund, Eustace, Reepicheep, and Lucy are sold as slaves. They are rescued, and the issue is treated tastefully for a book for young children.
  • Alcohol. There are casks of wine opened on occasion.
  • Magic. Magicians, spells, turning into dragons, etc.
  • Peril. Deadly sea serpents, slavery, mysterious dangerous islands, toxic water, and the like.
  • Use of the term “fat” to describe a person.
  • Use of the terms “stupid” and “ass” to describe people. Admittedly in some cultures words carry less offense. I don’t remember whether “shut up” is also used in this one but it appears in other Narnia books.
  • Romance. Caspian tried to sneak a kiss in a beautiful girl, and she sends him on a quest before he can court her.
  • Nightmares. A terrible, dark island is where nightmares come true. Aslan, in the form of an albatross, leads them away.
  • Luck. Mention of Lucy being “lucky” that something happened.
  • Naked Women’s Breasts. In my copy (pictured below) the sea women wearing no clothes are depicted, and it looked to me like one of them does have breasts and nipples showing (see image below).

Things I liked:

  • God giving us a whole new chance. Eustace tries to cure himself, but fails. Only when he lets Aslan (God) cure him, albeit painfully, is he given a new perspective and a new life.
  • Honor, character, and children taking responsibility. The children adventure to free captives and rescue those in need.
  • 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.
  • Discipline regarding eavesdropping. Aslan teaches Lucy the dangers of eavesdropping. Lucy knows she has made a mistake.

Overall, a great Narnia book that needs less parent supervision. The faith parallels are easy to see, and it is beautifully written. Even the perils are tastefully described for young ages to handle.

See also my reviews of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Book 2), Prince Caspian (Book 4).

Discover more from Jesus loves bookworms

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.