The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
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How much do I love this book? I recently revisited it and had the experience of reading it out loud to my nephew (7) and niece (5). I hadn’t read it for quite a few years and, although I still know the story well, there were parts of the book that had faded with the passing of time and were brought back to life with the re-reading of the book, as tends to happen.
For instance – I’d completely forgotten the feeling of complete joy and wonder when Aslan bounds over the wall of the Queen’s courtyard and begins to breathe life back into the statues there. I’d forgotten good old Rumblebuffin and how much he made me laugh. I’d forgotten that, in spite of what the movies do, the battle scene was fleeting and over so quickly because the focus of this book is not on the grim trials of war but rather on the redemption of the living creatures spoken of.
While reading through the story and watching my niece and nephew sink into despair at Aslan’s death I felt again the pang of sorrow I felt as a child. After we’d finished the chapter my nephew looked at the title of the next, being “The Triumph of the Witch” and he gasped in shock. “But, she doesn’t win.. does she, Aunt?” he asked.
He learned quickly that in spite of her best efforts.. in this beautiful, wonderful story.. of course evil does not win. If you haven’t read this book in a while I invite you to re-visit it. Reading it out loud, savoring it chapter by chapter was one of the most amazing parts of each of my days.
I never read these as a child, but I did read the entire series a couple of years ago and I fell in love. I really want to reread them again-perhaps when I am done with my adult classics I will revisit some childhood favorites!
I am currently reading the Chronicles of Narnia to my two boys (5 and 7) and I honestly don’t know who’s enjoying it more! We’re stalling a bit with the 3rd book (A Boy And His Horse) but so far, The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe is our favorite. I will never forget my son’s gasping out loud at his favorite parts.
Did you do voices?? My boys complain if I don’t have enough voices! LOL
@Alison Sometimes. I use a ton of inflection when I read so the kids are always caught up in it. We’ve just finished Chapter 2 of The Boy and His Horse..it’s been years and years since I’ve read this one so I remember nothing about it! We’re definitely enjoying it.
I was telling my niece a couple months ago that we need to read this next time I visit!