The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
by C.S. Lewis
Reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe was a valuable addition to our homeschool year. I am so glad we did, and I felt it was a valuable way to spend our time together.
Our family read this book together in the late summer and early fall. The hot weather kept us inside, but we still enjoyed hot coffee, tea, and homemade cookies as we read. In fact, delving into the world of Narnia provided a perfect escape from the hot sun raging outside. We were cool and comfortable while enjoying our read aloud.
The characters in this book stick with us even though we've finished it. My daughter now has a small stuffed lion she carries in her purse. During church, I noticed the lion quietly comes out to be cuddled during the sermon. If you've read the book, I'm sure you can guess his name. Likewise, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, Lucy, Susan, Edward, and Peter stay with us as characters in classic literature tend to do. Their noble character, or sometimes learning of it, as well as their realistic personalities interact with our souls, becoming friends in only the way book characters are able.
What was my favorite part of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe? I enjoyed the scene in which the Beavers provide a cozy meal for the children. It takes place in the Beavers' very snug little home where the tools of their daily lives are displayed efficiently on the walls. Also efficient, Mrs. Beaver herself readily leaves her task of sewing and prepares a meal of very fresh, delicious fish upon which C.S. Lewis waxes eloquent on the necessity of the fish being fresh. Although he tells this with humor, I must agree whole heartedly that the fish must be fresh when you cook it... But that is another story, for another day.
Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, Lucy, Susan, Edward, and Peter stay with us as characters in classic literature tend to do. Their noble character, or sometimes learning of it, as well as their realistic personalities interact with our souls, becoming friends in only the way book characters are able.
"And when each person had got his (or her) cup of tea, each person shoved back his (or her) stool so as to be able to lean against the wall and gave a long sigh of contentment. Then Mr. Beaver takes his own cup of tea, lights his pipe, and says, "why, now we can get to business."
He and his wife are an excellent example of hospitality. I am reminded of Jesus feeding his hungry disciples' breakfast on the beach before they began the business of sharing the gospel. And so, satisfied with a meal and companionship in this strange land of Narnia, the children are ready to begin their own business at hand.
They believe their business is to locate Mr. Tumnus, the creature Lucy met in her first visit to Narnia, but Aslan has a much more important quest for the young people. It will take a lifetime to complete, beginning with their brother Edmund's betrayal. In fact, his betrayal sets in motion a series of actions to not only save the boy's life, but the life and health of the whole land of Narnia. But not without sacrifice. In the midst of this adventure, the children must grow in character and the rewards of that growth and their faithfulness to Aslan are immense.
Even if you have watched the movie, I would encourage you to read the book. The imagery that points back to the life of Christ is remarkable. We had lots of heart discussions about this book during our lunches. Reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe was a valuable addition to our homeschool year. I am so glad we did, and I felt it was a valuable way to spend our time together.
Here is a link to The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. This is an affiliate link from which I will receive a small percentage if you choose to make a purchase. Thank you for taking a peek!
