Birmingham Rep have announced that the smash-hit production of C.S. Lewis’ classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will roar into

Experience C.S. Lewis's THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE in its first-ever Armenian printing. Join Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy as they embark on a magical journey to the land of Narnia.

Check out some of the best children's books that you probably loved as a kid, from Madeline and Tar Beach to Where the Sidewalk Ends and Holes.

I am just going to assume that everyone over the age of ten – those who were raised in the USA or the UK, at least – has more than a passing awareness of C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950). The copy of the book that I read showed up in the house some time around the mid-1980s (itself published in 1970, so I assume it was a hand-me-down from my cousins), which was well after I had been traumatized by the animated version of the story (the vision of a shaved, sickly Aslan still haunts me...well, on the exceedingly rare occasion that I have cause to think of it). I know that the second book in the series, Prince Caspian (1951) was also a lurker among the books my brother and I never read, but it apparently did not survive the 10 moves since leaving Palos Park, IL. My motivation for reading this now was two-fold. One, I had never read it (and it is a staple of fantasy literature, even if it is aimed for younger readers). Two, I figured I could finish it rather quickly. As a matter of fact, it got picked up when it did because I needed something to read while having new tires put on the car. I judged – rightly so – that it would not be so demanding that the noise of the adjoining garage would preclude any progress. In the 45 minutes I was there, I got 71 pages into the story and filled out three pieces of paperwork for the work order. Now, having seen the big budget live action film version (2005), I was on the look out for differences. I enjoyed the Disney/Walden Media version, but I really only took the time to see it because they had the presence of mind to include the shot of the charging minotaur in the previews. I had no idea if there were minotaurs in Lewis' book (there are), but I want them in most of my fantasy films. Whether they belong or not, I want axe-wielding minotaurs. To get back on track, I was impressed at how well the film teased out the bits of the book and made the world seem more whole. It also softened how harsh the story seems to be on Edmund (who does not have much of any redeeming characteristics in the novel). Yes, it is weird that Father Christmas exists in the fantasy world of Narnia. But not as much as I thought when watching the movie. Lewis tells the entire tale in a conspiratorial – yet grandfatherly – manner. It is clear that it is meant for younger children, full of wonder and willing to give magical qualities to the world in which they live (in this case, it is another land accessible through some magic furniture). In that regards, it really works. The Christian overtones may be too obvious to adults, but they would most likely be reassuring to children (that what they are taught in church, and presumably by parents who take them to church, has meaning in the fantasy world of Narnia). I wouldn't put The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe up there with The Lord of the Rings (1954-55) in terms of quality of story or writing, but it is much more accessible. It is the kind of a story that a younger reader can understand (I remember friends who read The Lord of the Rings in 5th grade, and I hold to this day that they would not be able to get much out of it at that age). It doesn't have much to say other than that those whose need to exercise control are born out of greed and fear are the tyrants we cannot allow to remain in power (apply that lesson to current politics as you will).

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," under the direction of Michael Kary, tells the story of four children wandering Narnia, a make-believe land of […]

For the class or homeschooling group reading through "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" at a slightly faster pace, these questions help assess student comprehension of the text. No answer key is included. ...

Repeating The Challenge “One day, you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” (C.S. Lewis) Claire and I are organizing a summer reading project of C. S. Lewis’ classic series, The Chronicles of Narnia. We did this a few years ago when I was preaching at Faith Bible Church and things went very well, including a group discussion of the books at a barbecue dinner party we hosted for everyone involved. That party was a grand success: grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, a large cake beautifully decorated in a Narnia motif, and a scintillating discussion among readers from ages 14 to 82. Well, we’ve decided to ride into Narnia again this summer. We’re inviting people from the church we now attend (Community Bible Church) but since the program is actually self-propelled, we figured a few of our Facebook friends might be interested too. We are making available a few discussion points and questions that might help you, especially if you’ll be reading them with your kids and/or grandkids. What do you say? Are you ready for the adventure? Reading order for the Summer Reading Adventure 1) The Magician’s Nephew 2) The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 3) The Horse and His Boy 4) Prince Caspian 5) The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 6) The Silver Chair 7) The Last Battle Discussion Possibilities for C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe (Previous guides have been posted earlier on this blog.) You may not need any conversation starters other than the general questions that work the best for any book discussion. Those questions, of course, include the following. Did you like the book? What did you learn from it? Were there any characters, incidents, passages, or even single lines that made an impact on you? Were there things in the book you had questions about or disagreements? What were some of the most memorable things about the book? But if you think any of the questions below might add a bit to your discussion, please use what you like. Questions for Kids (and adults) 1) What are the names of the four human kids featured in the book? 2) Who is the first of those kids to go into Narnia? 3) What did the White Witch use to win Edmund to her side? 4) Edmund acted badly in the beginning of the book, but he was even worse as he got closer to the White Witch. We all need to be very careful of who we hang out with, don’t we? 5) What happened to Tumnus, the fawn who helped Lucy? 6) What animal helped guide the children to the beavers? 7) The White Witch is dangerous and powerful, but Mrs. Beaver was confident that Aslan was going to put everything right, including saving all the Narnians. This is similar to the faith we can have in Jesus eventually setting everything right, isn’t it? 8) What kind of animal was Maugrim? What was his job with the White Witch? 9) What gifts did Father Christmas give to Peter, Susan, and Lucy? 10) What happened to make Edmund feel sorry for someone else “for the first time in the story”? 11) What did you think about the battle? Questions for Adults (and kids) 1) Why were Peter and the other kids sent out of London? (A quick study on the children sent out from the great cities of Britain to protect them from the Blitz is in order…and it would be an excellent point of history to share with your young readers.) 2) The wardrobe which provides an entrance into another world has a looking glass on the door. Hmm. Do you recall any precedent? (Think Lewis Carroll) 3) Consider the drama that is packed into this brief line which describes the dead, drab effects of evil: “Always winter and never Christmas.” 4) Though Tumnus had been in the pay (and fear) of the White Witch, he found the moral strength to do the right thing for Lucy. There’s always the chance to start again. 5) Edmund’s fanatical passion for Turkish Delight is a vivid symbol, not only of addictive fixations but of the lying nature of sin which always promises satisfaction but never delivers. 6) Edmund is hooked so badly (on Turkish Delight, on his ambitious zeal for power, his desire for revenge on his siblings) that he’s willing to turn them over to the White Witch. Goodness, talk about the blindness caused by sin and its ability to warp even one’s most natural affections. 7) When Edmund was caught by his siblings in his lies, he could have repented, apologized, and started over. But what did he actually do? What about us? 8) “Aslan is on the move.” How does that line move you? 9) The mere mention of Aslan’s name thrilled the children. But Edmund’s thrill wasn’t a pleasant or uplifting one. Why? 10) Another of the most popular and profound lines of the series is Mrs. Beaver’s description of Aslan. “Of course, he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” 11) In chapter 8, C.S. Lewis attempts to underscore the White Witch’s evil origins by connecting her lineage to Lilith, a figure from an aberrant Jewish tradition.Let me be honest, I think it’s a mistake to legitimize this character in any degree. And, for me, it’s the biggest flaw in the whole series. However, in Lewis’ defense, I’ll say two things: A) He certainly had no idea that the modern era (especially through Kabbalah, New Age, and other pagan influences) would put the obscure Lilith back into play. And B) It’s an example of Lewis cramming all kinds of disparate folklore characters into the same story. I mean, he’s got giants, fauns, wraiths, and two dozen other types of folklore and fantasy creatures from different eras and countries…plus Father Christmas! (It reminds me of the Renaissance Festival we attended with my youngest brother and his wife last year where we saw people dressed up in all kinds of costumes inconsistent with the true Renaissance, including cuddly animals and characters from Star Wars!) 12) Edmund’s bad attitude distorted his imagination, making him feel slights from others that were not actually happening. Sin infects everything. 13) Father Christmas gave gifts to Peter, Susan, and Lucy which were “tools not toys.” What do you think about this idea? 14) “Battles are ugly when women fight.” Hmm. Was Father Christmas being a sexist curmudgeon with that opinion…or is he onto something important? 15) What do you think about using this extended greeting next December? “Merry Christmas! Long live the true King!” 16) Consider that Peter didn’t feel brave before his first battle. In fact, he thought he was going to be sick. “But that made no difference to what he had to do.” 17) Aslan rescues Edmund by paying his penalty, actually dying in his place. The symbol of Christ’s substitutionary death for sinners could hardly be clearer. Discussion questions for the other books in the series will be posted as we go along. Look for those connected with The Horse and His Boy in just a few days.

Amazon.com: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: 9780064471046: Lewis, C. S., Baynes, Pauline: Books

The best-selling rack edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe now has a movie still cover and 8 page movie still insert!

To the Radiant Southern Sun, I give you Queen Susan the Gentle.Aslan Queen Susan Pevensie (1928-?) was the second-born of the Pevensie children (after Peter), and was the eldest sister. She was known to the Narnians as Queen Susan the Gentle, and was known to be logical (to the point of being stubborn sometimes), motherly, and more serious than her younger sister, Lucy. During her reign at the Narnian capital of Cair Paravel, she was also known as Queen Susan of the Horn. Oh, Susan! She's intere

Check out The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Activities by C. S. Lewis including anchor chart, novel study samples, and movie comparison.

Here's a coloring page of the journey through "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" for your enjoyment.

SPOILER FREE Então, continuei lendo os livros que compõe as crônicas de Nárnia por conta de um dos desafios desse mês, que é ler um clássico que tenha virado filme, e, bom, "O leão, a feiticeira e o guarda-roupa", segundo livro das crônicas em ordem cronológica da história (e não de lançamento), virou filme em 2005. Confesso que não lembro direito do filme, o que é um mal sinal, mas lembro que achei sem graça e que esperava algo mais tanto da história quanto dos efeitos especiais. Mas essa é uma resenha do livro, e não do filme, o que infelizmente não vai mudar muito. Eu esperava mais da história, algo pelo menos do mesmo nível que "O sobrinho do mágico", mas não foi bem assim. "O leão, a feiticeira e o guarda-roupa" é um livro bobo mesmo para padrões de livros infantis, com diversos momentos de revirar os olhos e de pura exasperação com a história e a forma como ela é contada. A sensação que eu tive é que C. S. Lewis subestima demais a inteligência infantil, o que deixa o livro arrastado e repetitivo (chato!!!!). As referências cristãs abundam por todos os lados, o que é desconcertante e não combina com um mundo cheio de faunos, centauros, gigantes e outros seres mitológicos. É como uma espécie de Frankenstein literário, onde as coisas não se encaixam direito mas são obrigadas a funcionar juntas e assim dão origem a uma espécie de monstro esquisito. Um monstro esquisito que fala devagar e que só consegue fazer raciocínios muito simples. Não sei se vou conseguir continuar lendo as crônicas, no momento vou fazer uma pausa para ler outras coisas mais interessantes, e se der na telha eu faço mais uma tentativa quando eu estiver me sentindo melhor com relação ao autor (se isso acontecer!). Mas farei um esforço, afinal é um clássico, né? Nota 5.

Our Read-Aloud Poster for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe incorporates favorite poster features with exciting new activities to help you explore and enjoy this classic of children's literature. Take a guided tour in our Poster Spotlight and get ready to have some read-aloud fun!