Family
The Chroniclesof Naria, Pt 2 of 7
Through the Wardrobe into Narnia
Joy Basdeo
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Joy Basdeo, also known as "Mrs B" is an educator, formerEnglish teacher, an avid reader and storyteller, mother of fourgrown children and grandmother of Zoë. Her weekly columnis intended to assist parents and children select books whichentertain and build character. Children are never too young tohear stories, and reading aloud creates a bond between the readerand the listener. Parents are encouraged to talk with their childrenabout the story. Let them say what they liked or didn't like aboutit, and how they would have told it differently. Let them drawtheir favourite character, or create a sequel of their own, engagingtheir imagination, and strengthening their comprehension and vocabulary.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Chronicles of Narnia are among the world'sbest-known fantasies stories of imagination in which theaction often depends on magic or the supernatural. Last week Italked about the first in the series, 'The Magician's Nephew'in which the world of Narnia is created.
In 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe'the second of the Chronicles, the adventure begins.
Two brothers and their sisters, Peter, Edmund,Susan and Lucy are sent to stay in the English countryside duringWorld War II to escape the bombing in London. At the back of aforgotten wardrobe filled with musty coats, the children findan opening to the enchanted land of Narnia.
Narnia is ruled by the White Witch whosespell has created a land of perpetual winter. Only the returnof Aslan, the Great Lion can break the White Witch's spell. Thereis talk in Narnia that Aslan is on his way back to Narnia. Itis at this moment that the children find themselves in Narniawhere the battle lines for control of the country are being formed.What happens, and how the children are affected and the decisionsthey made - which also affect Narnia - makes for an exciting andthoughtful tale. Themes such as the use and abuse of power areexplored, as well as reasons why people sometimes choose to takecertain actions which they know in their hearts to be wrong.
It was the success of 'The Lion, the Witchand the Wardrobe' the first book to be written, but not the firstbook in the series (C S Lewis later decided that 'The Magician'sNephew' should be the pre-quel) which led to the writing of theseven Chronicles, books which have given pleasure to generationsof boys and girls.
Suitable for middle ages 8 and up, the Chroniclesof Narnia by C S Lewis are available through your favourite bookstore,and check the Public Library in your district. Don't forget tocheck the Children's Section of the Book Loft run by the HumaneSociety on North Sound Way for this and other books.
If you would like to sponsor this book anddonate it to a government school as part of our Character EducationProject, please email me at Joy.Basdeo@gov.ky, ask your booksellerto send it to me at the Ministry of Education, 4th Floor GovernmentAdministration Building or drop it off at the Ministry.
Until next week, andthe third book of the Narnia Chronicles, 'The Horse and His Boy',in Narnia where horses talk and hermits like company, and Peterone of the four children from the previous book is High King,Happy Reading.
Mrs B
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressedin this column are those of the writers, and are not binding onany individual or organization. They are intended solely as guidance.Parents should always use their own discretion in selecting readingmaterial for their children).