Book #6 in the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis is actually the first book chronologically. As such, it holds a prominent place of importance in the set, and I dare say it’s as close to being the best book in the series as is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It’s been about a month since we finished reading this series together as a family, and this one stands out (to me, at least) as the most memorable of the lot.

This story takes us way back in time to the childhood of the aged Professor from Book 1, the one who owned the mansion in which the Pevensie children first stayed and where they found that magical wardrobe which had taken them to Narnia. Digory has made friends with Polly, and one day they decide to sneak into the study of Digory’s Uncle Andrew to see what secret things he’s been working on. As it turns out, Uncle Andrew had been needing some guinea pigs to try out some new magic rings, and who better than some nosy brats?

Digory and Polly learn quickly that the rings they now hold can transport them to a magical location, a quiet place filled with interesting ponds as far as the eye can see. The children soon realize that each of these ponds is a portal to a different world, and upon their exploration of one such place, they awaken a witch named Jadis from her long sleep and eventually take her back to London, England, quite unexpectedly.

The mayhem that ensues is mesmerizing, and it contains the seeds of the fruit that’s picked in later books in the series (chronologically). Digory, Polly, and Jadis eventually leave London and make their way to a world that will soon be Narnia, but along with them also go a broken pole from a lamppost and a taxi-carriage driver.

Upon their arrival, they are blessed to witness Alsan in the act of creation, speaking life and matter into existence in this magical world. Talking animals, lush and spiritual forests—it’s all as it should be….until Jadis turns it evil.

The plot of this book was for easier for my kids (8 and 10) to follow, even with the here-and-there bounding of Digory and Polly. Some scenes were pretty scary (like when Digory awakened Jadis from her slumber!), but we read the book at our own pace and were able to discuss the chapters as needed.

This book answers many of the mysteries of the series (especially the purpose of the lamppost and the special beginnings of the wardrobe), and it was just a fun one to read. With just one book left in the series for us, we’re excited about how (and when) everything will finally end.

These books seek to teach a bit of the character of God and the wickedness of mankind, and I think they do well as least to spark the imagination and conversation between parent and child. It’s worked for my family so far, so I’m sure it will work for yours.

©2021 E.T.

See More by C.S. Lewis:

• Nonfiction:
  The Screwtape Letters (1942)
  Reflections on the Psalms (1958)
• Space Trilogy:
  Out of the Silent Planet (1938)
  Perelandra (1943)
  That Hideous Strength (1945)
• The Chronicles of Narnia: 
  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950)
  Prince Caspian (1951)
  The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
  The Silver Chair (1953)
  The Horse and His Boy (1954)
  The Magician’s Nephew (1955)
  The Last Battle (1956)
• Other:
  Till We Have Faces (1956)