Classics for a Summer Day
© Irene Taylor
It seems that everyone has heard of the Chronicles of Narnia series. I remember my first encounter with these books. I was about 7, maybe 8, and in the third grade. My teacher, the long-haired Miss Ilaria, read what was then the first in the series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to us in chapters. I was captivated by this quintessential allegorical tale of good versus evil. I imagined the amazement of the four siblings at finding the magic wardrobe, and for may years after, I was always on the lookout for a magic closet or passageway that might take me into such a mystical world! I was enthralled at the reading, and looked forward to that part of the day when we would hear the next in the grand adventure. I still think that hearing this wonderful story is perhaps the best way to be introduced to it. With no pictures to prejudice an unexposed mind, the listener can create the most vivid and lovely images upon hearing Lewis's wonderful prose! Over my many years of teaching, I read this book to many a class, and always to the delight of my student listeners.
But, once hooked, the urge to read the story for oneself becomes strong. I so loved hearing it, that I sought it out in the library and read it again for myself, cover to cover. And, over many years of teaching, I also taught this book to many classes. Here is a great page of teacher resources to use if you choose to teach this book.
For those not familiar with the series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a wonderful story set in World War II England. Four siblings, two brothers and two sisters, are sent away from London to keep them safe from the bombings. At the home of old Professor Kirke they stumble upon the magic wardrobe closet and find themselves in the strange and wonderful world of Narnia where they meet all manner of creatures, both very good and very evil. The story of their struggle against the evil White Witch makes for an enthralling read.
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