Harper Collins Australia

September 2023

ISBN: 9780007323135

RRP: $17.99

I was 11 years old when I read my first Narnia book, and it was this one, which had been a Sunday School prize (still have it!). Needless to say, I was, like so many other children over the past 70 years, absolutely entranced by the heroic and exciting adventures of the children who slipped through the portals into a magical world.

Subsequently I read all the series of course, first The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at school – [was that Cassell’s reading scheme ? classroom libraries of Puffin classics accompanied by cards with comprehension questions. Does anyone else of my vintage remember these?] – and also got The Silver Chair as a gift (another I still have). Now we are eagerly anticipating the newest cinematic version (especially with Greta Gerwig at the helm), and the books are bound to enjoy yet another resurgence in their popularity to a whole new audience.

The variety of covers over the years has been fascinating and I have to admit, it’s hard to go past the classic coloured versions, but I find these Contemporary Cover Editions really striking (and in fact, bought some for one of my more recent libraries) and, admittedly, far more likely to attract the attention of today’s young reader.

Although not the first written, this is the first in the series and is the recount of how Narnia was created, how evil entered the brand new world courtesy of greed and ignorance, and how it was defeated by Aslan’s sacrifice. Yes, a very perfect allegory from devout Christian (former atheist), and theologian C. S. Lewis, [and hence why his books are often used as a class novel in Christian schools], but just as much thoroughly enjoyed by kiddos, without any inkling of the parallel who just adore the grand adventure, talking animals and magic of it all.

No real need for me to give this one a big boost because this series will always speak for itself, without any help whatsoever, but if you need to update your copies here’s a good opportunity to do so, to time with the new film adaptation.

Highly recommended for young readers and those of us old enough to read fairy tales again.