The Magician's Nephew

This little action-packed novel gave such joy and excitement as its old-timey language, use of visuals, and its themes really left a wonderous impression on me. The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis is technically written after the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but it was meant as the beginning or prelude to the Chronicles of Narnia. As the story itself is pretty much a children's tale of adventuring to different worlds, causing chaos, and the subsequent creation and inhabitation of the lands we know as Narnia. Its cast of characters introduces faces that will become central throughout the series. It also has other characters that are quite delightful (like the housemaid who was having the best day, read the story and this will become apparent). The other aspect is C.S. Lewis's inclusion of Christian themes that will make themselves known in a natural and organic storytelling manner. While it was written in a different time about an even different time, I found it to be manageable and even enjoyable to follow along, especially with the inclusion of drawings throughout. It does entice those with creative minds more easily and they will have a blast reading this work. And it'll feel like the 220 odd pages aren't enough, but I think it suffices quite nicely. Overall, as a novel it really stands out for those who enjoy such simple and comical moments in life, like children and even young adults. 5 stars does not do this book its due justice.

Only ever really reading the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, this book was great as a standalone let alone the prelude to it all. Even if one had no knowledge of the Chronicles of Narnia series, this book does a great job introducing us without relying on the main series for support. Besides it has some humorous moments and memorable quotes like on pg. 150 and 203. Plus the side characters and how the language is used put a smile on my face. Along with this and the drawings which were quite delightful, makes me excited to explore the world of Narnia and its lore. What a read and highly recommend to everyone, especially those with imaginations as it will enchant them delightfully.

My kids (5, 7, and 10) are really getting into this story, Would highly recommend for family story time.

"The Magicians Nephew" is a book I will always recommend whenever someone asks me for the names of good children's books. Chronologically, this is the second book C.S. Lewis wrote in The Chronicles of Narnia series, but spiritually it is the first book in the series; a prequel to "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." "The Magicians Nephew" answers the question of "how did Narnia come to be," "why was there a lamppost there," "where did the white witch come from," and "where did the titular wardrobe from 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' come from. The story contains -- in my opinion -- more elements of Christianity than, and is easy for any child to understand and follow. (Recommended age range: 8 years old, or older.)