The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a beloved fantasy novel written by C.S. Lewis. First published in 1950, it is the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series, although it is often read as a standalone story. The novel follows the adventures of four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who stumble upon a magical wardrobe that transports them to the incredible land of Narnia. In Narnia, the children find themselves in the midst of a fierce battle between good and evil.
Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. From Kyana s math teacher who proudly sports her hijab, to Ashley, her partner in magical shenanigans who is half-Dominican, and so many others, A Taste of Magic centers a tapestry of voices.
In Narnia, the children find themselves in the midst of a fierce battle between good and evil. They soon discover that Narnia is under the control of the White Witch, who has plunged the land into a perpetual winter without Christmas. With the help of the wise and mystical lion Aslan, the siblings embark on a quest to overthrow the Witch and bring peace and freedom to Narnia.
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I’m J.Elle or Jess (I even answer to “hey you,” I’m not picky) and I’m excited to share my debut middle grade novel with you! A Taste of Magic is a super special story, and I can’t wait for kids to dive into this unforgettable magical adventure in your classrooms! It’s told in a voice that doesn’t talk down to kids, is snappy and fast-paced, and it leads with humor, which I firmly believe is the surest way to a kid's heart!
As a former fifth and sixth grade educator, my teacher hat often slips on without me even realizing it, ha ha! And so, while this book is a hilarious, heartwarming, adventurous read, I composed it in such a way to enthrall even the most reluctant reader. Growing up without much, my bus pass to the library was the highlight of my week. Literacy was a gateway in my life to upward mobility and opportunity, which is why creating readers is my entire passion. Books can literally change lives. And I can’t wait for A Taste Of Magic to bring so much joy to your students!
Thank you so much for your interest in Kyana’s story, and celebrating Brittany Jackson’s beautiful cover art with me. And in case it’s helpful, here are a few of my favorite tidbits that make A Taste Of Magic such special story!
• It’s hilarious. And after the last couple years it feels like we’re all eager to find something that warms us up inside like buttery chocolate cookies. I wanted A Taste of Magic to be a book that makes you grin without even realizing it. It’s full of heart and laugh out loud funny. Think delightfully cute, like A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd. Peek at the first page and meet Kyana. You’ll see what I mean.
• It’s accessible. I wrote A Taste of Magic to straddle the line of contemporary and fantasy because, as an inner-city kid, I’d never seen myself in a fantasy novel. I wrote this book, full of worldbuilding and magic, to transport my fantasy loving readers, but steeped in the beautiful richness of an inner-city community. Because there’s something deeply powerful--I’m talking life-changing powerful--about fantasy’s ability to inspire kids to imagine the seemingly impossible. It has the well-grounded fantasy quality of Amari and The Night Brothers by B.B. Alston.
• It’s an Inner-City Magic School! The first ever! Where cauldrons are regular ‘ole giant pots, stoves spit out pizzas on demand, where a ferret with a security badge is much more intimidating than it sounds, where magical spirits tethered to furniture is a sure source of calamity, and where ball caps and wigs transform into wizard robes in all styles and colors. Think wildly original like Ghostsquad and School For Good and Evil.
• It’s empowering. I’m excited for kids to see that there’s magic right in their own community. From the local grocery store to the beauty supply shop, there are so many nostalgic gems in A Taste of Magic that will feel immediately familiar to young readers. I mean imagine there was a whole room of magic supplies in your local mini mart! In fact, that’s exactly what Kyana does in the early pages of this story--she begins to realize there’s magic everywhere around her. That Park Row, and by extension--she--is special. As a mother of three young children, I really believe that’s a message kids can’t hear enough. It has the self-affirming, thought-provoking vibe of a Jason Reynolds or Renee Watson novel.
• It’s diverse. “Inner-city” and “Black community” are so often interchangeably used, but communities like Park Row are a vibrant mix of socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. From Kyana’s math teacher who proudly sports her hijab, to Ashley, her partner in magical shenanigans who is half-Dominican, and so many others, A Taste of Magic centers a tapestry of voices.
Those are just a few reasons I’m so excited for young readers to discover A Taste of Magic! I appreciate you so much for sharing Park Row’s magic with your students. I do hope I get to meet you, and them, someday!
Thank you, J.Elle! Congratulations! -John Schu
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Throughout their journey, the children encounter various fantastical creatures, including talking animals and mythical beasts. They learn valuable lessons about bravery, loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of good triumphing over evil. As they face numerous challenges and temptations, each character undergoes personal growth and transformation. One of the most iconic moments in the story is the resurrection of Aslan. After being betrayed and sacrificed by Edmund, Aslan rises from death and ultimately defeats the Witch. This powerful scene symbolizes themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the victory of love over hate. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a timeless classic that has captivated readers of all ages. It continues to be celebrated for its fantastical world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. The novel has been adapted into several film and stage adaptations, further cementing its place in popular culture. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the universal appeal of a good versus evil narrative..
Reviews for "The Social Commentary in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
1. John - 2 stars: I was really disappointed with "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." The fantasy elements felt forced and unrealistic, with talking animals and a magical land that didn't make any sense. The characters also lacked depth and development, making it hard to connect with them. Overall, I found the story to be confusing and unengaging.
2. Sarah - 1 star: As a fan of fantasy novels, I found "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" to be a complete letdown. The plot was predictable and cliché, following the usual template of a hero's journey without any surprise or originality. The writing style was also dull and lacked imagination, failing to transport me to the enchanting world described in the book. I struggled to finish it and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
3. Michael - 2 stars: For a supposed classic, I found "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" to be quite underwhelming. The pacing was slow, and it took too long for the story to pick up. The religious allegories were heavy-handed and forced, making the book feel preachy rather than entertaining. Additionally, the dialogue felt stiff and unnatural, making it difficult for me to become invested in the characters and their journey. Overall, it just wasn't the enchanting tale I was expecting.