The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2005

93%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Four siblings, a dusty wardrobe, and a lion who isn't 'tame.' It’s the ultimate 'is it winter yet?' adventure that still holds up.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia

book

2005

93%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Four siblings, a dusty wardrobe, and a lion who isn't 'tame.' It’s the ultimate 'is it winter yet?' adventure that still holds up.

4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, some 'classics' are a total slog for modern kids, but Narnia still slaps. It’s fast-paced, the stakes feel real, and the magic isn't watered down.

Whether you’re doing the audiobook in the car or reading the paperback at bedtime, it’s a foundational piece of childhood. It’s not 'brain rot'—it’s the opposite. It builds a kid's internal world.

Just be ready for them to start asking for Turkish Delight, which, fair warning, is usually a disappointment compared to how Lewis describes it.

Age Fit

Perfect for 7-year-olds as a read-aloud or 9-year-olds reading solo. It’s one of those rare books that adults (99) still find genuinely moving because the themes of sacrifice and seasonal change are universal.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It’s a masterclass in 'good vs. evil' that doesn't feel preachy. The story centers on siblings who, despite their bickering and Edmund's actual betrayal, eventually choose loyalty and bravery. It’s emotionally grounded without being 'brain rot' fast.

Imaginative

This is the blueprint for portal fantasy. The idea that a mundane piece of furniture leads to a world of talking fauns and eternal winter is still the gold standard for sparking a kid's curiosity about the 'hidden' magic in the real world.

Safe

Generally very safe, but the White Witch is a genuinely cold, terrifying villain. The ritualistic sacrifice of Aslan on the Stone Table can be heavy and visually dark in a child's mind, and the final battle involves actual stakes and fantasy violence.

Enriching

Beyond the Christian allegory, it’s a deep dive into the concepts of justice, mercy, and the weight of one's choices. It builds empathy through Edmund’s redemption arc and introduces kids to high-level vocabulary and classic literary structures.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The Michael York narration in this version is top-tier; he brings a gravitas that keeps kids locked in.
It’s the perfect 'bridge' book—complex enough to be a real challenge, but the plot moves fast enough that they won't get bored.
Edmund’s arc is actually great for talking about making mistakes and how to come back from them without feeling like a total loser.
The world-building is so iconic that it practically forces kids to go play outside and look for Narnia in their own backyard.

⚠

What to Watch For

The White Witch isn't a cartoon villain; she’s cruel and manipulative. Younger or more sensitive kids might find her 'turning people to stone' vibe a bit much.
The Stone Table scene involves a ritual sacrifice. It’s handled with dignity, but it’s a heavy moment that might require a 'you okay?' check-in.
There is some 1950s-era 'British schoolboy' slang and gender dynamics that feel a bit dusty, though they don't ruin the story.

Conversation Starters

"If you were Edmund, would you have actually traded your siblings for Turkish Delight? Be honest, how good is that candy?"
"Why do you think the White Witch was so afraid of Aslan even before he did anything?"
"Lucy was the only one who believed in Narnia at first. Have you ever felt like you knew the truth about something but no one believed you?"
"What does it mean for a lion to be 'not tame, but good'?"

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