We have just finished our  most recent read aloud series:  The Chronicles of Narnia.  Although I have read some of them in the past and the kids have studied some of the early books within the last few years, I was very struck with their reactions to them this time.  I was especially interested in their reactions to the Last Battle.  It is a very interesting book, with many themes to address as you read.  It turns apocalyptic near the end which made me brace for sad or otherwise upset children.  I mean, Narnia is destroyed!!  The stars fall from the sky!! The sun is destroyed!!  I thought they would be devastated.  Instead, they instantly understood that the stable door had led the characters to heaven.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”  Rev 21:1

They were somewhat surprised to realize that the Pevensies were now dead, but not saddened by the fact.  Their faith is so strong and unquestionable, that they knew the children would be forever happy now.  In fact, my eldest daughter remarked, “Ohh!  I wish Jesus would come right now, so we could be in heaven also!”  If only my faith was so pure that I could overlook that fear of death!

“He who testifies these things says , “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”  Rev 22:20

All in all the Chronicles were fun to read.  I loved the Horse and His Boy, but it vies for my favorite with Voyage of the Dawn Treader.  There is so much to explore while reading this series.  You could incorporate an entire unit study of Arabian culture during the Horse and His Boy!  Or horses.  How about a unit study on WW2 for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, or ships for Voyage of the Dawn Treader?  There are themes of trust, bravery, faith, temptation, friendship, loyalty, and more throughout the books.  These are easy to understand even for the youngest ones in your household, but I loved the guide I used this time to help recap and explore themes after each chapter.  I recommend it highly.  Roar! : A Chritstian Family Guide to the Chronicles of Narnia is amazingly available for only $1.99 at Christian Book Distributors right now!

If you haven’t yet read this series to your kids, start today!!  If you have read them, which is your favorite book?  My 11 year old daughter says the Silver Chair “because it has action, giants, and I like the green witch”, my 9 year old son says the Last Battle “because I like that they all go to heaven and see their old friends”, and my 6 year old daughter says the Silver Chair “because it has Puddleglum in it.”  Take our poll below to rank your favorite!  Feel free to tell us why in the comments section!

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As I sit down to write a new blog, the children are gathered around Dad listening to another chapter from Lord of the Rings.  We have always read to our children from nearly the day of birth of our eldest, Hailey, and they have always enjoyed it.  But, there is something very special about this particular “Tolkien party”.  We started with The Hobbit about a month ago.  Since then, the kids have LIVED Middle Earth.  They dress up daily as Hobbits, complete with vests, capes, and bare feet.  Hailey keeps a ring on a chain about her neck.  Maddie (our youngest) attacks people around corners with marker scribbled across her face (”It says washable, mom!”), growling fiercely as an Orc.  Our son, Micah, gathers everyone together to go on adventures around our home, taking packs filled with provisions.  Several nights they have slept in their Hobbit clothes on the floor with a lamp piled with sticks as a campfire.  In essence, they are living the stories.

What has made these particular books so enthralling?  What is our secret to igniting interest?  I cannot say for certain, but my gut feeling is…Daddy.  Michael (my hubby) has not just sat down and blandly read this epic.  He is ALIVE with it.  He talks about it at lunch, dinner, and in the car.  He explains the history behind every character and event.  (He has obviously read The Silmarillion previously.)  He reads to them in character voices and with emotion.  He fully prepared them to embark upon an amazing adventure and it’s panning out to be such!  So, my theory is – Be interested, excited, and knowledgeable about a story and they will be as well!