Lisa Ortmann > Recent Status Updates

The stone table broke and Alan is resurrected. What struck me was the very long and detailed “romp” that Susan and Lucy had with him afterward. The joy unbound until they finally get to ride on his back as he soars through Narnia. When I read the words, “have you ever ridden on the back of a horse” Aster said “yeah!” And imagined what it would feel like to ride on a lion through Narnia.

This time through I have more sympathy for Edmund’s character. When Peter realizes Edmund was lying about having never been to Narnia he is (rightfully) angry. However, I didn’t like how Peter belittled him afterward. Yes, it’s true that Edmund was terrible to Lucy. But it is also true that Edmund was unlucky to have met the witch, who took his innocence, made him an addict, and herself his dealer.

When the White Witch asked Edmund to keep a secret I stopped reading, turning to Aster and said, it’s never ok for grown ups to ask kids to keep a secret right? She rolled her eyes at me, but seriously, so far stranger danger is everywhere in these early chapters.

I’m re-reading this aloud to Aster as part of the memorable book challenge this year. I guess Aster’s teacher read it to the class last year, but this is the first I’ve heard of it, so I am guessing that she didn’t really comprehend it all. So far Aster is delighted by Lucy and I’m reading stranger danger in Mr. Tumnus. Re-read a favorite book of yours with me and my students!