For those of you who enjoy the books-or movies- of The Chronicles of Narnia, you may be interested to know that my friend Carrie, at Reading to Know, is hosting the annual Narnia Reading Challenge for the month of July.  It's a great excuse to pull out the movies and books again.  You do realize that these books are best when read time and time again, right?

Carrie is great at offering giveaways of various Narnia-related items, too.  In the past, some have been geared toward adults, while others are picture books and such for children.  And just because you have the basic set doesn't mean she won't have anything for you!  She will!  (Please excuse my double negative, but it was needed for my point.)

I have already re-introduced Big Sister (5) and Brother (3) to our Narnia picture books.  (I must say, with fauns, cyclops, and centaurs involved, I really have appreciated LWW: The Creatures of Narnia.  These picture books are quite valuable as an introduction!)  Big Sister is so eager to read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe now.  We listened to a dramatized version last year, but she was fearful of the title (because of the witch), and though interested, she was not too eager for the book. With some traveling that is to happen soon, we'll listen to the unabridged version on CD while traveling.  She can't wait, and Brother is excited, too!

I think I'll be reading The Magician's Nephew again.  I don't really remember it...so it's time!  It is the first book in the series, chronologically, but not the first written.

I also have several Narnia resources thanks to winning them from Reading to Know and Bluerose's Heart this year and last year.  This year, I am anticipating reading A Family Guide to the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by Christin Ditchfield.  (My daughter already picked this up wanting to read it herself.  The chapters are so short, I may encourage her to do so, though it will be difficult to look up the Bible verses in the car while traveling.  (She does not do this yet and I will the only adult in the van...)  In addition, Roar! A Christian Family Guide to the Chronicles of Narnia by Heather Kopp will be a valuable resource as a guide to all seven books, chapter by chapter.   Finding God in the Land of Narnia is another book that I'd like to read, though I don't know if I can manage it for this challenge.  

So there you have it...my way-too-ambitious thoughts on reading Narnia this month.  Should I tell you I am just beginning it NOW?  Eek!

~ Annette {This Simple Mom}