Bell, James Stuart, et al. Inside The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe: Myths, Mysteries and...

BELL, James Stuart, et al. Inside The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe; myths, mysteries and magic from the Chronicles of Narnia. St. Martin's. 225p. bibliog. c2005.0-312-34744-8. $9.95. JSA *

Just in time for the movie and the attendant spate of new readers and dedicated re-readers,

this lively book is packed with information, ideas and interesting facts about Narnia, specifically the Narnia introduced in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The authors provide biographical information on C.S. Lewis, tying events and personalities in his life to their Narnian counterparts. They discuss the various characters and answer frequently asked questions about the series, including the "which order do I read them in" question, and they also explore the Christian/religious elements in an easygoing and non-proselytizing manner.

Along the way, the reader can take various quizzes, learn "46 uses for handkerchiefs and other 'faun' things," explore related websites and absorb "Ta-Duhs," factoids that will either amaze the reader or else elicit the response "Duh!" The tone of the book is casual, addressing the reader directly and familiarly. This was a little off-putting in the introduction, but the book's substance balances the incipient flippancy of the narrative. Furthermore, the authors strike exactly the right note for younger readers, particularly middle grade/junior high readers or reluctant readers, without being patronizing or condescending. This is a more than worthwhile purchase for public and school libraries and a wonderful complement to Lewis's classic series. Donna Scanlon, Libn., County Lib., Lancaster, PA