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The Magician's Nephew



Last updated Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Author: C.S. Lewis
Illustrator: David Wiesner and Pauline Naymes
Date of Publication: 1955
ISBN: 0060234970
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2012

Synopsis: From Amazon.com:
In this unforgettable story, British schoolchildren Polly and Digory inadvertently tumble into the Wood Between the Worlds, where they meet the evil Queen Jadis and, ultimately, the great, mysterious King Aslan. We witness the birth of Narnia and discover the legendary source of all the adventures that are to follow in the seven books that comprise the series.

Note to readers:
•  Chapters 1-3 are integral to the story. You may want to skip some of the longer paragraphs or longer dialogue to get to Chapter 4 & beyond.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Who is on the cover? The nephew? The magician?
•  What is in the reflection on the cover?
•  Have you read the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe or seen any of the Narnia movies?
•  Did anyone see the magic show at the October reading clubs? What was your favorite magic trick?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What do you think Polly & Digory will find in the “empty” house at the end of the row? W
•  hat happened to Polly when she touched the yellow ring? Where did she go?
•  Will Digory be able to bring Polly back from the Otherworld? How?
•  Do you think the other pools lead to interesting places?

Craft ideas:
•  Make rings out of construction paper or yarn/ribbon in green & yellow or two other colors. Draw or write about the places each colored ring could take you.
•  Draw an outline of one or more pools of water & have the kids draw other “worlds” in the “reflection”.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!