Customer Reviews

The Return to Narnia: The Rescue of Prince Caspian

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book for my 5 year old son, who loves all things Narnia. It was an impulse buy, and I wish that I had examined it more closely.

Matthew Armstrong is a lovely illustrator. I particularly like his depiction of Edmund- hair slightly messy, head held at a rakish angle. It gives Edmund an impish look. The lively battle scenes also stand out, full of movement and gleaming swords. But the drawing of Aslan is a little disappointing. I can't quite put my finger on it...he's just a little stiff or flat.

While the illustrations are charming, the writing is not. Too many of the sentences start with a "th" word: then, they, there, that, the... As I read it aloud, the wording felt awkward. Perhaps this book is overly simplified for very young audiences? (Although I would argue that even small children can appreciate good writing along with good illustrations)

I won't voluntarily pull this book off the shelf often, as it is not a pleasure to read. But my son will probably enjoy looking at the pictures as he listens to the books on tape.

For illustrations- 4 stars
For writing- 2 stars

Of course this book is great because of C.S. Lewis. But Matthew Armstrong's illustrations make this book shine. Matthew worked in Utah for Sony video games, but we met and he illustrated "The Blacksmith's Gift" for me - and made that book shine as well. After "The Blacksmith's Gift" won a Benjamin Franklin Award, he had the opportunity to move up to Narnia! I'd recommend getting any book that Matthew does - he brings his unique abilities to each and every work!

The art work in this book is incredible. Armstrong took the images from my childhood dreams and put them on paper. The colors are rhythmic and images are fierce. I recommend this book, for the story everyone grew up with, and no one should grow up without. The art work brings the story to life. I love this book.

My children (ages 5 and 7) love this book, and it is a wonderful way to introduce them to the Narnia stories. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story closely matches the original Narnia story.

We love this book. My daugther asked question after question after question. We will have lots of reading time.