I somehow missed out on Narnia growing up, even though I know the basic structure and many plot beats through osmosis.

I’m 37 now, and with two young kids of my own I decided to take a look both for myself and them.

It’s a really, really good book. Narnia is warm, cozy, magical, and comfortable. Nothing is complicated: good people and good deeds are rewarded, bad people always lose at the end. Scary events don’t linger and your hopes are never misplaced.

The narration is wonderful, it’s the exact tone and style of a kindly grandfather reading a well-loved story besides a pleasantly warm hearth.

It’s perfect children’s fantasy.