[stylist] Looking for ideas on good children's books

Wed Aug 19 19:19:56 UTC 2015

Shawn,

I loved the Narnia books as a kid, but when I re-read as an adult, the magic was gone, and the theology was too present, if you know what you're looking for, smile.

Lewis was very intentional with the theology in Narnia as well as most his books, including the Paralandra books. People do place a lot of emphasis on the Christian theology in Lewis's books, as well as Tolkien's, sometimes to the point of ridiculousness, but it's not exactly without merit. After Lewis's conversion from Atheism to Christianity, he made this a huge theme in most his writing. And it wasn't always subtle.

I'm not against writing about one's beliefs and convictions, in fact, writing is a great medium to express such things. But I find the theology in Narnia in particular too present and contradicting current views and beliefs I have.

I do like Mere Christianity because it explains Christianity, at least Anglicanism, in laymen's terms, and is so simple and precise. Lewis was well-educated and incredibly intelligent, yet he had this knack for writing to the masses, something Tolkien, though I'm a huge fan, didn't quite accomplish. Lewis was also an interesting, enigmatic person, who I find fascinating.

For those Narnia and HP lovers, check out Lev Grossman's Magician series. It's great. A cool, edgy, post-modern take on fantasy, referencing Narnia and Harry Potter, among other known stories, yet retaining a uniqueness. It gently satirizes while also paying homage to the series and the stories it references. I honestly think even those who do not enjoy fantasy will like this trilogy because it's not taking itself seriously, and it has great characters, which is at the root of every great tale.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jacobson, Shawn D via stylist
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2015 11:32 AM
To: Writers' Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jacobson, Shawn D <Shawn.D.Jacobson at hud.gov>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Looking for ideas on good children's books

Bridgit

Sorry to hear that the suck faery got to the Narnia books.  I read some, but not all, of them as a kid; I've not returned to them as an adult.  I remember them being fun, at the time I read them, theology was something I was pretty clueless about so I didn't pick up on a lot of that.  These books are something that a certain tribe of fundamentalists just pick up and run with; I think they run with them too far.  I think these books are great as fantasy for a certain age of kids.  I get disturbed when folk turn Aslan into a stand-in for God and make these books the third testament of the Bible.  That's idolatry.

I've read a couple of books in the space trilogy and particularly enjoyed "Paralandra".  I appreciated "The Screwtape Letters" and "Mere Christianity".  "The Great Divorce" was also interesting.  Because of the Narnia books, people forget that C. L. Lewis was a theologian first and a fantasy writer second.

Shawn

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via stylist
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2015 9:10 AM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [stylist] Looking for ideas on good children's books

I use to love the Chronicles of Narnia, but reading them as an adult, I find them lacking. I also recognize the working metaphors indicating his Christian beliefs, many I disagree with. It comes on a bit strong at times, almost preachy. And women are often villainized, which I find troubling. The Narnia novels just no longer have the depth and three-dimensional layers necessary in a story to carry it for me anymore. I still enjoy a lot of Lewis's adult writing, especially his nonfiction, but his children's stories no longer hold the same appeal.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kendra Schafer via stylist
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2015 1:19 AM
To: Writers' Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Kendra Schafer <redwing731 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Looking for ideas on good children's books

Hi all! 
C.S. Lewis's Cronicals of Narnia serries, J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth books and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter serries are all good books. Jules Vern wrote 20 thousand leagues Under the Sea. 
Kendra 

"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear" Author unknown  Baltimore, Maryland taught me how to see the stars even with blindness. 
 Seattle, Washington taught me to take home some of their very nice  manors and care free creative ideas. 
 Both taught me to explore new worlds at times I needed to learn. 

I believe that everything is all interconnected and full of magic. 
Blessed Be!!! 
Kendra Schaber,
 A Representative of the blind and Pagan communities, The National Federation Of The Blind Of Oregon, Capitol Chapter, 

Live the Life We Want 

Diehard Fan Of Harry Potter, Middle Earth,  Narnia, and Land of Oz universes. I love anything to do with bald eagles. 
 Go Pittsburgh Penguins! 
Go Detroit Red Wings! 
Go Baltimore Ravens! 
Go Seattle Sea Hawks! 
Go Oregon State Beavers! 
Go Portland Winter Hawks! 

 Finally, I am Happily Living With My Wonderful Boyfriend  In Salem, Oregon. 
This  E Mail Was Sent  from Kendra's Constantly Active And Mobile Google E Mail Box That Is Located On Kendra's iPhone 5 Which Never Sleeps Even When Kendra Is Sleeping.    

> On Aug 18, 2015, at 10:03 PM, Barbara HAMMEL via stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Louis Sachar — don't know how to spell it — Wayside School stories are cute. Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School is a great series. I can't remember off the top of my head who wrote it. Astrid Lingren's Pippi Longstocking stories. All L. Frank Baum's Oz books are grand. Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne series beginning with Anne of Green Gables. Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye's Left Behind kids is a great series. If you've read the adult version of Left Behind, they are not as intense. Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. Is it Jules Verne who wrote 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? All the Little House books. Magic Tree House. And Morton Juster's Phantom Tollbooth is AWESOME!
> Barbara
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Aug 18, 2015, at 15:55, Shelley Alongi via stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hey guys, while we are discussing books let me throw something out there. Lately, I have been reading children's books. Not sure why maybe just because it's something different and I've always been drawn to children's stories. Maybe it was because I like to read is that you and I want to be reminded of when I read though I'm sure I don't remember most of it. Just wondering if you've read any good children books and if you might recommend one or two. Maybe,  I will write one some day.
>> 
>> shelley Queen of Bells out Sent from my iPhone 
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