Parents' Guide to

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 3

Book C.S. Lewis Fantasy 1952
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 3 Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Darienne Stewart By Darienne Stewart , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Thrilling, thoughtful Narnian quest.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 12 parent reviews

Obviously_ABC
Obviously_ABC Parent of 5 and 10-year-old
July 29, 2022
age 11+

Great story, few profanities

Does contain profanity (by today’s standards) A$$ is used several times.
jlipiec
jlipiec Parent of 4-year-old
May 10, 2011
age 4+

A Classic

I read this book, and all 7 Chronicles of Narnia books to my 4 year old, and we both loved it. I had to rephrase some of the writing and explain some words to him, but we both loved the adventure and incredibly good role models and messages. I think these books are almost essential to complimenting a Christian education as well.
See all 12 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Edmund and Lucy are visiting their disagreeable cousin Eustace when they find themselves falling into a painting of a great ship: The siblings have returned to the magical country of Narnia, reuniting with Prince Caspian, and Eustace is along for the ride. The children join Caspian and his shipmates on an epic journey into the unknown Eastern Seas. They are seeking seven Narnian lords who had been banished by Caspian’s usurping uncle years ago – and perhaps, even, the land of Aslan, the mystical lion who watches over Narnia. The adventurers encounter enchanted islands, strange merfolk, a fearsome sea serpent, and more, testing their character and their loyalties time and again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12 ):
Kids say (9 ):

This fantasy is a classic for good reason. The characters are true and heroic, and their epic adventure sees them escape one danger after another through cleverness, wisdom, sheer bravery, luck, and divine intervention. Even the least appealing characters – the miserable Eustace, later the wearying Dufflepuds – are treated, ultimately, with kindness and affection. C.S. Lewis draws out the good in his characters as they are challenged, and without fail the diverse companions prove their worth and mature further with each stage of the adventure. Throw in strange creatures, curious enchantments, and mysterious, magical islands, and you have an irresistible yarn. Young American readers will find it a bit dated: Originally published in 1952, it’s very British in tone. But kids who are up for the adventure probably will be charmed by those quirks.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about this series. While the Narnia series stands on its own as a fantasy adventure, it also is appreciated as an exploration of Christian themes. How do you see Christian ideas represented here? Do you think Lewis wanted his book to speak specifically to Christians, or do you think he wanted his stories to strike a spiritual chord with readers of other religious faiths?

  • Do you plan on seeing the movie based on this book? Do you think that movies are ever as good as the books they are based on? If you were going to make this movie, is there anything that you would leave out -- or put in?

Book Details

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