KIDS SNEAK PEEK HELPING READERS EXPLORE NARNIA.Byline: - Nancy Hewitt When C.S. Lewis began writing ``The Lion, the Lion, The, English name for Leo, a constellation. Witch and the Wardrobe,'' he didn't realize he was going to write a seven-book series called ``The Chronicles of Narnia'' before he finished. ``The first thing he had in mind was to entertain the children,'' says Dr. Kirk H. Beetz, who has completed ``Exploring C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia,'' the second in the series of Beacham Source Books. ording to Beetz, Lewis delighted in the company of children and often invited local youth into his home to listen to his stories. But when the first book was published in 1950, it didn't fare well. It wasn't until 1955 that the series began drawing an audience. Then, an explosion of letters arrived from children who had just discovered the series, Beetz recalls. Lewis was thrilled and made it a point to answer every letter he received. ``He had finally found "Finally Found" was the debut single from the Honeyz. This was their most successful single in the UK and worldwide, securing a number 4 position in the UK singles chart and achieved platinum status in Australia [1] Tracklisting # Title Length an audience,'' Beetz says. Being a fan of the Chronicles is something Beetz enjoys sharing with others. He was age 10 when he discovered the series. And he has also been part of the Beacham Publishing family for many years as both a writer and editor. So when he was given the opportunity to not only write a book for Beacham but write about a subject he loved, he couldn't say no. ``I have written articles about these books. Writing this book was an excuse to reread Verb 1. reread - read anew; read again; "He re-read her letters to him" read - interpret something that is written or printed; "read the advertisement"; "Have you read Salman Rushdie?" the series again.'' Packed in this 600-page tome is biographical bi·o·graph·i·cal also bi·o·graph·ic adj. 1. Containing, consisting of, or relating to the facts or events in a person's life. 2. Of or relating to biography as a literary form. information about Lewis, background on the seven Chronicles, a history of the country of Narnia, background on recurring characters
A recurring character is a fictional character, usually in a prime time TV series, who is not a main character but who appears from time to time during the series' run. , maps and more. This compendium com·pen·di·um n. pl. com·pen·di·ums or com·pen·di·a 1. A short, complete summary; an abstract. 2. A list or collection of various items. will delight adult and child alike. ``I tried to write it to as broad an audience as I could,'' Beetz says. ``I am hoping that a whole lot of people will want to learn more about the series.'' Beetz says he still marvels at the popularity of the books but believes he knows why. ``I have always loved the characters,'' he says. ``What draws me back again and again is the characterization A rather long and fancy word for analyzing a system or process and measuring its "characteristics." For example, a Web characterization would yield the number of current sites on the Web, types of sites, annual growth, etc. . The characters are very human.'' Of course, he says, there's the adventure, the exotic places and the local color local color n. 1. The interest or flavor of a locality imparted by the customs and sights peculiar to it. 2. The use of regional detail in a literary or an artistic work. . Lewis made everything come alive for him. But underlying the stories was Lewis' belief in spirituality and salvation, especially noticeable in the character of Aslan the lion. ``Aslan is one of the great figures of literature,'' said Beetz. We all find Aslan appealing because everyone matters to him.'' ``Exploring C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia'' is now available at local book sellers for the suggested retail price of $16.95. |
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