The inspiration of Christian children's literature

I have always wanted to write good quality children’s books that have a strong Christian undertone but which anyone can enjoy. The first books I read in this specialised genre are of course The Chronicles of Narnia written by C S Lewis.

The first edition cover of the Lion, the Witch
and the Wardrobe.

C S Lewis was the master of writing Christian truth in a readable form whether for adults or children. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first written in the series, is a classic for young and old alike and has been televised and filmed on many occasions. Though undoubtedly dated, it's story and the truth it portrays is still timeless and enjoyed today. Aslan the lion and Jesus figure is strong and powerful yet gentle and kind. He doesn’t fudge the issue of sin, weakness and even treachery but deals with it, often in private, just as Jesus does. Aslan is selfless to the point of death.

C S Lewis’ villains are truly evil without any kindness or compassion; in fact they are cruel and heartless whether it is the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or Jadis from The Magician’s Nephew or the green serpent cum woman in the Silver Chair who kidnapped and enchanted Prince Rilian, King Caspian’s only son.

Mark Stibbe wrote  ‘I remember running into Queen Jadis in Narnia. I was young. I was impressionable. I was also utterly convinced that this character could have existed in this way in this world. And I was scared – scared in a way that drew me to the Lion’s arms, rather than to the witch’s sleigh.’

The original drawing of Queen Jadis from The Magician's Nephew

However Aslan always overcomes evil with good and the child heroes and heroines, though flawed and weak grow in faith and character. Edmund turns from traitor to loyal follower of Aslan and a king of Narnia and Eustace grows from obnoxious, legalistic brat to strong and brave overcomer of giants and serpents. 

All seven books reveal different aspects of Christian truth and reflect the Biblical narrative from the birth of Narnia in The Magician’s Nephew to the end of time and all the worlds in The Last Battle.

My other all time favourite books in the Christian children’s genre are The Archives of Anthropos by British born, Canadian based author John White who died in 2002. Like C S Lewis his first written book did not end up as the first book chronologically in his series.

These books tell the story of the country of Anthropos visited by three children from our world Wesley, Lisa and Karl and their uncle John who like the Professor in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe visited Anthropos (Narnia) as a child, creating the beginning of the series.

These wonderful stories centre not just on the three children ‘from world’s afar’ but also on Gaal (Hebrew for shepherd) who is the Christ like figure.  His love for the children in their weakness and sin is strong. Even when they fail, he brings victory again at great cost to himself. It is also clear that sometimes the consequences of our actions will hamper even his gracious work.

I remember reading The Tower of Geburah for the first time one Christmas and being blown away by the truths of the Christian faith and the subject of forgiveness wrapped up in a credible, enjoyable and totally fascinating children’s novel. The three children are sent to Anthropos to rescue King Kardia from the wicked clutches of the evil magician Shagar who has ensnared the kingdom. Though weak and flawed and causing themselves all sorts of needless difficulties, the children overcome and Gaal’s beneficent rule is restored in the land.

I still enjoy reading these books which grace my book shelf and which one day I hope my grandchildren will enjoy.

These books provided the inspiration for Nick North, the hero of my novels.  He is the regular lad caught up in events far beyond his normal life.  My books though are set in rural Aston Turnberry in UK not in an imaginary world like Narnia or Anthropos. I have to admit I would love to write a fantasy tale of that nature but that is a future project.

What I have tried to do is show God’s amazing love for us in our strengths and weaknesses and the power of forgiveness which breaks chains in our lives and in our family. In fact the matter of generational tendencies and problems is a major theme of both the first Nick North book and the second one which is still on the production line.

More on the generational theme in the next blog ….