Talking of Dragons: The children's books of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis

by William Chad Newsom

How good are your story-telling skills? The record-breaking success of the films of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and the recent release of C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has meant that parents, perhaps unfamiliar with these stories, have found themselves in a culture awash with references to 'Middle Earth' and 'Narnia'. This book is for those who want to know more about the stories of these great authors. Those already acquainted with the writings of Tolkien and Lewis will find it a fascinating insight into their friendship and subject matter but what William Chad Newsom seeks to do is introduce these books to new readers, with a particular emphasis on the role of parents as storytellers. Each chapter contains advice on how to get the most from each book when parents read them to, or together with, their children. Lewis once wrote a snippet of poetry to Tolkien in which he refers to the importance of 'talking of dragons': of capturing the imagination of young minds. This delightful book explains that if parents want their children to grow up trusting in God then they, too, must 'talk of dragons': stretching their children's imagination outside the materialistic world into a spiritual one. Full of suggestions and insights Talking of Dragons will prove a joy to your family as you discover the wonderful tales of Lewis and Tolkien.

Genres: Literary Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

About the author

William Chad Newsom is the author of several books: The Crown of Fire (historical novel for young readers); Talking of Dragons: the Children's Books of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis (family book on building a storytelling culture in the home); The Nicholas Book: A Legend of Santa Claus; and Family Lore: Kindling a Love of Story in Children (forthcoming), as well as a number of published articles. He has contributed to several volumes of the Omnibus curriculum series.

Chad and his wife Angela are the parents of seven children: five (Grace, William, Nathanael, Abigail, Kaitlyn, and Sarah) have already been born; one (Áberan Hope) is now with the Great Storyteller. Chad and Angela teach their children at their home in North Carolina. Learn more at williamchadnewsom.com.

Reviews

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a practically life long enthusiast of Lewis and Tolkien, fast and easy to read, providing insights even the most studied enthusiasts will enjoy learning or being reminded of. His view of dragons appears to be identical with Michael O'Brien's in A Landscape with Dragons: The Battle for Your Child's Mind. The best thing about this book is the emphasis on what myths actually are and how they are used to represent the Gospel. Doug Wilson says of it: 'Newsom provides very shrewd and practical help to parents who want to grow in their love of story, along with their children."

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, involving and inspiring exploration of the children's books of Tolkien and Lewis, drawing some surprising conclusions about myth and the roloe of myth in the Bible and the Christian faith.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good.

[Winnie Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nifty little cluster of some of Tolkien's and Lewis's thoughts on storytelling for children; that is to say, storytelling for the world.