The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
#5 of 7 in The Chronicles of Narnia Series
What’s inside...
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the fifth book in C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia series. It follows King Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, Eustace, and their crew on a journey to the end of the world. The illustrations in this ebook appear in vibrant full color on full-color ebook devices and in rich black and white on all other devices. NARNIA... the world of wicked dragons and magic spells, where the very best is brought out of even the worst people, where anything can happen (and most often does)... and where the adventure begins. The Dawn Treader is the first ship Narnia has seen in centuries. King Caspian has built it for his voyage to find the seven lords, good men whom his evil uncle Miraz banished when he usurped the throne. The journey takes Edmund, Lucy, and their cousin Eustace to the Eastern Islands, beyond the Silver Sea, toward Aslan's country at the End of the World.
Character compass
Lucy Pevensie
Edmund Pevensie
Reepicheep
King Caspian X
Eustace Clarence Scrubb
Aslan
Prince Caspian
Eustace Scrubb
Discussion points
How did the adventures on the Dawn Treader change the characters, and what do you think those changes say about how people can grow?
What did you think about the different worlds and creatures encountered by the voyagers? If you could create your own world, what would it be like?
Courage, friendship, and faith are important themes in the book. Can you share a time when you showed courage or helped a friend?
Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
The idea of temptation is prevalent in the story, such as with the dragon's gold. Have you ever wanted something so badly you were willing to do anything for it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ensure a relaxed reading environment to make sharing thoughts about the book a natural extension of the reading experience.
Draw parallels between the book’s story and the child’s personal experiences to foster empathy and deeper understanding.
Encourage creativity by asking about worlds and creatures they might imagine, respecting and showing enthusiasm for their ideas.
Discuss the moral choices characters make, and relate them to real-life decisions to encourage critical thinking.
Praise the child for thoughtful answers, fostering a sense of confidence in their comprehension and expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: Throughout 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,' the characters face numerous challenges that test their bravery, particularly when encountering mysterious lands and dangerous creatures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, whether it's trying something new or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The crew of the Dawn Treader continues their voyage even when the circumstances become dire. Their persistence is crucial in overcoming obstacles and reaching their goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up, even when faced with difficult tasks or situations in school or while learning new skills.
Example Lesson: The power of redemption
Explanation: Eustace, a previously selfish character, transforms into a caring and brave person after his experience as a dragon, learning about selflessness and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that people can change for the better and that making mistakes is part of growing up and learning.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in the story often make mistakes but learn important lessons from them which aid their growth and help them make better decisions.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to accept their mistakes, learn from them, and understand that errors are opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the bonds between the characters strengthen, and they learn to rely on each other’s unique strengths.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children the value of teamwork and how building strong relationships can help overcome life's challenges.