“There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.”

From C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

While the oldest two Pevensie children, Peter and Susan, are busy with the various requirements of growing up, their younger siblings, Edmund and Lucy, are not allowed the same opportunities.  Sent to stay with their family while their parents are away, Edmund and Lucy dread being forced to spend time with their wretched cousin, Eustace.  One day, the youngest Pevensies and their cousin are looking at a painting of a ship one moment and transported through the painting to Narnia in the next.  Rescued from the ocean where they landed, the three children are greeted by King Caspian and the rest of the Dawn’s Treader‘s crew.  Since taking the throne, Caspian has been securing peace for Narnia and is on this voyage to find seven Narnian lords that were banished for the former evil king.  Edmund and Lucy are thrilled to help Caspian with his quest, but Eustace carried his bitter attitude into Narnia, which quickly gets him in trouble with Reepicheep the mouse.  When they find the first lord, Caspian is able to reclaim an island, but as the voyage continues, it tests Eustace’s greed, Lucy’s kindness, Edmund’s bravery, Reepicheep’s patience, and Caspian’s strength.  Full of danger and adventure, the journey provides the children the chance to grow for the betterment of both Narnia and their home world.

The fifth book in Lewis’ famed Chronicles of Narnia series is full of fantasy, wonder, and adventure.  Despite the original publication date, this series is still captivating and unique for today’s readers, as is evidenced by its many screen adaptations.  Not to be missed, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader brings back familiar characters for a new adventure that will keep fans of the series engaged from start to finish.