Is the lion the witch and the wardrobe appropriate for 5 and 3 year old?

[bapplebanana]

3 year old normally asleep before the end of story time each night, so asking more for the five year old. Has anyone read it with dc lately and can say if they think it's appropriate to read to them at bedtime? Thanks

There's a horrible bit where they torture and kill Aslan - that might be a bit much for little ones

It’s pretty complicated, and gets fairly scary. In school it’s generally a LKS2 text (I realise that’s not the same as a bedtime story). Ladybird Classics do some nice abridged versions of classic stories which might be a bit more accessible whilst being a gentle introduction to chapter books? There are some pictures but they aren’t picture book versions.

What have they enjoyed so far?

I read with a class of 7/8 year olds and, at times, the language was a bit much for them. It can get quite dark in places too.

I wouldn't think the 5 year old would get much out of it to be honest.

There are an awful lot of books I'd read first !

No, far more suitable books for that age group. It is a wonderful book but too involved and long for a five year old.

No, it's too old.

I just read multiple short books at that age. They don't have the emotional capacity to cope with suspense left hanging over multiple nights at just 5, they need the resolution.

Narnia is really quite intense - the beavers, the freezing, the nastiness of the witch, the battles, the torture.

Ah okay thank you for the replies. Does anyone have any suggestions, we have worked our way through most of Roald Dahl, a lot of Enid Blyton (Magic far away tree series was their fave) - looking for something similar, a few chapters a night, magical etc

My Naughty Little Sister stories are lovely

Dick King Smith books
Mrs Pepperpot

Mine loved the faraway tree too. They also liked gobblino, worst witch, martins mice and my naughty little sister. I loved the Jeremy James books but the kids weren’t so keen. I’m leaving narnia until they’re a bit older.

Have you tried Jill Tomlinson?