This was my first introduction to Narnia at a very young age, which was probably for the best or else it might have taken me longer than it already has to fall in love with fantasy. I would consider this book, for all its flaws and occasional moments when it dates itself (like the bit with the turkish delight), to be compulsory reading for any child. The story is wonderful and compelling and highlights the struggles between good and evil at the heart of epic fantasy without ever ruining the villain and making the reader question her. Also, for something written almost sixty years ago, it is quite evenhanded with its treatment of its male and female heroes. I cannot sing the praises of this book loud enough, nor will I even try.