The Wisdom of Narnia is a gift book, and it was given to me as a gift. Reading from the front inside cover, it says, "To read the Narnians' thoughts about their world is to see deeper into our own. Here is a collection of the best quotes and excerpts from all seven books . . ."

Since it is a gift book, which is also confirmed on the inside front cover, it is not exhaustive, and to say that it is the best quotes and excerpts is to say that a spoonful from some of my wife's recipes are the best spoonfuls.

Yet they are good quotes. The Chronicles of Narnia are children's books fit for adults because of their creative wisdom contained therein. The quotes bring back the the memory of the stories, refreshing and nostalgic as if one were reading the books again.

The quotes are divided up into headings, which lends a sort of commentary to the passage being quoted. For example, a quote from King Lune of Archenland, which states, "The king's under the law, for the law makes him the king," is compiled under the heading, "True Leadership," thus making the passage one that can be meditated upon.

To be sure there are quotes and excerpts that I find missing form the book, but the fact that it brings to my mind that they are missing is a mark that a good job was done in selecting good quotes.

The pictures from the original artist of the book are also enchanting and add to the enjoyment of the book.

The book is one that can be dipped into on a slow day and enjoyed. ( )