The Horse and His Boy

Name: The Horse and His Boy
ISBN: 9780745917153

by C.S. Lewis

Shasta, a boy raised by an abusive fisherman, escapes with Bree, a talking horse, on a quest for freedom in Narnia. Along the way, they meet another pair of fugitives and uncover a plot to invade Arch

About This Book

"The Horse and His Boy" is a standalone adventure within C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia," set during the golden age of Narnia under the Pevensie siblings. It follows Shasta, a boy who believes he is an orphan, and Bree, a Narnian talking horse, as they flee their harsh lives in Calormen for the freedom of Narnia. Their journey intertwines with that of Aravis and her talking mare, Hwin, leading them to discover a plot to invade the neighboring kingdom of Archenland. This book explores themes of identity, destiny, divine providence, and the longing for a true home, all wrapped in a classic high fantasy quest. It is suitable for middle-grade readers aged 8-12, offering rich allegorical layers for discussion while remaining an exciting adventure.

A boy and a talking horse share an adventurous and dangerous journey to Narnia to warn of invading barbarians.

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

Scary Scenes

Violence

abuse_themes

separation_from_parent

abandonment

Discussion Prompts

How do Shasta and Aravis change throughout their journey? What do they learn about themselves and each other?

Aslan says he was the lion who caused many of the 'misfortunes' in Shasta's life. What does this tell us about destiny or divine providence?

What does 'Narnia and the North!' mean to Bree and Shasta? What does 'home' mean to you?

How do the characters show bravery even when they are scared?

What makes a good leader, as seen in King Lune or King Edmund, compared to Rabadash?

External Reviews