"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is a classic book written by C.S. Lewis, and it is the first book in the beloved "Chronicles of Narnia" series. This fantasy novel is suitable for readers of all ages, but it is often recommended for children between the ages of 8 and 12. However, many younger and older readers also find great enjoyment in this book. The age level recommendation for "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is primarily based on the language, themes, and content of the story.
The age level recommendation for "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is primarily based on the language, themes, and content of the story. The writing style is accessible and engaging, making it easy for young readers to follow along. The vocabulary used is not overly complex, making it suitable for children who are building their reading skills.
DIY Thrift and Dollar Store Grimoire or Wiccan Book of Shadows
Very often people want the ability to remove or rearrange Grimoire or Wiccan Book of Shadows pages, especially when they are first beginning. So I thought this would be a great book to start with! Added to the fact that most of the materials are very inexpensive and from the Dollar or Thrift Store!
I wanted to create a book that would just be for documenting my thoughts and ideas. Maybe even doing some journal prompts. I thought the Kraft paper had a special charm to it and since I wasn’t worried about any watercolors or paint bleeding through, I thought it was a fun choice! I also think it would be great to record dreams or divination sessions.
Materials needed:
- Hardcover book with good quality covers (I got mine from the thrift store)
- Roll of Kraft paper (I got mine from the Dollar store and it measured 30″ x 15′ – which gave me approximately 160 pages)
- Utility knife
- Eyelets (mine are 5/32″ and honestly are a touch small. I would go slightly bigger)
- Heavy-duty hole punch (I got mine at Michael’s and it also applies eyelets, you can get the same one on Amazon here (affiliate link)
- Ruler
- Modge podge or adhesive of choice
- Paintbrush or sponge to spread adhesive
- Bone folder (not needed but helpful)
- 1″ binder rings (you could also use twine or string instead) (These are the ones I used)
- Cardstock paper (what you’d like to decorate the cover and end pages)
- Exacto knife, scissors, rotary trimmer, or a paper trimmer of choice (I’ve had mine for years and is similar to this one you can find on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Any additional items you’d like to decorate with (newspaper, photos, fabric, decorative paper, washi tape, etc)
Using your utility knife separate the book covers from the pages. Carefully cut next to the end pages and behind the pages. You’ll feel an empty space as you cut through. If you want to save the spine for another project, be careful not to cut all the way through. Once you trim all the way to the bottom, the pages will separate easily and the result is quite satisfying. Do this again on the other end page. After you remove the pages it will look similar to the photo below.
Use a rotary trimmer or utility knife and a ruler to separate the covers from the spine. Now you’ll also want to measure out any paper you’d like to use for the trim and attach using Modge Podge or adhesive of choice. Trim corner edges before attaching to make it easier to fold and a bit more beautiful.
Once everything is dry, create a template for the hole punch (you’ll see mine listed in the photos below – it’s maroon-colored. Sorry I forgot to take some close up photos of it). I’ll do my best to explain this, but honestly, I’d recommend watching my video above.
Using card stock, lay it down on top of your book cover and cut it to the same length. Measure in about 1/4″ and draw a line from top to bottom. Then measure out the halfway point and draw a dot to mark where the first hole punch will be. Then measure out the remaining hole punches you’d like. I did mine 1 1/2 ” in from the top and from the bottom. I think it will really depend on how large your book is.
Now place the template on top of your book cover and use the heavy duty hole punch to puncture holes into the covers. Do this for both book covers. I attempted to do this with a regular hole punch and it was unsuccessful.
You can now attach the eyelets into each hole. At this point, I added additional paper inside the endpaper to cover the folds and edges of my trim paper. I attached this using Modge Podge. Use a bone folder to smooth out any bubbles.
At this point you can start cutting your Kraft paper into individual pages. Measure and cut according to your book size. Make sure each page is about 1/2″ shorter than your book lengthwise and widthwise. You don’t have to do this, but I think it looks more beautiful to have the pages completely concealed by the covers.
I’m not gonna lie, this part is time-consuming. Like I watched 2 movies while I did this (The Woman in Black and Murder On The Orient Express in case you were wondering).
A few tips for cutting the Kraft Paper:
- An iron comes in VERY handy and makes this a lot easier. Not only did it prevent all the edges from curling, but it helped smooth out any imperfections. Make sure to move it along the paper quickly to prevent burning. I had mine on medium heat.
- I used scissors to cut the paper into long 30″ strips. Then I used my paper trimmer to cut and finish up the rest.
Once all your pages are cut, use the template to hole punch each page. Use the binder rings to attach the book covers and pages together!
Now feel free to decorate the covers however you’d like! I wanted to keep mine simple because I loved the texture of the green cover and didn’t want to cover it up. I also like that it looks a bit dingy and old. It feels well used and loved. Of course, I did add one of my favorite Lord of the Rings quotes using some of the paper I cut out of the book. I also used some of the leftover Kraft Paper for the backing.
I didn’t cut out my Kraft paper perfectly as you can see here. Honestly though, I like the imperfect look. I think it gives my spiritual book some character!
You can check out more from the THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CREATING YOUR GRIMOIRE AND BOOK OF SHADOWS SERIES below:
- Part 1 – What is a Grimoire or Book of Shadows? What’s the difference between them and their history?
- Part 2 – Choosing Your Book Format and Paper
Lots of love to you and remember as always…
You can now attach the eyelets into each hole. At this point, I added additional paper inside the endpaper to cover the folds and edges of my trim paper. I attached this using Modge Podge. Use a bone folder to smooth out any bubbles.
The themes explored in the book, such as courage, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil, are relevant and relatable to children in this age range. The magical elements and fantastical creatures, such as talking animals and mythical creatures, also add to the appeal for younger readers. However, older readers can also appreciate the depth and symbolism found within the book. The themes and messages can be interpreted on a deeper level, making it a thought-provoking read for readers of all ages. The world-building and imaginative storytelling captivate readers, transporting them to the enchanting land of Narnia. Overall, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is a timeless book that can be enjoyed by readers of various ages. It has a universal appeal, making it a beloved classic that continues to be read and cherished by both children and adults alike..
Reviews for "Finding the Perfect Fit: Matching the Age Level with "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
- Sarah - 2/5 - I found "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" to be quite dull and slow-paced. The writing style felt outdated and the characters lacked depth. Additionally, I felt that the age level of the book was not appropriate for the target audience. The themes and events portrayed were too mature for young readers and could be confusing or even disturbing for some. Overall, I was disappointed with this classic children's book and would not recommend it for its age level.
- Jake - 1/5 - I really didn't enjoy reading "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." The plot was predictable and lacked excitement. The language used was overly simplistic and did not engage me as a reader. I also felt that the book's age level was off. The themes explored were too heavy for young readers and I don't think they would fully understand or appreciate the deeper messages in the story. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious read and would not recommend it to others.
- Emily - 2/5 - I had high expectations for "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" but was ultimately disappointed. The writing style was dry and didn't captivate my attention. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked development. Additionally, I felt that the age level of the book was inappropriate. The themes of war and sacrifice may be too heavy for young readers to fully understand. Overall, I didn't find this book enjoyable and wouldn't recommend it for its age level.
- David - 3/5 - While "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" has its merits, I personally didn't connect with it. The story felt disjointed and at times confusing. The age level of the book is also questionable. The vocabulary and writing style may be challenging for young readers, and some of the themes explored may be too complex for them to fully grasp. Although this book is considered a classic, I would caution parents to consider the age appropriateness before recommending it to their children.
- Megan - 2/5 - As a fan of fantasy books, I was excited to read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," but I was left underwhelmed. The plot progression was slow, and the characters lacked depth. The language used was too simple for my taste and didn't draw me into the story. The age level of the book is questionable, as some of the themes explored, such as war and betrayal, may be too heavy for young readers. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre and wouldn't recommend it for its age level.