The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

September 2026

Dear Grimshaw Families,

We are excited to announce that this year's all-school read is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis! Beginning September 28th, every student, from our Prekindergarteners to our oldest learners, will be stepping through the wardrobe and into the magical land of Narnia together.

Why Reading Every Day Matters

Reading for even 15 to 20 minutes a day builds vocabulary, strengthens focus, grows imagination, and helps children become stronger writers and thinkers. Children who read regularly develop empathy by living inside the experiences of characters different from themselves. Just as important, daily reading builds a habit and a love of stories that will serve your child for life.

The Fun of Reading Together

Some of our best memories are made curled up with a good book. We encourage you to read a chapter aloud each evening, no matter your child's age. Even our strongest independent readers love being read to! Reading together gives you the chance to:

• Wonder aloud about what might happen next

• Talk about the characters' choices and feelings

• Try out silly voices for Mr. Tumnus, Mr. Beaver, and Aslan

• Enjoy a few quiet minutes of connection at the end of the day

Throughout the 4-week read, we'll be celebrating with a homeroom trivia contest, some in school treats and in November a Movie night in the school cafeteria.

A Note About the Story

Like many classic adventure tales, this book has moments that are scary and emotionally intense. The story includes a villain who is cruel and frightening, a character who is captured, a betrayal within a family, a tense battle, and a sacrifice that some children may find sad or upsetting. These parts are an important piece of the story's themes of courage, forgiveness, and hope, and many children handle them beautifully. However, they may not be just right for our littlest readers or for more sensitive listeners.

We encourage you to know your child best. You may want to:

• Preview the book or read ahead before sharing it

• Pause to talk through big feelings as they come up

• Read together during the daytime rather than right before bed

• Let your child take a break from the book if it feels like too much

The all-school read is not mandatory reading.

This book is funded by Literacy Champions Grant from the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County.  A special thanks to Read to Them for organizing the grant and GAPS (Grimshaw Association of Parents and Staff) for supporting our events and activities.

We can't wait to share this adventure with you and your family. Thank you for partnering with us to nurture a love of reading!

Warmly,

Ms. McDonald

Grimshaw Librarian