This book (as well as the whole Narnia series) is a fantasy story that is appropriate for children. Both children and adults can benefit from reading this book, however.
In a line: Aslan dies for the whole world, but really just for Edmund. Or was that the other way around? In depth: The 4 Pevensies (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy) stumble upon a secret world in a wardrobe. Here they have an adventure and meet Aslan, who saves Narnia (and Edmund) from the evil White Witch. Symbolism: Aslan is a Christ-figure, while the children (and especially Edmund) represent the lost sheep of the world who come to know him through their personal struggles and short-fallings. This tale mirrors the death and resurrection of Christ while making making excellent (and subtle) points about humanity and the Christian struggle.
"Safe? ... 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good." --Mr. Beaver to the children, describing Alsan.
"People who have not been in Narnia sometimes think that a thing cannot be good and terrible at the same time." --The author's comment on the childrens' reaction to Aslan
"And Aslan said nothing either to excuse Peter or to blame him but merely stood looking at him with his great unchanging eyes. And it seemed to all of them that there was nothing to be said." --Aslan's reaction when Peter admits Edmund's actions were partly his fault
"All names will soon be restored to their proper owners. In the meantime we will not dispute about them." --Aslan to Mr. Beaver when Mr. Beaver objects to the White Witch calling herself the queen of Narnia
" 'Oh, Aslan! ... Can't we do something about the Deep Magic? Isn't there something you can do to work against it?' 'Work against the Emperor's Magic?' said Aslan, turning to her with something like a frown on his face. And nobody ever made that suggestion to him again." --Susan and Aslan after the witch explains that the Deep Magic requires that Edmund be killed for his treachery
