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The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis (recommended by Miranda Pilcher).
This book has the usual talking animals, young heros and the struggle of good against evil. What I liked the most is the part of Aslan, the character who represents God - sort of. (Not trinitarian, but that is pretty complicated so maybe it was a good choice!) 
God/Aslan comes and goes in this story, even though he is always welcomed and wanted.  
That helps me understand that although I feel like God is sometimes close and sometimes I feel he is far away, really, his kingdom is near, and so is he. As a plus for me: no Reepicheep in this book!!
I am happy to talk with anyone who is interested in A Horse and His Boy!
Margaret Wilding