Hookbill - I am sure you are correct regarding the theology and intent of Lewis with the character of Edmund. I simply could not stand him - in fact loathed him. That may have nothing to do with Lewis theology but its just how I felt about the character.
Is it good to teach kids that you can screw up royally and then be redeemed and end up on top despite all your errors and failings? You could write a series of books examining both sides of that.
Tuors point about the serving animals in THE HOBBIT could work if done with a very deft hand so that the animals did not appear to be semi-human. The talking birds could also be handled in a more subtle way than the book does. Perhaps then everyone would be happy. (fat chance
)