The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew

This installment in the Chronicles of Narnia series is very different from the others because when the kids are taken to Narnia, we realize we're actually reading a story that takes place just as Narnia is being created by Aslan. I love that the Uncle in the story is an earlier version of the Professor from the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This book has all the elements I love in the Narnia books: adventure, imagination, and intelligent world building. Fantastic.

I first read this book as a child and just recently listened to it as a book on CD. As an adult, the wonder and magic of this story is just as present as when I was a child. In fact, it is more so as I understand more of the nuances of the story now than I did back then. I recommend this book for children of all ages (and adults, too), especially if you are just starting the series. I think that reading this book first helps you understand everything else that happens in the series much better.

Reader reviewed by Ben

By the good graces of two inquisitive children, we discover a secret passage, to Digory's uncle Andrew's "study", where they are transported to a forest that leads to other worlds. As one world of evil ends we see a new world begin. In some senses allegorical to Christianity, we simply are endeared to this lovely book, the start to a great epic, in the world of Narnia. Though written intentionally for kids around grade school age, anyone can definetely enjoy this book, or at least I did. :)

Reader reviewed by Laura Loeb

I have heard these books since I was very young when my father and mother read then all to me, then I read them to myself all at least twice probably more. My favorite was The Boy and his Horse. I didn't take me to long to realize the religious conection but the books are not preachy the are great adventures with good caracters.

Reader reviewed by Pamela Karr

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis consist of seven great books about four brothers and sisters and other children who find their way into a world of talking animals, wicked snow witches, and other fantasytic and magical wonders. The books aren't just great reading for people who want to get away from the everyday ick of live, they also make you think about what else is out in the world and about some moral issues.

Aslan, the Lion who is King of Narnia, is my favorite. The best things about the books themselves are the time lines. The characters in the books change for every book, but they all come together at the end. Also, be careful, because the books aren't written in chronilogical order. However, after you read them, it is fun to figure out what order they should go in and read them again.