Narnia is still working its magic nearly 75 years after C.S. Lewis first invited readers through the wardrobe. If you're ready to share this timeless adventure with your kids in 2025, here's a quick and fun guide to get started!

Where to Begin? Publication Order Wins!

The biggest debate: do you read the books in the order they were published or in chronological story order? The best bet for first-timers is publication order, starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It’s the classic way kids first fall in love with Narnia—through the snowy wonder of that magical wardrobe!

The publication order begins with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. The next book is Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia.

“I never get tired of the wonder in their eyes when the wardrobe keeps going...”

— a teacher who's read it to 7–8-year-olds for years.

Chronological Order? Save It for Round Two

If you read in chronological order, you’ll read The Magician’s Nephew first, followed by the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. But reading The Magician’s Nephew first can spoil some of the surprises. It’s great for second-time readers who want to dive deeper into how Narnia began.

What Age Is Narnia For?

Perfect for ages 8–12, but younger kids can enjoy it too—especially if you’re reading aloud. Talking animals, brave kids, epic battles—it’s a recipe for imagination and adventure. Older readers will catch the deeper themes about courage, good vs. evil, and faith, making it a fantastic family read.

Books, Audiobooks, or E-books?

Start with the print books (bonus points for the ones with original illustrations!).
Audiobooks are great for car rides or winding down before bed.
E-books are handy, but the real magic’s in turning the pages.

And, of course, you can watch the movies together

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Prince Caspian (2008)
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

You may even want to start with the movies to get your kids excited. Then, you can tell them how much more they can get from the written stories. It is a great way to introduce them to reading!

Coming Soon: Netflix's Big Narnia Adventure!

Greta Gerwig (Barbie) is directing a new Chronicles of Narnia adaptation for Netflix! Filming kicks off in July 2025, with a release expected in late 2026. It’s a fresh take—so reading the books first will make the experience even better.

I hope this little article has been a benefit to you. If it has, drop me a comment.

Happy Reading!

Introducing Your Kids to Narnia in 2025