This most famous, and probably most beloved of the Narnian tales was the first one written, and probably the best place to start. I have heard that the author wished for children to read this book first and then go back to The Magician's Nephew afterward.

Four British children - Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, are taken to the country to live with an old Professor during World War II, as London was quite unsafe for children. The professor is somewhat eccentric, but kind, and permits them to explore his large estate. While hiding in an old wardrobe, the youngest, Lucy, is amazed to discover that there is no back to the wardrobe - as she pushes past more and more coats, they become scratchier and colder and she begins to realize that she's no longer in a wardrobe. She's in the middle of a snowy forest. Lucy has discovered a strange, unknown world where amazing adventures await her and her siblings.

Long beloved by children the world over, this is a tale of innocence, difficult lessons learned, adventure, friendship and love. Underneath and not immediately apparent to children is an allegory. Some truths about our own world can be seen more clearly through a story that takes place elsewhere.

Narnia is in the grip of the White Witch. Although she promises happiness and delightful things, those who follow her are miserable, and the entire land is immersed in an eternal winter - always winter and without Christmas. The mysterious Aslan, a lion who is greatly feared by the witch, comes to Narnia and things begin to change.

Most parents will quickly realize that Aslan is a figure for Christ who saved the world from the tyranny of sin and death (represented by the witch). There are many interesting details that correspond with this allegory. Although I read the series many times as a child, I wasn't fully aware of the allegorical significance until much later. I wouldn't spoil it for children by sitting down and explaining it to them. The Christian allegory will probably be more meaningful if they are permitted to discover it for themselves.

The story (as well as others in the series) is appropriate as a read-aloud even for rather young children and is written at a mid-grade-school reading level. (Strong readers may be interested in tackling it even earlier.) The book is most powerful, I think, when it can be first introduced in the very simple way that young children enjoy such a book.

The four children return to Narnia, but don't even recognize it at first because it has changed so much. They slowly discover that time is different in Narnia from their own world and that hundreds of years have past. Narnia is now ruled by a wicked man who has no right to the throne. Their adventures involve meeting the rightful heir and raising up "Old Narnia" behind him.

The author puts you right in middle of a thrilling adventure; made more mysterious because children now are looking upon their previous adventures as "ancient history". For my oldest daughter, reading this in early grade school kindled an interest in history and a reverence for "old things" that has remained quite strong years later.

Eustace Scrubb and a new character, Jill, return to Narnia to save a young prince from his evil captors. Early in the story is a small piece that almost haunts me (in a good way - like something that has become imbedded in my conscience), even as an adult. Because Eustace fails to greet an "old friend" much good that could have happened, is lost, and much work must be done before achieving his mission. The truths that underlie these sorts of details in this entire series are really wonderful.

Back to the plot... the young prince is being held captive, by flattery and brainwashing in an underground kingdom, out of the light of the sun. As with other books in this series, there is a fascinating meld of themes from classical literature and Christian virtues and ideas. This one in particular is reminiscent of Plato's "Cave Analogy". The allegory and adventure are both very strong as the two children and some interesting Narnia natives help to overthrow this evil kingdom.

Focus on the Family has produced an audio version of all of the Narnia books ( Available on CD or audio cassette). The stories are elegantly introduced by Douglas Grisham, stepson of C.S. Lewis. Mr. Grisham draws listeners into the story by recounting his personal experiences with C.S. Lewis ("or 'Jack' as he liked to be called"). Thus far, three books have been reproduced- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Magician's Nephew, and The Horse and His Boy.

Each story, although abridged, is masterfully told. The characters are well-formed and the sound effects are terrific. Having read all of the Narnia series aloud, and loved them, our family had very high expectations. The audio version of these classics fully lived up to our expectations.

Each book is approximately two hours [or more] of listening time. The audio versions of the Narnia books are an excellent purchase!