When was the last time you stepped into the wardrobe and visited Narnia? If your answer is anything other than, “yesterday,” then friends, it’s time to read these beloved books again. Personally, I only read the entire series about 2 years ago. I had read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe before and always meant to read the others, but never prioritized them.
I am so thankful I finally did.
I’m going to assume you’re familiar enough with the series to know that in Narnia, C.S. Lewis created a world of such heartbreaking beauty that every single person who reads these books will find something that speaks to him and something to love. I found that in every book Aslan, the great King of Narnia, repeatedly spoke and ministered to my heart.
Our third graders are introduced to the series with Wardrobe, and our sixth graders face the enviable feat of reading all 7 books! If you can read along and keep up with them, I highly encourage you to do it! If you’re a fan of audiobooks, the library’s app has amazing versions available. We can all agree that British accents make everything sound more amazing, right? Well, each book in the series is performed by a famous British actor. (You’re welcome.)
If you’re only familiar with Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy, you should know that they don’t always play the dominant role in each story. You’ll meet many more lovable characters throughout the series (Reepicheep, I’m looking at you!). Some books are better than others, yet each time I think, “Well this one is definitely not my favorite…” along comes Aslan whispering in a character’s ear, or breathing on a character’s neck, or in some way revealing that He’s always been there, always been watching out for and providing protection for his children. Try to read those scenes without a lump in your throat. “Courage, dear heart.”
After you read, if you really want to take a deep-dive, former Academy professor, Chelsie Duff, recommends The Narnia Code: C.S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens by Michael Ward. Be warned: that book will blow your MIND! I also recommend Letters to Children by C.S. Lewis. This is a collection of letters that Lewis faithfully answered from children around the world. Some letters are simply a recognition of and a heartfelt thanks to a child praising his Narnia series. Some share tidbits of his life: the weather, his animals, his holiday plans. One of my favorites is one that he wrote to a mother who shared with him her son’s fear that he loved Aslan more than he loved Jesus.
There’s no wrong time to read The Chronicles of Narnia. These amazing works of literature have something to offer each and every reader who cracks the spine and gets lost in the pages. They are waiting. So what are you waiting for?