For decades, C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia books have offered a world that blends faith and fantasy—where talking animals, adventurous children, and quests far from home teach profound truths about courage, sacrifice, and redemption. At St. Cecelia, we encourage students and their families to journey through all seven Chronicles of Narnia books. 

Lewis–known among his friends as Jack–was a master storyteller who wove Christian values into every tale, creating characters that stay with readers long after the final page. When you read as a family, you create opportunities for conversations on faith, character, and the kind of person your child wants to become, which is exactly the kind of growth we hope to nurture in our students. 

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Where to Begin

The most well-known Chronicles of Narnia book is “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” It was the first book Lewis published in 1950, but its events place it second in the series when you read them in chronological order. While you can read the books in publication order, we recommend following the chronological order of Narnia’s history for the best experience:

• “The Magician’s Nephew”
• “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”
• “The Horse and His Boy”
• “Prince Caspian”
• “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”
• “The Silver Chair”
• “The Last Battle”

Grab a copy, find a cozy reading spot, and let the adventure begin. Narnia is waiting.

Finding Faith in Every Page

What makes Narnia so powerful is that C.S. Lewis didn’t just write adventure stories—he created a world where faith comes alive in ways that resonate deeply with young readers. On every page, students encounter timeless lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

At the center of it all is Aslan, the magnificent lion who represents Christ in ways that are both clear and subtle. In this story, readers see the nature of Christ’s love played out in vivid, unforgettable scenes. These aren’t preachy lessons—they’re truths discovered through story, which is often how they sink in deepest.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Questions to Explore Together

Some of the best parts of reading Narnia happen after you’ve closed the book—when you’re talking about what you’ve read over dinner or during the car ride home from school. These conversations help your children connect the dots between Aslan’s world and their own lives.

Here are some questions for parents to get those discussions started:

1. How does Aslan show us what Christ’s love looks like?
2. The Pevensies have to be brave in all kinds of situations—some big, some small. When have you had to be brave recently?
3. Think about how the siblings argue and hurt each other, but always find their way back together. What can we learn from the way they forgive one another?
4. There are so many moments in Narnia when the characters feel afraid but choose to trust anyway. How does faith help them push through their fear? When has faith helped you do something hard?

Don’t worry about having perfect answers to these questions. The goal is simply to create space for your children to think deeply, share honestly, and see how the truths in these stories connect to their own faith journey. Some of the most meaningful conversations happen when we’re all learning together.

Character Growth and Lessons Learned in the Chronicles of Narnia

One of the reasons students connect so deeply with Narnia is the Pevensie siblings themselves. Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter aren’t perfect—they’re real kids who make mistakes, face fears, and grow through their experiences, just like our students do.

We don’t want to give away spoilers if you haven’t read the series yet. But we can say a few things about what makes these characters so valuable for St. Cecelia students. At some point, they’ll likely wrestle with the same questions the Pevensies face. 

The Pevensies don’t have all the answers right away, and that’s okay. They learn as they go, and so do our students. Whether it’s making tough choices on the playground, navigating friendships in the classroom, or figuring out who they want to become, the lessons from Narnia stick with them—quietly shaping their character long after they’ve finished the books.

Making Narnia Come Alive at Home

Reading the books is just the beginning—there are so many fun ways to keep the magic of Narnia going long after you’ve turned the final page. These creative activities help your children dive deeper into the stories while creating memories you’ll all treasure.

Get Creative

Break out the art supplies and let your kids illustrate their favorite scenes. They can design royal shields like Peter’s, craft paper crowns worthy of Narnian kings and queens, or even build their own miniature wardrobe (complete with a fur coat, of course!). Some families have created entire galleries of magical creatures from the books. There’s no right or wrong way to do it—just let their imaginations run wild.

Act Out the Story

Kids love acting out the big moments from Narnia. Set up the living room for the coronation scene, try some Turkish Delight, or create your own Narnian adventure. You could even write short skits together that highlight the virtues you’ve been discussing.

Make It a Family Tradition

There’s something special about reading aloud together. Whether it’s before bed or on lazy summer afternoons, Narnia read-aloud sessions create a shared experience that brings your family closer. You can also watch the various film adaptations from over the years and pick the ones you love most!

Schedule a Tour of St. Cecelia Today

At St. Cecelia, we encourage students to engage with faith-based literature to deepen their understanding of our Catholic values. Experience a community where faith and learning inspire growth. Give us a call at (727) 461-1200 to schedule a tour at St. Cecelia in Clearwater today.