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Quick answer: You can read the Narnia books in publication order, starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, or in chronological order, starting with The Magician’s Nephew. Most modern editions number the books chronologically, but many readers prefer publication order for a first read because the series was written that way. Either way works.
Quick facts
Seven books by C.S. Lewis, published 1950 to 1956
Publication order starts with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Chronological order starts with The Magician’s Nephew
Modern editions number books in chronological order
Both orders are valid
The Chronicles of Narnia are among the most loved children’s fantasy series, but there is a long-running debate about reading order. Here are both lists, the pros and cons and a suggestion for first-time readers.
Table of Contents
Publication Order
| # | Title | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | 1950 |
| 2 | Prince Caspian | 1951 |
| 3 | The Voyage of the Dawn Treader | 1952 |
| 4 | The Silver Chair | 1953 |
| 5 | The Horse and His Boy | 1954 |
| 6 | The Magician’s Nephew | 1955 |
| 7 | The Last Battle | 1956 |
Chronological Order
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Magician’s Nephew |
| 2 | The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe |
| 3 | The Horse and His Boy |
| 4 | Prince Caspian |
| 5 | The Voyage of the Dawn Treader |
| 6 | The Silver Chair |
| 7 | The Last Battle |
This order follows the timeline within Narnia, beginning with the world’s creation.
Why Choose Publication Order?
In publication order, readers meet Narnia as the first readers did, through the Pevensie children and the wardrobe. The mystery of how the lamppost and the world came to be is explained later in The Magician’s Nephew, which works best as a revelation. Many fans and scholars favor this order for first-time readers.
Why Choose Chronological Order?
Chronological order tells the story from creation to the end, and the numbering on modern editions follows it. Some readers prefer to understand the origins first. In a letter to a young reader, C.S. Lewis is often quoted as saying he agreed with the chronological order suggested by the boy. This is cited frequently by supporters of the timeline order.
Which Should You Choose?
If you are introducing a child, publication order lets the wardrobe adventure come first, while chronological order may feel more logical. Either way, the books remain enjoyable. If you have already begun, don’t worry; the books can stand alone. Our age guide helps parents decide when to start.
Tips for Reading Together
Read a chapter a night, and talk about the characters. Look at maps and illustrations. Many families enjoy the audiobooks, which have full casts. Watch the films after reading to compare. Boxed sets, such as the Chronicles of Narnia set, often list the books in chronological numbering, so check the contents.
A Note on Themes
The books were written by a Christian author, and readers often discuss their allegorical elements. Children can enjoy them simply as adventures, and families can talk about the themes in whichever way suits them.
Narnia Books by Age and Mood
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a good starting point for ages 7 and up. Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader add adventure and sea travel. The Silver Chair is darker and mysterious. The Horse and His Boy is a standalone adventure in the south. The Magician’s Nephew explains origins, and The Last Battle is the heaviest. If your child is sensitive, read ahead or preview The Last Battle before reading it aloud.
Narnia on Screen and Audio
Several film adaptations have been made, and the BBC produced a 1980s television version. Full-cast audio dramatizations and audiobooks narrated by actors make the series enjoyable for car trips. Comparing the book with the film is a good family activity. Remember that the books contain more detail and quieter moments than the movies, so reading them first is rewarding.
Narnia Spin-Off Reading
After finishing the series, you may enjoy other classic children’s fantasy such as The Hobbit, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Lewis’s friend J.R.R. Tolkien wrote for older readers, and their works are often compared. Our lists of books like Narnia offer more ideas.
Narnia Gift and Collection Tips
If you are buying a set, look for a box set with all seven books and consistent numbering. Illustrated editions with Pauline Baynes’s drawings are popular. Check whether the set lists books in chronological or publication order, because some include an insert explaining the order. A hardcover collection can become a family heirloom.
A Quick Recommendation
If you are reading to a child for the first time, start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. If you are an adult rereading, try the chronological order for a different perspective. Whichever you choose, enjoy the journey through Narnia.
Related: what age the Chronicles of Narnia are appropriate for and how to choose book club books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What order should I read the Narnia books in?
Publication order or chronological order; both work, and publication order is popular for first-time readers.
Which Narnia book is first?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in publication order; The Magician’s Nephew in chronological order.
How many Narnia books are there?
Seven.
Does it matter which order I read them in?
The books can be read in either order.
What did C.S. Lewis say about the order?
In a letter often cited by fans, he said he preferred the chronological order suggested by a young reader.