Must-Read Books for Christian Parents

If you are a Christian parent who wants to bring joy to your family’s faith and model the abundant life, I think one book series is a must-read: The Chronicles of Narnia. There is so much richness and imagination that will help your family talk about and grow in faith. 

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Must-Read Series: The Chronicles of Narnia

C.S. Lewis, author, scholar, and theologian, wrote the seven books of The Chronicles of Narnia between 1948 and 1954. They were published between 1950 and 1956. While they are considered children’s books, Lewis is known to have said, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”

This is a series that I read every year or two by audiobook and with my kids when they are in second grade. It is no substitute for the Bible, but it does bring beauty and playfulness to my understanding of God and the world. 

Let’s look at each book in the series and how they can add to our families’ faith formation.

The Magician’s Nephew

“The Eastern sky changed from white to pink and from pink to gold. The Voice rose and rose, till all the air was shaking with it. And just as it swelled to the mightiest and most glorious sound it had yet produced, the sun arose.

Digory had never seen such a sun. “

C.S. Lewis, The Magician’s Nephew

Typically there are two camps as to the order to read the Narnia series, one, published order, or two, Narnian chronological order. I prefer the chronological order, so I begin with The Magician’s Nephew.

My favorite part of this book to spark conversation and imagination around faith is the creation of Narnia scene. It brings me to tears each time. 

With your kids you can wonder:

• What parts of the book might be like Genesis?
• Could God have been singing in Genesis?
• What do you like best?
• What is totally different than the biblical creation story?

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

“Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

In this book, we follow the Pevensie kids learning about Aslan and growing in a relationship with him. With our children and we can explore how to talk about God in different situations, when things seem stuck, in hope, when all feels lost, in battles, and in celebration. 

You could wonder with your kids about:

• What does it mean that Aslan (God) isn’t safe but is good?
• How would you describe God to someone who doesn’t know Him?

The Horse and His Boy

“Shasta was no longer afraid that the Voice belonged to something that would eat him, nor that it was the voice of a ghost. But a new and different sort of trembling came over him. Yet he felt glad too.”

C.S. Lewis, The Horse and His Boy

Though Lucy is my favorite character in the series, this is my favorite book. The way Aslan is woven into the stories is marvelous. It provides many opportunities for play, discussion, and discipleship. 

You could wonder: 

• Do you think if you were the little boy in the story, Shasta, you would be afraid of being eaten?
• What are your thoughts on experiencing both fear and gladness in the presence of God?

Prince Caspian

“‘Welcome, child,’ he said.

‘Aslan,’ said Lucy, “you’re bigger.’

‘That is because you are older, little one,’ answered he.

‘Not because you are?’

‘I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.’

For a time she was so happy that she did not want to speak. But Aslan spoke.”

C.S. Lewis, Prince Caspian

Epic battles, hope dwindling, doubt, trust, and change are all found in this book of the series. Lucy deals with some peer pressure from her siblings and learns to take responsibility for her actions.

You might wonder:

• Can we talk to God the way Lucy does in the story?
• If Lucy didn’t see Aslan, would she still talk to Him? Do we talk to God even if we don’t see Him?
• What does it look like that our faith, that our God, gets bigger as we grow older?

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

“‘Come and have breakfast,’ said the Lamb in its sweet milky voice.

Then they noticed for the first time that there was a fire lit on the grass and fish roasting on it. They sat down and ate the fish, hungry now for the first time in many days. And it was the most delicious food they had ever tasted.”

C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

In this story, we say goodbye to some beloved characters and are set up to have conversations about heaven. There are also opportunities to talk about temptation, idols, kindness, sanctification, and much more.

You could wonder;

• What kind of fish was it that the lamb served? If you don’t like fish, would the lamb know that and make them something different?
• What do you think they talked to the lamb about as they had breakfast?
• What is a lamb doing out there at the edge of the world? Who might the lamb be? Why did C. S. Lewis choose a lamb?

The Silver Chair

“It never occurred to Jill to disbelieve the Lion – no one who had seen his stern face could do that – and her mind suddenly made itself up. It was the worst thing she had ever had to do, but she went forward to the stream, knelt down, and began scooping up water in her hand. It was the coldest, most refreshing water she had ever tasted. You didn’t need to drink much of it, for a quenched your thirst at once.”

C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair 

Have you taught your children to memorize Scripture? Why? Jill learns the value of keeping Aslan’s word in her mind and heart throughout this book.

Together with your children you might wonder:

• What do you think the living water that Jesus offers might taste like?
• Do your kids like ice in their water? What’s the best water they’ve ever tasted?
• What animal would they be the most scared of? If a lion started talking to you, would you believe it?

The Last Battle

“‘Then I fell at his feet and thought, surely this is the hour of death, for the Lion  (who is worthy of all honor) will know that I have served Tash all my days and not him. Nevertheless, it is better to see the Lion and die than to be Tisroc of the world and live and not to have seen him. But the Glorious One bent down his golden head and touched my forehead with his tongue and said, ‘Son, thou art welcome.’”

C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle 

Does your family know who you serve? Do you know God so well that you can spot a fake? These are just some of the opportunities presented in The Last Battle.

You might also wonder:

• What would be some big, really incredible thing to your kids that being in the presence of God is better than?
• How good is it to be in the presence of God?

Will You Go to Narnia?

So, have you been to Narnia or will you go? Here are a few playful ways to interact with the series as discipleship:

• Read the books together as a family
• Create a map of Narnia and discuss the stories
• Watch movie adaptations and discuss differences from the books
• Use the stories to spark imagination in faith discussions
• Encourage children to relate the stories to their own experiences with God

Remember these books are not truth, but imagination and fiction that points to truth. Your imagination is a beautiful gift from God, don’t forget to use it in seeking Him with your children.