Narnia at All Ages: A Reading Journey, from Age 6 to Adulthood

The Chronicles of Narnia can be read at any age, but not in the same way. This guide suggests, step by step, which books to read, how to read them, and what printable activities to offer alongside. It complements our guide for parents and teachers.

Spoiler-free: the page reveals nothing about the plots.

Under 6 years old: Entering the universe

Novels are still a bit long, but Narnia's images speak volumes: a lion, a lamppost in the snow, a faun with an umbrella. You can tell the story in your own words and let the child color.

• Coloring book (PDF, 14 pages): choose the "for little ones" pages.
• Masks of the four (PDF, 4 pages) lion, faun, beaver and mouse.

6-7 years old: First read-aloud

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the best entry point, read aloud by an adult, one chapter per night. The Stone Table scene is worth accompanying.

• Coloring of the Lion and the lamppost (PDF, 1 page)
• Maze to the lamppost (PDF, 1 page)
• Word search of the Wardrobe's friends (PDF, 1 page)
• Mr. Tumnus' tea, to prepare together.

8-10 years old: Reading alone

This is the ideal age to read most of the books alone: The Magician's Nephew, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and The Silver Chair. The chapters are short and the adventures follow one another. Reading sheets help keep track of each book.

• Reading sheets for the seven books (PDF, 21 pages), with answers for adults.
• Crossword of the Lamppost Land (PDF, 1 page)
• Maze to the end of the world (PDF, 1 page)
• Seven bookmarks (PDF, 3 pages), one per book.
• Narnia Family Game (PDF, 7 pages), to play as a family.

10-12 years old: More challenging books

The Horse and His Boy, longer, and The Last Battle, the darkest of the seven, are best read a little later. You can also follow Narnia's story from beginning to end and draw its geography.

• Map of Narnia to complete (PDF, 2 pages)
• Crossword of the whole saga (PDF, 1 page) (spoilers, beware)
• Maze of the Underground World (PDF, 1 page)
• Narnia chronology game and Narnia map game, online.

Teenagers and adults: Rereading differently

Reread later, the books reveal their sources, their religious dimension and the debates they spark. This is the time to discover Lewis himself.

• Pedagogical sheets (PDF, 19 pages): betrayal and forgiveness, illusion and truth, lies and critical thinking…
• Narnia and myths
• Criticism and controversies
• How Lewis created Narnia

In what order?

For a first contact, many begin with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, even if current editions place The Magician's Nephew first. Our page In what order to read The Chronicles? compares the two options.