If you have seen the movie, "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", or if you have read the book as many did when the movie was recently released, this first book of the series is a must read for better understanding.
“The Magician’s Nephew” sets the stage, explains Narnia, where the witch came from and even where the wardrobe came from.

Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer are two young friends who fall victim to the magician’s (Uncle Andrew) plot to test some magic rings. Being brave and resourceful children, they learn to venture in and out of some mysterious worlds where they meet Aslan, the lion, the Lord and King of the whole world and Jadis, the witch.

This first book of the Chronicles of Narnia series is biblically based and will spark a child’s sense of wonder and imagination while it is teaching good moral standards and recognizing good and evil. The witch is evil even though she is beautiful, Uncle Andrew is self-centered and the children are firmly grounded in doing what is right even in difficult circumstances.

I haven't read fantasy stories since I was much younger so I wondered whether this book would keep my attention. "The Magician’s Nephew" may have been written for children, but I found it engaging and very entertaining as well. It is fast moving, never boring, with descriptions that paint a picture. I could imagine being there with Digory and Polly to see the creation of the world by Aslan’s song. Lewis’ moving description was surprising and powerful.

I suggest that you read this book to your children. I think they will be intrigued and you may find, as I did, that fantasy is for you too.

The Magician's Nephew at Amazon.com

The Complete Chronicles of Narnia at Amazon.com