The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was first published in 1950, but C.S. Lewis began piecing together the story long before that. The tales and ancient myths his Irish nurse told always fascinated him, and when he was sixteen, a picture of a faun carrying parcels and an umbrella in the snowy woods popped into his head. Years later, during World War II, four children stayed with Mr. Lewis at his country house and stirred his imagination again. Not long afterward, he began writing the story that would become The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

While writing, Mr. Lewis incorporated creatures from the myths along with his own memories - like that of the old wardrobe in which he and his brother used to sit. As the children found their way into Narnia, he was still unsure of what his story would be about. Then, the image of Aslan came to him. Mr. Lewis once said, 'I don't know where the Lion came from or why he came. But once he was there, he pulled the whole story together.'

After being illustrated by Pauline Baynes, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published to great success. With so many stories to tell about Narnia and its unforgettable characters, six more books soon followed. Published in 1956, The Last Battle was awarded the Carnegie Medal - England's highest honor for children's literature.

Millions of readers have discovered The Chronicles of Narnia. As you read the books for the first time, or rediscover their magic, take some time to discuss them. The following questions are intended to spark debate about topics such as good versus evil, symbolism, and relationships. So gather 'round and journey once more to the wondrous land of Narnia.