The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis (1994, Paperback)

This set is hands down both my favorite fantasy series and my favorite children's book series. I've read them to myself, for my own enjoyment, and I've read all seven books out loud to my kids. Reading them out loud is a great experience. At the end of a chapter, when I had intended to quit, the kids would beg me to keep reading! Every one of the kids, from 5 to 15, were spellbound.

I strongly feel, however, that the books should be read in the order they were written, and as Lewis intended them to be read. That is: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; The Horse and His Boy; The Magician's Nephew; The Last Battle.

Many people are only familiar with the first book because of the just-released movie (which was very good). I also found The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader", The Horse and His Boy, and others to be equally delightful, with equally enchanting characters. There are excerpts from several of the books that I find simply and profoundly unforgettable. And last, but not least, the Christian symbolism is refreshing, and at times deeply moving.

Fantastic set. If you haven't read it, hesitate no longer!