THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW (Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1)
by C. S. Lewis
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0064471101
Age Level: INTERMEDIATE (Ages 8-10)

In this book, a prequel, you'll discover all the secrets of how Narnia came to be. When Digory goes to live with his uncle, he quickly becomes best friends with his next-door neighbor Polly. Unfortunately, the happy times don't last too long. Digory's uncle, an evil magician, decides to practice some of his magic on the two kids, which lands them in the Wood between the Worlds.

They meet Aslan, the lion ruler who creates the kingdom of Narnia by singing it into being with a magical song. Polly and Digory also encounter Queen Jadis (who will later become the White Witch). And as the story rolls along, the secret of how the magic wardrobe came to be is also revealed.