Cover of Finding Narnia

Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and his Brother

Written by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Jessica Lanan
Roaring Brook Press, 2019
ISBN: 9781626726581

What if the wardrobe had no end?

Before C.S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, he was a young boy named Jack who spent his days dreaming up stories of other worlds filled with knights, castles, and talking animals. His brother, Warnie, spent his days imagining worlds filled with trains, boats, and technology. One rainy day, they found a wardrobe in a little room next to the attic.

Years later, Jack began to think about what could be beyond that wardrobe, and about a girl named Lucy and her siblings. This picture book biography introduces the beloved creator of The Chronicles of Narnia to a new generation of children who see hidden magic in the world around them.

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A captivating picture book biography of two brothers, Jack and Warnie Lewis, whose rich imaginations led to the creation of the magical world of Narnia.

Praise

“A vivid portrait of inspiration and imagination… Masterfully explains how a classic series came to be while maintaining a sense of mystery and wonder.”

★ Kirkus, Starred Review

“Lanan’s expressive, soft-focused art is meticulously in step with McAlister’s lyrical narrative, as both move from the often-harsh real world to the mystical realm of Narnia. Concluding notes from author and illustrator provide beguiling background bits—notably about one fortuitously inspiring wooden wardrobe.”

- Publishers Weekly

“An enjoyable follow-up to Narnia storytime for nostalgic parents and their young initiates..”

- Booklist

“The watercolor illustrations are muted and ethereal, reflecting both the fantasy worlds created and the realities of a period in history torn by war... This pleasing exploration of Lewis will appeal to young fans who want to learn about the inspiration behind The Chronicles of Narnia.”

- School Library Journal

A Look Inside

Classroom Resources

Articles

Illustrator Interview

A 2019 interview with Elizabeth Dulemba on the inspirations and process behind making Finding Narnia. See sketches, process photos, and images from my research trip to Oxford and Northern Ireland.

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