Finding Narnia - by Caroline McAlister (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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, and they wondered, What if the wardrobe had no end? 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."--

Book Synopsis

Finding Narnia is Caroline McAlister and Jessica Lanan's captivating picture book biography of two brothers, Jack and Warnie Lewis, whose rich imaginations led to the creation of the magical world of Narnia.

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, and they wondered, What if the wardrobe had no end?

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.

Review Quotes

"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." - 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

About the Author

Caroline McAlister teaches English at Guilford College and every year takes students to Oxford, England, to study fantasy in the setting where C.S. Lewis lived and wrote. She is the author of John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. Caroline lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Jessica Lanan spent her childhood dreaming of finding a secret door to a magical world. She finally found her Narnia in the blank page, where anything that can be imagined can be brought to life. Jessica is the illustrator of Curtis Manley's Just Right: Searching for the Goldlilocks Planet. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.