Finding Narnia

August 5, 2019
While young C.S. Lewis (“Jack”) “preferred to look through the window of his imagination,” his beloved older brother Warnie is fascinated by the shipyard he views from the window of their Belfast home. When the siblings discover an old wardrobe in the house, Jack crawls inside, pondering the possibility that it “had no end.” Their mother’s terminal illness prompts the boys to escape their “sad house” by creating an imaginary world that eventually—after both serve in WWI and move on to Oxford (Jack) and the army (Warnie)—inspires the Chronicles of Narnia. 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. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from September 15, 2019
A vivid portrait of inspiration and imagination focuses on teamwork and historical fact. C.S. "Jack" and Warren "Warnie" Lewis were brothers and best friends, curious dreamers and inspired playmates, but they probably never guessed that their games would help fire the imaginations of generations of children. Following the two from early childhood to later life, straightforward, energetic text paired with appealing, specific, and skillful illustrations provides background for the genesis of Lewis' ideas (Norse legend, Raj-era India, Irish shipyards, and English boarding schools all played a role). However, rather than exclusively focusing on interesting or chronological details (though both are included), McAlister looks at how Narnia was born. She finds its roots in the brothers' invented worlds, their on-again, off-again partnership, the different directions their lives took, the behavior of wartime refugee children who stayed in their home, and, of course, the presence of a magical wardrobe in their childhood. Lanan's paintings combine homey views of the family's Belfast house, pictures, maps, and diagrams of their imagined world, and luminous, magical paintings of Narnia. In a nice touch, the focus extends to the endnotes, where McAlister, as biographer, and Lanan, as illustrator, mention their own research discoveries and related artistic choices. Masterfully explains how a classic series came to be while maintaining a sense of mystery and wonder. (Picture book/biography. 4-8)

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December 1, 2019

K-Gr 2-Even as a child, author C.S. Lewis, known as "Jack" to his younger brother Warnie and friends, knew how to conjure up vivid worlds. This title explores the childhood bond of the two brothers as their imaginary lands inspired Jack to create Narnia. Warnie's interest lies in the trains and steamboats of the industrial age, while Jack's imagination led him to stories of bravery and mouse kings. As difficulties arose because of their mother's illness and, later two World Wars, the brothers remained close and united by their childhood fantasies. Those fantasies were reawakened when they helped harbor children after the bombing of London, and the children discovered an old wardrobe in the attic where Warnie and Jack played as children. Jack would go on to write "The Chronicles of Narnia" with Warnie completing the mechanical work of typing and editing. Young readers may find some references to British imperialism of India confusing, such as Warnie pretending to be a raja (a king or princely ruler). The watercolor illustrations are muted and ethereal, reflecting both the fantasy worlds created and the realities of a period in history torn by war. VERDICT This pleasing exploration of Lewis will appeal to young fans who want to learn about the inspiration behind "The Chronicles of Narnia."-Jamie Jensen, Wayne Cox Elementary School, Roanoke, TX

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2019
Grades 1-3 McAlister traces the lives of Jack and Warnie, two brothers from Northern Ireland, and their relationship from the early twentieth century onward, focusing especially on their imaginative childhood collaborations. To entertain themselves?and cope with the passing of their mother?the boys invented a world called Boxen, which eventually would be the foundation of Narnia, C. S. Lewis' (Jack) beloved fantasy world. Compared (inevitably) to the magic of that work, the text here feels somewhat mundane. So much time is covered in the course of these pages that little room is left for detail or nuance, though when, at last, we arrive at Narnia's creation, readers will feel the undeniable appeal as Lanan's paintings break free of drab reality and evoke some of Narnia's wondrous landscapes?or, at least, its nostalgia. For Narnia fans, the most value will be found in the back matter, where in-depth author and illustrator notes add an impressive amount of detail to both Jack's story and the creative process. An enjoyable follow-up to Narnia storytime for nostalgic parents and their young initiates.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)