Finding Narnia, which is the story of C.S. Lewis and his brother gives me a great opportunity to participate in the Write 31 Days Challenge. Today’s word is NOT Narnia, but rather person.
What I am Reviewing
Finding Narnia: the Story of C.S.Lewis and His Brother.
Caroline McAlister
Jessica Lanan (illustrator).
Roaring Brook Press
48 pages, Grades 1-2, Ages 4-8, trade paperback
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.
Narnia, C.S.Lewis, biography, siblings, boys and men, picture 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.
The Details for Finding Narnia
Beautiful images fill the pages of Finding Narnia. The reader is introduced to the lives of the Narnia boys from boyhood through to adulthood.
Caroline McAlister does an excellent job of bringing the imagination of two young boys to life. Can’t you just see the knights in action? We get to see how they worried over their sick mama and how they dealt with it.
Their dislike of boarding school was made apparent, and over time their involvement in World War 1. The love of family was ever so clear.
The World War 2 came and to my surprise, it was also brought the beginnings of Narnia. Who would have thought?
I loved how illustrator Jessica Lanan started this lovely picture book with a map of England and then closed it with a map of Narnia. Very clever!
Recommendations
Many people chose to read the Chronicles of Narnia with their children. It’s a wonderful series. Imagine if you could introduce your children to the author of those books? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Finding Narnia is a gentle look into the life of C.S.Lewis. The lovely pictures give us insight into the sights he would have seen, the places he might have biked with his brother. The colours showing the bleakness of war or the joy of starting a good story.
It is not an indepth biography of this famous person, but picture books can’t be an indepth as a non-fiction book can they? 🙂 For sure it is a great introduction into the life of C.S.Lewis.
This looks like a great way to learn about CS Lewis!!! Adding it to my book list to check out later on. 🙂
i thought it was a nicely done book. 🙂 I hope you like it!
I really need to see if I can get my hands on this book. Not only does it look lovely but we really enjoy the story of Lewis’ life. This would be interesting to read.
it is a lovely book, I hope you can find it.