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

by Caroline McAlister, Jessica Lanan (Illustrator)

Jack and Warnie weren't just brothers; they were best friends. But they were very different.

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?

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, History, Biography Memoir, Historical

39 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2019

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know this story of C.S. "Jack" and Warren "Warnie" Lewis, brothers and best friends all their lives. Caroline McAlister tells of their life together and apart, taking readers to the story of Narnia's birth, too. The boys' games lead to the beloved books that children continue to read and love. Jack had the imagination coming from extensive reading and pretending; Warnie leaned more to technology, ship-building for example. Together, after some separation in their schooling and during both World War I and World War II, they ended together. Jack wrote, always by hand; Warnie typed the manuscripts.
Yes, early on in the attic of their home, there was a wardrobe, hand-carved by their paternal grandfather. Jessica Lanan's rather dreamy illustrations follow their lives, but focus on the beginnings of Narnia, way back in that attic when the boys imagined a world called "Boxen". Both author and illustrator add more information in the back matter. McAlister's and Lanan's notes show details of their research along with more of the story of these fascinating brothers.
It's a lovely story, ending with that 'needed' glimpse of Aslan!

[J.L. Neyhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not all children's books are for children only. This one is most certainly for fans of C. S. Lewis, no matter the age.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this picture book about the relationship between C.S. Lewis and his brother!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful picture book biography of C.S. Lewis that is not only informative about his life story but describes the influences that shaped his marvelous world building. Both text and illustrations do a fine job telling his story, but the detailed illustrations are especially effective in showing how Narnia came to be written. Don't miss the excellent illustrator's notes!

[Krysta · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's an art to writing picture books and picture book biographies. This book has too vague a storyline to be impressive; the biographical end note is by far the better read. The story itself just contrasts Warnie and Jack (technology vs. imagination) over and over again, and tries to tie it all together with a repetition of Jack wondering, "What if?" but this doesn't make a great biography. It doesn't feel compelling or emotionally resonant. It feels like someone's idea of how to simplify things for children, but I think children could handle some more concrete facts and some real emotion. Jack's mother dies and he goes to a boarding school he hated and it's just glossed over. There's no meat to the story. So why should I care if Jack wonders, "What if?" I have no sense of who he is or why the imagination is important to him.

Then the book abruptly ends with a vague summary of Narnia. I think it's supposed to feel magical for readers of Narnia, but it just feels like Jack's biography is left hanging. Readers who are not familiar with Narnia will be even less impressed, I imagine. And I think children readers will be waiting for the closure that never comes.

The pictures are nice, but not particularly remarkable. They do seem well-researched, based on the end notes.

[Tiuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet! I loved the description of the two brothers being best friends…just the sort of picture book I should want my children to grow up with.

*on page 37 it is inexplicably stated that The Horse and His Boy is a story “in which two boys and their horses save Archenland from the The Calormen.” Two boys? I should think Aravis would be much offended. This picture book was obviously deeply researched, and the artist tried to be painstakingly accurate as she could, so I am guessing this was just an accident?

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's everything Narnia for me right now, and I was delighted to find and read this picture book version of the life of Narnia author C. S. Lewis.

Finding Narnia highlights the key events of Lewis' life in storybook form, but there is also additional information as well as a bibliography in the back.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story in its own right, and I learned quite a bit about C.S. Lewis and his brother. The last two page history was fascinating. had no idea that J.R.R. Tolkien hated the Narnia series - I had only heard they were inspired by some of his writing.

I will check this out to read to the kids again after they’ve read the Narnia series as it’ll be far more interesting to them at that point.

[Monique the Book Geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful C.S. Lewis biography is read aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGFVP...

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful introduction to the life of CS Lewis!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a 3.5 for me, and I know that anyone who loves the stories of C.S. Lewis will want to check it out since it tells the story of the author's formative years and his relationship with his brother, Warnie. I always enjoy knowing something about how an author grew up and how his/her imagination flourished or how the games and activities in which someone engaged as a child somehow made their way into later writings. The two brothers, Jack and Warnie, had very different interests when they were young. Jack (later known as C.S. Lewis when he wrote) read books and dreamed of knights and magical kingdoms while Warnie was more practical, drawing maps and plotting out train schedules. When the boys found a wardrobe in their house, they began using it to play games and embellish the stories they were imagining. They called this world Boxen, and it provided a refuge during the time when their mother was ill and dying. The two boys grew up with Jack following a scholarly career and Warnie working for the Army. During WWII, the brothers opened their home to two girls, refugees from the war. As they explored the very same wardrobe the boys had when they were young, Jack was inspired to write about a land called Narnia. He wrote the story out by hand while Warnie typed it. Readers won't want to miss the Author's Note with several interesting details about the books in The Chronicles of Narnia, the Illustrator's Note explaining each of the images, and a bibliography in case they want to learn more. I had not known any of this, which makes me appreciate C.S. Lewis even more and want to reread those seven books featuring Narnia. Teachers, parents, and caregivers might want to read this book as a reminder that the pursuits of childhood may give birth to a future career or nurture a young author. I was particularly struck by the close bond between the brothers.

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all of the books in this series with my oldest daughter who is now 21. We had a magical experience reading them aloud or listening to the audiobook performances. These were among the first of C.S. Lewis's books that I read. From the series, my favorites are The Magician's Nephew and The Silver Chair. This book includes the order in which to read the series as well as the order according to the publication dates as we all now know The Magician's Nephew to be the place you want to begin your read.

It was really interesting to learn how these two brothers used their imaginations as they played in different ways that would ultimately influence C.S. Lewis's writing and guess what? That wardrobe was real! You may have already known that but it was news to me. Needless to say, I enjoyed Finding Narnia and as my students are still reading this series to this very day, this is a title I will add to my K-5 library. The back matter of the book includes an author's note that goes into further detail about C.S. Lewis and Warren Hamilton Lewis's lives. As previously mentioned there is a list of the order to read and enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia. There's also the most extensive illustrators note I've ever seen in a picture book before courtesy of Jessica Lanan. The details she includes about the art on each page are pretty fascinating. I feel I may need to re-listen to the audiobooks from the series during my commute this upcoming school year.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice retelling of the story of Jack and Warnie Lewis for kids, with beautiful pictures. By the same author as another favorite, John Ronald’s Dragons. Longer review on my blog.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My students loved this book! The little details in the pictures were something my students lived! They even caught things I did t see. Plus, I love how CS Lewis came up with the idea to write this series and so glad it’s being told for kids!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️A fun little picture book about C. S. Lewis, his older brother, their shared childhoods, and some of the real-life inspirations for The Chronicles of Narnia. Sweet illustrations, easy reading, with lengthier notes in the back!✨️

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the entertaining biography. Both author and illustrator included extensive notes in the back matter; also includes a bibliography.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this picture book biography about C.S. Lewis's early life, imagination, and bond with his brother. The illustrations are colorful and varied, and even though they don't show as much detail in human faces as I would prefer, they are very attentive to historical details while recreating the places and scenes of Lewis's life. The text is well-written and accurate, covering a range of different topics and experiences from Lewis's life, but my one complaint about the book is that it does not mention his conversion. The book does show him in church, so it doesn't gloss over his faith entirely, and the detailed author's note includes a paragraph about his conversion, but I would have given the book another star if it had connected Lewis's faith to his imaginative work with the Narnia series.

Still, these four stars well-deserved! This book does a great job explaining Lewis's life in thirty-five pages, the illustrations have beautiful shades and colors, and I enjoyed the sibling focus, which made me think about my many hours of imagination with my older sister in childhood. I enjoyed this very much, and even though I think that it could have been better, I'm excited to share it with friends and family.

I received this copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful picture book biography about C.S. Lewis growing up, focusing on his relationship with his brother. I loved the illustrations and the contrast between the brothers. And mostly the Narnia pages at the end <3

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Jessica Lanan. NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2019. $20. 9781626726581

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jack and his brother Warnie were best friends from the beginning. When they were growing up, they would create their own imaginary world. After their mother died, their father sent them to a boarding school, and they missed being able to read and play what they wanted. They both fought in World War I and then went on in their respective professions, Jack as a professor and Warnie worked for the army. When they got older, they helped take care of children during World War II and that is where Jack got his idea to write Narnia. Warnie typed his manuscripts for him.

I loved this biography about two best friends who happened to be brothers. I’m a huge C.S. Lewis fan and I loved the accuracy and respect the author and illustrator used in telling this story. I know not all kids will know the world of Narnia, so this will probably serve best in the hands of those who love Lewis, but anyone can appreciate Jack’s use of his imagination and the love of family.

Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Kelly]

It was interesting to me because I'd never heard this story before, and I love origin stories. I was a bit off put by some of the illustrations because it looked like the characters had been cut out but not well and bits were left around their head and they were pasted in. I also wish we had learned how he went from Jack to C.S., though I guess that wasn't the scope of the story.

[Laela · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was to vague to be interesting.

[Allison TeVelde · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully researched and beautifully illustrated book! I was captured by the story, especially having read C.S. Lewis' autobiography Surprised by Joy, which this book closely aligns with.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Narnia: The Story of C. S. Lewis and His Brother is a children's picture book written by Caroline McAlister and illustrated by Jessica Lanan. It is a biographical picture book of C.S. Lewis and a vivid portrait of inspiration and imagination focuses on teamwork and historical fact.

Clive Staples Lewis was a British writer and lay theologian. He held academic positions in English Literature at both Oxford University (Magdalen College, 1925–1954) and Cambridge University (Magdalene College, 1954–1963). He is best known for his works of fiction, especially The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Space Trilogy.

McAlister's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The lyrical narrative juxtaposes the mystical and imaginary world, which is contrast the ugliness of the real world. Concluding notes from author and illustrator provide beguiling background bits–notably about one fortuitously inspiring wooden wardrobe. Lanan's expressive, soft-focused art is meticulously in step with McAlister's lyrical narrative, as both moves from the often-harsh real world to the mystical realm of Narnia.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. 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 inspires The Chronicles of Narnia.

All in all, Finding Narnia: The Story of C. S. Lewis and His Brother is a wonderful, albeit cursory biography about C.S. Lewis and his brother and how the World of Narnia came to be.

[John Stanifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

While most children's picture books can be read quickly in one sitting, the good ones are sophisticated enough to reward an adult's close reading.

"Finding Narnia" is only 40-odd pages, but it contains plenty in those pages to make the longtime Lewis fan and/or scholar smile knowingly. The author and the illustrator obviously did their research (they each take a couple of pages at the end to summarize that research).

A few examples:

- The wardrobe in the story looks just like the one that's now held at the Wade Center.
- The image of Balder on p.3 is based on Arthur Rackham's Balder from Siegfried and the Twilight of the Gods, which is known to have kindled Lewis's interest in Norse mythology.
- Images of the Kilns, Little Lea, and Holy Trinity Church are pretty much spot-on (as one might hope).

My favorite line in the text, referring to Lewis's post-WWI years at Oxford, is probably: "He was an important man who gave serious lectures and wrote long books." That one made me laugh.

This was obviously written out of a deep love for Lewis and Warnie and will hopefully serve its purpose in provoking children's interest in the man behind Narnia (and his brother, who most certainly played a key role in making the stories what they are).

As a lifelong fan of Lewis who appreciated some of the subtle biographical details dropped into this (there's even the lid of a biscuit tin on p.5!), I loved this and will no doubt be returning to its delightful text and illustrations for many years to come.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a child I discovered my mom's shabby old paperback boxed-set of the Narnia Chronicles; they were hers from when she was a teenager, given to her by her Aunt Marg. Over the course of a year, I visited Narnia and its surrounding lands, and I longed to find a wardrobe to take me there too. Does every child who has enjoyed The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe still look into wardrobes for Narnia? (My sister, and even my daughter and I, joke about it, when we see a wardrobe in an antique store: "Maybe this is THE wardrobe! Maybe we will finally get to meet Aslan!")

Yes, silly I know.

Reading this book gave me a bit more of a starting point for Jack's life. I knew a little bit, and this told a tiny bit more. The pictures were what really captivated me. And then a friend let me borrow the movie Shadowlands, and though I cried, several times, so much of what was in that movie really resonated with the background and the history of Jack's life that I read here. A good starting point for children if you don't mind the constant back and forth comparisons between imagination and construct.

[Maria Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline McAlister created a wonderful book on C.S. Lewis, his brother Warnie, and the background to the creation of the Chronicles of Narnia. With the amazingly talented Jessica Lanan illustrating it, this picture book was everything I'd hoped for and so much more. This is a wonderful book examining the juxtaposition and interaction of reality (technology) and imagination. A fusion of seeming opposites; demonstrating how even though Warnie was practical (interested in ships, trains, and schedules) and Jack was imaginative (fascinated with Norse mythology, knights, and castles), the brothers combined their interests to create imaginary worlds of adventures. And how their collaboration lasted a lifetime. This is a great book for those who loved Narnia, are just getting into Narnia, or simply love nonfiction biographies. One I hope finds its way into every library.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally reveiw children's books but since I read this for an actual prompt in the 2019 52 books in 52 weeks reading challenge i thought i would count it for my total books read. I read this book for the 52 books in 52 weeks reading challenge. I used the 2019 reading challenge prompt read a memoir on someone you admire. I love C.S. Lewis story and the Chronicles of Narnia. I really do think they were the reason I became such a voracious reader. Any excuse to journey once again into the land of make believe is good enough for me. I espiscially like this book because the illistrations are based on things he would have seen in his life and explain what inspired him in some of his Narnian creations.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boss was skeptical of this book. When she saw I was looking at it, she immediately wondered if it would have a religious skew. The answer is no; it does not. But then again, when you read at the end, I get the symbolism.

I loved learning a teeny bit more about C.S. Lewis and his brother. There is an awesome information page at the back of the book that gives even more details. Truly, I think C.S. Lewis is a fascinating individual and I want to read more about him.

The illustrations are soft and muted which I feel captures the essence of this book. It's lowkey. It doesn't set out to have an agenda. It's just fun.

[Patty Corwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful children’s book that chronicles the lives of C.S. “ Jack” Lewis and his brother Warnie, who stayed close all of their lives. It also explains where the real wardrobe of Lion & Witch fame actually came into their lives. Both brothers had vivid imaginations and concocted stories of mythical kingdoms even as children. I especially enjoyed learning that C.S. wrote all of his books out long hand since he thought typewriter noise interrupted his thoughts. The illustrator’s notes after the main story were every bit as informative as the text of the book.

[Evan Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like her other one on Tolkien, this one is excellent, and opens the door to Lewis for younger audiences in a special way, while also introducing details about Lewis that most readers of his works probably don't know about him. I actually know a good bit more about Lewis personal history having read Surprised by Joy and the Narnian, so less was surprising to me about this, but the way that she weaves together his and his brother's story was very special, and speaks to the bond that siblings can have that is incredibly strong and unique.