This inspiring picture-book biography captures the imaginative and sometimes painful childhood of C.S. Lewis. It beautifully connects Lewis’s early losses, boarding school struggles, and close friendships to the ultimate creation of Narnia. The warm, whimsical illustrations, created with graphite pencil and Procreate, perfectly evoke a sense of nostalgic wonder and anchor the emotional depth of the story. By highlighting how real-world hardships can fuel creative storytelling, the book serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of imagination. It is an enchanting read for young fans eager to discover the real-life magic behind the world of Narnia. Included are an author’s note, an illustrator’s note, a timeline of Lewis’s life, suggestions for further reading, and recommended resources.
Title: The Boy Behind The Wardrobe: How C.S. Lewis Grew Up To Create Narnia
Author: Suzanne Poulter Harris
Illustrator: Mia Miroslavova
Publisher: Eerdmans Book for Young Readers
Copyright: 2026
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5616-9
Hardcover pages: 56
Age range: 6-12
Genre: Picture book, Biography
Book setting: Ireland, England
Author’s ethnicity: Irish
Author’s residence: Washington, DC
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Bulgarian
Illustrator’s residence: England
Subjects: Biography, Books, Boxen, Imagination, J.R.R. Tolkien, Narnia, Reading, Wardrobe

