Mar 20 2025 44 mins 76
What comes to mind when you think of C. S. Lewis’s Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings?
There’s a good chance a lot of us are seeing very similar pictures. We’re seeing images that swept us into the whimsical world of wonder beyond the wardrobe (and into the Shire).
The beloved images of these childhood stories remain with us.
But it’s likely we don’t know much about the woman who created the iconic illustrations of the White Witch, Mr. Tumnus and Lucy, and the Pevensie children having tea with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver.
Her name is Pauline Baynes, and her artwork brought the worlds of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien to life.
Today, author and illustrator Katie Wray Schon is here to share her gorgeous new book, Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This stunning picture book biography tells the story of the woman behind the pictures of Narnia that we know and love so much. You’re going to want to add it to your shelves!
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- How Katie’s own creative journey led her to Pauline Baynes’s story
- The joys and challenges of illustrating a book about an illustrator
- Katie’s advice for holding onto creativity as a source of enrichment in your life, even as a busy mama
Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/woman-behind-narnia
📖 Order your copy of Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien by Katie Wray Schon.
