Painting Wonder

How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien

Written & Illustrated by Katie Wray Schon

★ “It’s a beautiful tribute. An accessible and inspiring mini-biography, delightfully illustrated.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Painting Wonder is an enchanting picture book biography about the artist whose illustrations brought the worlds of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien to life.

Young Pauline Baynes lives in India, a land of towering mountains, sparkling lakes, and bright flowers. She even has a pet monkey that joins her for tea.

Then her life takes a turn, and Pauline is sent to dreary England. Books bring light and color to her world, so she sets out to paint the stories she loves.

Years later, two iconic authors see her paintings and know she’s the illustrator for their stories―of fire-breathing dragons, towering giants, a golden lion, and four brave children.

Follow Pauline into one of the most beloved and prominent landscapes in all of children’s literature: the magical land of Narnia.

Type: Jacketed Hardcover
Cover Price: $18.99 US ($24.95 CAN)
Pages: 48
Available: April 1, 2025
Best for Ages: 6-8
Book Dimensions: 10 in H | 10 in W
ISBN: 9781956393156, 1956393153

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About the Author & Illustrator

Katie Wray Schon

Katie Wray Schon is an author/illustrator who loves making beautiful books. She grew up in Rhode Island, but now lives in Texas, where she can usually be found with a paintbrush in hand. She has a wonderful husband and three inspiring children. Together they love art, biking, and reading books about magical lands.