PAINTING WONDER

Author-illustrator Schon’s debut picture book details the life and career of artist Pauline Baynes (1922-2008), best known for illustrating C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.

“This little girl will grow up to draw pictures that will wing their way around the world, flying to faraway places. Her pictures will be held in millions of hands—maybe even yours.” Thus begins Schon’s biographical sketch of Baynes, pitched to celebrate its subject and inspire young artists. The author relates the artist’s life story from her formative years in India through her sorrowful relocation to boarding school in England and her discovery of storybooks and illustrations. Following this is an account of her wartime service and self-invention as a fantasy artist, and how she came to the attention of authors J.R.R. Tolkien (generating a hopeful flock of portfolio submissions) and Lewis. In Schon’s illustrations, Baynes’ dragons even invade Lewis’ desk, demanding attention; the images throughout convey a sense of yesteryear, mixing sepia tones with subdued rainbow palettes. They also make excellent use of blank spaces and textual effects. One sublime page depicts when war broke out: “everyone in England drops what they are doing to help.” The overall impression of Baynes’ life is one of imagination and optimism triumphing over mundane circumstances and setbacks. All told, it’s a beautiful tribute.

An accessible and inspiring mini-biography, delightfully illustrated.