The child that books built

Francis Spufford explores the profound influence of fiction by revisiting his own childhood experiences with classic books like The Wind in the Willows and The Narnia Chronicles. He vividly recounts the magic of discovering stories, from deciphering words to encountering dragons. This book blends personal reflection with insights into child development and social observation, illustrating how stories empower children to understand the world, cope with difficulties, and expand their imagination.