Die unendliche Geschichte (The NeverEnding Story) influenced The book of lost things

John Connolly has named Michael Ende among the writers he admired and who influenced his imagination, alongside authors such as C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Like The Neverending Story, it features: A lonely child protagonist escaping into a fantasy realm. A fantasy world that reflects the protagonist's emotional and psychological state. A coming-of-age journey where the adventure is tied to personal growth rather than simply defeating a villain.