Synopses & Reviews
She had visited the Falls as a child and could remember, clearly, the thundering waters and crowds of people drawn to them. She could remember standing in a park near the Falls, hypnotized by the sight and sound, and holding her fathers hand as they took a walk that would lead them closer. Thats what everyone wonders when they see Niagara…How close will their courage let them get to it? Well, sir, you cant get any closer than I got. At the turn of the nineteenth century, Annie Edson Taylor decided to do something no one in the world had ever done before: she would go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. The sixty-two year old woman would perform one of the greatest feats in American history and this is precisely why they called her the Queen of the Falls. Mrs. Taylor, a short, plump, and fussy sixty-two year old widow, finds herself in Bay City, Michigan after her travels around America as a charm schoolteacher, teaching at her very own charm school, right by Niagara Falls. But when her charm school starts to fail, Annie needs a plan to keep from becoming penniless; a way to strike it rich and put her money worries behind her for good. After reading about Niagara Falls in a newspaper, she had an epiphany: shed find fame and fortune in being the first person to ever to go over the thundering waters of Niagara Falls.
Review
"The book is impeccably designed . . . In this unromantic and bittersweet account, Van Allsburg presents the feat as born as much out of need as of courage, with Taylor portrayed as a hardheaded eccentric and an unlikely queen."
Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Taylors gender and age make her as unlikely of a hero as any child protagonist; readers will embrace her resolve."Booklist
Jumanji
Caldecott Medal, 1982
• Caldecott Medal winner 1982
• New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year
• Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award
• School Library Journal, Best Books of the Year
• ALA Notable Book for Children
• Booklist Editors' Choice
• IRA/CBC Children's Choice
• 1995 blockbuster movie starring Robin Williams
"A beautiful simplicity of design, balance, texture, and a subtle intelligence beyond the call ofillustration." New York Times Book Review
The Polar Express
Caldecott Medal, 1986
• Caldecott Medal winner, 1986
• 5 million copies sold worldwide
• New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year
• New York Times Bestseller
• 2004 blockbuster movie starring Tom Hanks
"The Polar Express is magic indeed." The New York Times
"This is one of Van Allsburgs most treasured visions." Newsweek
Zathura
A New York Times Bestseller
A major motion picture in 2005
"On the twentieth anniversary of Jumanji, Van Allsburg picks up right where his Caldecott Medal book left off, with similarly terrifying adventure set this time in outer space." Booklist, starred
"Van Allsburg illustrates the surreal events in a grainy charcoal-black that seems to shimmer on a rough, cream-colored ground...Zathura, like Jumanji, is a satisfying enigma" Publishers Weekly
"Van Allsburg is a terrific illustrator, and his images here, including one where the boys open their front door and are greeted with a breathtaking views of the cosmos, are memorable." The New York Times Book Review
Review
"This is without question one of the best -- and most original -- picture books in years." The New York Times
Review
On the twentieth anniversary of Jumanji, Van Allsburg picks up right where his Caldecott Medal book left off, with similarly terrifying adventure set this time in outer space.
Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
"Van Allsburg illustrates the surreal events in a grainy charcoal-black that seems to shimmer on a rough, cream-colored ground...Zathura, like Jumanji, is a satisfying enigma." Publishers Weekly
and#8220;Van Allsburg is a terrific illustrator, and his images here, including one where the boys open their front door and are greeted with a breathtaking views of the cosmos, are memorable.and#8221; The New York Times Book Review
and#8220;The angles of view, are, as always, wonderfully dramaticand#8230;and#8221; Kirkus Reviews
and#8220;The shadowy black-and-white tones of Van Allsburgand#8217;s illustration recall 1950and#8217;s science-fiction filmsand#8230;and#8221; The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
and#8220;One canand#8217;t help but anticipating the encore.and#8221; School Library Journal
Review
Even the most hardened Santa doubters might find in THE POLAR EXPRESS the faith to believe again.”
American Bookseller
A publishing phenomenon an established picture-book classic.”
The New York Times
Review
"Mr. Van Allsburg's illustrations have a beautiful simplicity of design, balance, texture, and a subtle intelligence beyond the call of illustration." The New York Times
Review
"Layered in mystery, this extraordinary book will stun imaginative readers of all ages." School Library Journal, Starred
Review
"The author-illustrator has woven a thread of fantasy in and around his realistic illustrations to give the reader, once again, a story that stays in the imagination." Horn Book
"The author-illustrator has woven a thread of fantasy in and around his realistic illustrations to give the reader, once again, a story that stays in the imagination." Horn Book Guide
Review
"Van Allsburg reaches a new pinnacle of excellence in both illustration and storytelling . . . His fable builds to an urgent plea for action as it sends a rousing message of hope."—Publishers Weekly
Review
"This illustrated biography climaxes beautifully with a double-page spread of the great falls, a tiny barrel bobbing in the current, and a powerful one-line text: '"Oh, Lord," she whispered, and then she was gone.'"The Horn Book
"An odd, unsettling meditation on fame."Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Van Allsburgand#8217;s foray into nonfiction is filled with the same suspense, surrealism, and menace that have thrilled readers of his fiction."and#8212;School Library Journal, starred review
"In this unromantic and bittersweet account, Van Allsburg presents the feat as born as much out of need as of courage, with Taylor portrayed as a hardheaded eccentric and an unlikely queen."and#8212;Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A daredevil story is an easy sell for almost any kid audience, and a daredevil story by a beloved storyteller is just about as good as it gets."and#8212;The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review "An odd, unsettling meditation on fame."and#8212;Kirkus Reviews
"This illustrated biography climaxes beautifully with a double-page spread of the great falls, a tiny barrel bobbing in the current, and a powerful one-line text: '"Oh, Lord," she whispered, and then she was gone.'"and#8212;The Horn Book
Review
Masterful compositions display the depth, varied viewpoints, and marvelous mixture of patterns and surfaces that readers have come to expect.
School Library Journal, Starred
Classic Van Allsburg air, like something out of a dream...hinting at mysteries lurking behind the here and now.
The Washington Post
Magnificent sepia-toned art...works magic with people, place and predicament. A delicious tale about just desserts.
The San Francisco Chronicle
A Van Allsburg book is always worth waiting for.
The San Diego Union-Tribune
Imagine how tempting it might be to be able to hypnotize your little sister.
The Chicago Tribune
A rare outing from Van Allsburg, featuring as smooth a case of payback as ever was.
Kirkus Reviews
The nostalgic...sepia-tone artwork is eye-catching...it will draw kids into the story with angled, theatrical images.
Booklist, ALA
Enough of a spooky edge to the hypnotic proceedings to make the plot...intriguing even before the final twist.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
The story of Probuditi!...[is] about the lure of magic.
Publishers Weekly
Van Allsburg works his magic.
Kansas City Star
Chris Van Allsburg, a master of surprise endings, wraps a captivating story in lush, warm full-page illustrations in pencil over pastels in burnt sienna that ooze the heat of a summer day in the early 1940s.
The Chicago Sun-Times
This story of magic and gullibility will keep readers guessing until the very end...sepia-tone drawings match the mid-20th century setting.
Library Media Connection
Review
She could remember standing in a park near the falls, hypnotized by the sight and sound, andholding her fatherand#8217;s hand as they took a walk that would lead them closer.Thatand#8217;s what everyone wonders when they see Niagara . . . How close will their courage letthem get to it? At the turn of the nineteenth century, a retired sixty-two-year-old charm school instructor named Annie Edson Taylor, seeking fame and fortune, decided to do something that no one in the world had ever done beforeand#8212;she would go over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel. Come meet the Queen of the Falls and witness with your own eyes her daring ride!
"Van Allsburgand#8217;s foray into nonfiction is filled with the same suspense, surrealism, and menace that have thrilled readers of his fiction."and#8212;School Library Journal,starred review
"In this unromantic and bittersweet account, Van Allsburg presents the feat as born as much out of need as of courage, with Taylor portrayed as a hardheaded eccentric and an unlikely queen."and#8212;Publishers Weekly,starred review
"An odd, unsettling meditation on fame."and#8212;Kirkus Reviews
"This illustrated biography climaxes beautifully with a double-page spread of the great falls, a tiny barrel bobbing in the current, and a powerful one-line text: '"Oh, Lord," she whispered, and then she was gone.'"and#8212;The Horn Book
Review
"The story idea, so economically carried out in the text, is illustrated in the artist's meticulous drawings, marvels of symbolism, reality, imagination, and perspective." Publishers Weekly
Review
"The most succinctly nutty alphabet book in the history of mankind." The New York Times
"Whimsical, sophisticated, this should appeal to a wide audience, from those amused by mayhem in an unusual context to the many fans of this uniquely creative artist." Kirkus Reviews with Pointers
Review
"It's a book that starts with one point of view and steps into another. The average bildungsroman acoomplishes this kind of transition in several hundred pages: Van Allsburg does it in thirty-two." Kirkus Reviews with Pointers
Review
"Children will be fascinated by the ant-eye view that Van Allsburg provides of common everyday items." Booklist, ALA
Review
"Van Allsburg explores the nature of good and evil in this unearthly tale of a witch's broom that has fallen from the sky with its witch still on it . . . Enchanting." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
"...you won't be able to put this broom away any more than Minna Shaw could. It will sweep the boards twelve months of the year." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"...will evoke pleasurable shudders..." Publishers Weekly
"...Althought not strictly for Halloween, may turn out to be as much a part of that holiday as Polar Express is of Christmas." School Library Journal
Review
"Van Allsburg swings back into his most mystifying mode with this enigmatic, visually sophisticated tale . . . A significant achievement." Publishers Weekly, Starred
Review
"As always, Van Allsburg's paintings are magnificent. Cool, clear colors, boldly executed, and unusual perspective accentuate the story's mystery." Booklist, ALA
Review
"The full-color pastel drawings are the work of a master: stunning, luminescent, and conveying a sense of the mystical and magical." Publishers Weekly
Review
"This picture-book presentation of the exploits of a little-known figure in aviation history introduces a new heroine to young adventure fans. Brown's enthusiasm for and knowledge of his subject are clearly evident, and he includes several fascinating details in his brief account of Law's record-breaking feat of flying nonstop from Chicago to New York . . . An intriguing glimpse at a bygone era." School Library Journal
Synopsis
For his birthday, Calvinand#8217;s mother gives him two tickets to see Lomax the Magnificent (magician and hypnotist extraordinaire!). Even though Mama hints that his little sister, Trudy, would love to go, Calvin doesnand#8217;t hesitate to invite his friend Rodney instead.
The boys return home greatly impressed by the magicianand#8217;s performance. When Calvinand#8217;s mother goes out, she leaves him in charge of Trudy. Itand#8217;s a job Calvin dislikes because his sister does not want to be left out of anything. So Calvin and Rodney include herand#151;by making her the first subject for their own hypnotizing machine.
Much to the boysand#8217; surprise, the machine works. But unfortunately they cannot undo what they have done. Trudy is stuck in her trance, convinced she is a dogand#151;panting, drooling, and barking at squirrels. The only problem is, Calvin canand#8217;t remember Lomaxand#8217;s magic wordand#151;Probuditi!and#151;so Trudy wonand#8217;t snap out of it!
The boys are worried and decide to take Trudy to the one man they know can solve their problemand#151;but will Lomax help them? Mama is on her way home . . . Who will have the last laugh?
Synopsis
Come meet the Queen of the Falls and witness with your own eyes her daring ride
At the turn of the nineteenth century, a retired sixty-two-year-old charm school instructor named Annie Edson Taylor, seeking fame and fortune, decided to do something that no one in the world had ever done before--she would go over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel.
She could remember standing in a park near the falls, hypnotized by the sight and sound, and holding her father's hand as they took a walk that would lead them closer. That's what everyone wonders when they see Niagara . . . How close will their courage let them get to it?
This gorgeous, imaginative picture book is from two-time Caldecott winner Chris Van Allsburg, creator of Jumanji and The Polar Express.
Synopsis
Young Walter litters and refuses to sort trash for recycling, until he dreams of an overcrowded and polluted future which terrifies him into taking care of the earth.
Synopsis
Young Walter litters and refuses to sort trash for recycling, until he dreams of an overcrowded and polluted future which terrifies him into taking care of the earth.
Synopsis
Riverbend was a quiet little town, the kind of place where one day was just like all the rest and nothing ever happened. Occasionally the stagecoach rolled through, but it never stopped, because no one ever came to Riverbend and no one ever left. The day the stagecoach stood motionless in the center of town, Sheriff Ned Hardy knew something was terribly wrong. What was the mysterious substance on both coach and horses? It would not come off. Soon it was everywhere in the tidy little village. Something had to be done, and Sheriff Hardy aimed to do it.
Synopsis
The three-time Caldecott medalist tells the tale of two ants who decide to leave the safety of the others to venture into a danger-laden kitchen.
Synopsis
The enigmatic origins of the stranger that Farmer Bailey hits with his truck and brings home to recuperate seem to have a mysterious relation to the weather. Could he be Jack Frost?
Synopsis
A dramatic black- and- white presentation of the alphabet in which the three-time Caldecott medalist depicts a mysterious transformation of each letter.
Synopsis
For twenty-five years,
The Polar Express has been a treasured holiday classic. To commemorate this special anniversary, a lavish gift edition has been created. The set includes a silver foil border, a CD audio recording read by Liam Neeson, a note from Chris Van Allsburg, and a silvery keepsake "All Aboard" ornament.
Awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1986, The Polar Express has sold more than 7 million copies, become a classic holiday movie, and been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season.
Synopsis
"These figs are very special," the woman whispered. "They can make your dreams come true." -- Thus Monsieur Bibot, the cold-hearted dentist, was given two ordinary-looking figs as payment for extracting a tooth from an old woman's mouth. Monsieur Bibot refused to believe such nonsense and proceeded to eat one of the figs for a bedtime snack. Although it was possibly the finest, sweetest fig he had ever tasted, it wasn't until the next morning that Monsieur Bibot realized it indeed had the power to make his dreams come true. While dragging his poor dog, Marcel, out for his walk, he discovered that his strange dream from the night before was becoming all too real. Determined to make good use of the second fig, Monsieur Bibot learns to control is dreams. But can he control Marcel? Once again Chris Van Allsburg explores the mysterious territory between fantasy and reality in an uncanny tale that will intrigue readers of all ages.
Synopsis
In a story recounted through the daily log of Captain Allan Hope, the sailors aboard the Rita Anne become mesmerized and transformed by a mysterious glowing rock, and only music and books can restore them to normal.
Synopsis
A widow finds herself in possession of an extraordinary broom left by a witch who fell into the widow's garden.
Synopsis
Fourteen black-and-white drawings, each accompanied by a title and a caption, entice readers to make up his or her own story.
Synopsis
Sometimes that very thin line between illusion and reality is not as clearly defined as we would like it to be. It certainly wasn't the day that Alan Mitz stumbled into the garden of Abdul Gasazi. For in this bizarre and eerie place -- where strange topiary trees loomed -- the evil visage of Gasazi casts its shadow. And even after Alan escaped, the spell of Gasazi still seemed to penetrate into his everyday world. In this extraordinary, unusual, and unique picture book, Chris Van Allsburg explores both the real and surreal worlds with incredible deftness. In doing so, he has created exquisite and beautiful images that will continue to haunt readers long after they have left the enchanted garden of Abdul Gasazi.
Synopsis
On a terrifically rainy day, Ben has a dream in which he and his house float by the monuments of the world, half submerged in flood-water.
Synopsis
For twenty years, The Polar Express has been a worldwide bestseller and Christmas classic. To commemorate this special anniversary, this heirloom gift edition has been created. The slipcase holds a cloth copy of the book, which includes a distinctive bookplate designed by author Chris Van Allsburg exclusively for this edition. A perfect keepsake for any family, this beautiful edition can be handed down to each new generation of readers.
In 1986 The Polar Express was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal and hit the New York Times bestseller list. Since that time, more than six and a half million copies have been sold, and every December it faithfully reappears on national bestseller lists. In 2004, The Polar Express became a blockbuster holiday movie. The DVD release in 2005 assures, that like the book, the movie will become a holiday classic.
Synopsis
The game under the tree looked like a hundred others Peters and Judy had at home. But they were bored and restless and, looking for something interesting to do, thought they'd give Jumanji a try. Little did they know when they unfolded its ordinary-looking playing board that they were about to be plunged into the most exciting and bizare adventure of their lives.
In his second book for children, Chris Van Allsburg again explores the ever-shifting line between fantasy and reality with this story about a game that comes startingly to life.
His marvelous drawings beautifully convey a mix of the everyday and the extraordinary, as a quiet house is taken over by an exotic jungle.
Synopsis
She could remember standing in a park near the falls, hypnotized by the sight and sound, and holding her fatherand#8217;s hand as they took a walk that would lead them closer. Thatand#8217;s what everyone wonders when they see Niagara . . . How close will their courage let them get to it?
At the turn of the nineteenth century, a retired sixty-two-year-old charm school instructor named Annie Edson Taylor, seeking fame and fortune, decided to do something that no one in the world had ever done beforeand#8212;she would go over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel.
Come meet the Queen of the Falls and witness with your own eyes her daring ride!
Synopsis
On the last page of the Caldecott-winning book Jumanji, young Danny Budwing is seen running after his brother, Walter, with a game tucked under his arm. Now after twenty years, Chris Van Allsburg is ready to reveal what happens when Danny and Walter roll the dice. This time the name of the game is Zathura and the battling Budwing boys are in for the ride of their lives.
Zathura unleashes intergalactic challenges that require even the quarreling Budwing brothers to work as a team.
Zathura hit bestseller lists when it was first published in 2002 and it's sure to visit them again this fall, along with an exciting selection of six movie tie-in editions when Zathura blasts into movie theatres nationwide!
Synopsis
Since its publication in 1985, Chris Van Allsburgs holiday classic has sold more than four million copies and has come to signify the essential spirit of Christmas for countless readers. Now, in celebration of its fifteenth anniversary, THE POLAR EXPRESS is available in a deluxe gift set, beautifully packaged and featuring a dramatic new reading of the timeless tale. The set includes a hardcover copy of the Caldecott Awardwinning book, recordings of the story on both cassette and compact disc, and a commemorative ornament designed by Chris Van Allsburg. Readers young and old are sure to treasure this inspiring book, which brings to life the magic of Christmas for all who believe.
Synopsis
At the edge of a cliff lies the wreck of a small sailboat. How did it get there? "Waves carried it up in a storm," says an old sailor. But is it possible that waves could ever get that high? There is another story -- the story of a boy and his obsessive desire to be the greatest sailor, the story of a storm that carried the boy and his boat to a place where boats glide like gulls high above the water and not upon it. Chris Van Allsburg tells that story of the boy and his boat, the Zephyr, in words and haunting, full-color pastel paintings. His sailboats sail the night sky with the stars in pictures so vivid that the reader can almost hear the wind in the sails. Here is a work of unusual artistry that will enchant readers of all ages for many years to come.
Synopsis
Since its publication in 1984, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick has stimulated the minds of readers of all ages and backgrounds. Now the original fourteen drawings are available in a large portfolio edition of loose sheets. In addition, a newly discovered fifteenth drawing, titled The Youngest Magician, has been added, as well as an updated introduction by the author. The puzzles of these mysterious drawings will be even more provocative because of the larger size and the exceptional printing quality. For the first time, the drawings can be shared with groups or displayed singly. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 1984.
Synopsis
In 1916 a young woman named Ruth Law attempted to fly from Chicago to New York City in one day--something no one else had ever done. This is the story of that daring attempt. Beautifully detailed watercolors dramatize a dangerous journey made by the pilot President Woodrow Wilson called "great." Full-color illustrations.
About the Author
Chris Van Allsburg is the winner of two Caldecott Medals, for Jumanji and The Polar Express, as well as the recipient of a Caldecott Honor Book for The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. The author and illustrator of numerous picture books for children, he has also been awarded the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in childrenand#8217;s literature. In 1982, Jumanji was nominated for a National Book Award and in 1996, it was made into a popular feature film. Chris Van Allsburg was formerly an instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife and two children.