Book Description

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. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

"Two Bad Ants" learn a valuable life-lesson.
"Two Bad Ants" was first published over ten years ago, but I somehow overlooked it. This gem is worth adding to your collection of children's books, and it's one that children enjoy hearing over and over again. Best of all, "Two Bad Ants" is a book that YOU won't tire of READING aloud to your kids!! What I love about this book is that Van Allsburg isn't afraid to use big words in a book for children; simplistic books are great for kids who are trying to learn to read, but they need books with more complicated vocabulary in order to increase their understanding of language. Van Allsburg really delivers with this well-written, suspenseful, entertaining tale of two ants who discover a scary world they'd never dreamed existed: a modern kitchen, replete with electrical appliances and the inherent dangers thereof. Van Allsburg delivers the story's message simply and directly on the last page of the book: the ants learn that they belong at home and that will be happiest in their familiar surroundings. The easy life they'd envisioned could be theirs in the strange new indoor world of the house was more dangerous than they could have imagined, and wasn't worth the trouble.

The drawings are simple and clean, and the color-pallette is limited, which makes for fewer distractions. The artwork is really fantastic, but the vivid pictures Van Allsburg draws with his rich, descriptive complex sentences are even more satisfying. This is a book that my children and I will enjoy for years to come.

"Two Bad Ants"
If you are looking for a great kids book, I recommend the book by Chris Van Allsburg, Two Bad Ants. This book captivates the reader with its descriptive text as well as its exciting story line. The book is about two ants who, instead of helping the colony by getting food, decide they will stay where the food is and live alone. They quickly learn that living by themselves is not an easy thing to do. They encounter many hardships and obsticles, finally realizing that they need the colony. Read this book and find out what happens to the two ants and whether or not they make it home.

ants are cool
I think this is great book because it is about 2 ants that go in a house and think that a sink is a water fall and think that grass are big woods and think that salt are big dimens and then fall into a big bucket of salt and took it home this is why I like this book and I think this is a great book

Two ants enter a whole new world (someone's kitchen)
The ant world is all excited because world has come that a marvelous crystal has been discovered in a faraway place. The queen declares the crystal to be the most delicious substance she has ever eaten, and so the ants go forth in a long line to bring her back more of the same. After marching through an a dark forest (of grass) and climbing a mountain (otherwise known as a brick wall) the ants find themselves in a strange world without wind or the smell of dirt and grass, with smooth shiny surfaces, all leading to the sea of crystals.

What has happened is that the ants have made their way in the kitchen of a home and that should be enough to let you guess what those delicious crystals happen to be. Two of the ants decide that the treasure they have found is so great they went their comrades return to the colony, these two stay behind. But then they discover that some of the strange things in this brave new world are pretty dangerous.

The idea behind "Two Bad Ants" is pretty interesting, but the story does not develop it as much as you would think and having it illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg is pretty much illustrative overkill. Certainly taking a different perspective on the ordinary world of their kitchen is something that should prove interesting to young readers, but what should have been a strength of this book, its essentially "realism," is abandoned as the two (bad) ants brave a series of dangers that take more of a traditional comic turn.

But the ultimate irony is that this 1988 book would have been more impressive if it had been done by someone other than Van Allsburg. From the artist that brought us "The Polar Express" and "Jumanji," just to name two Caldecott Medal winner books, "Two Bad Ants" comes across as a trifle. How is that for an exacting standard of excellence?

Hmmmmmmmmmm......
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the graphics in this book. They are really beautiful with a faux-woodcut style that is pretty fresh. If you haven't seen a copy, your eyes will thank you for tracking down a copy.

The title is great. Provocative - Unfortunately it implies a sense of humor to the story, which it lacks. It isn't funny (I mean situationally, verbally funny would be beyond it's target audience). For a book that has at most a paragraph of text, spending twice as much time on the story arc (ummmm... that would have been twenty minutes?) would have resulted in a full-on classic. As it stands 2/3rds of it is perfect and the last element does not hold it's own. I realize kids don't need Wagnerian intricacy, but adults reading the book to them them 4 dozen times, would have appreciated a smidge more depth, intent, beauty or humor to the story.

Bewilderingly, the greater goal of teaching responsibility & obedience is a bit lost while also making youngsters inquisitive about garbage disposals, toasters and electric outlets. !??! ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Judy and Peter find a board game in the park, they take it home, hoping to alleviate their boredom. One live lion, an erupting volcano, and a dozen destructive monkeys later, the children are no longer bored. Their jungle adventure game has come to life! Chris Van Allsburg is a master at walking the line between fantasy and reality. His unusually sculptured drawings (familiar to the many devoted fans of the Caldecott-winning The Polar Express and The Garden of Abdul Gasazi) convey the magical transition of a normal house to an exotic jungle. Readers will tremble along with Judy and Peter, urging them to roll the dice that will plunge them from one perilous predicament into another. Jumanji, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and winner of the 1982 Caldecott Medal, is sure to amaze and thrill even the most jaded young reader. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Jumanji
Have there ever been monkeys jumping around in your kitchen, or a lion destroying your bedroom, with a huge volcano irrupting in your house? Was there ever a large stampede of rhinos running crazy in your living room? Well that is what happens to Judy and Peter in the sensational book, Jamanji. When they were both left home alone, Judy and Peter got really bored. They decide to take a stroll in the park. On their way to the park, they discover a game named "Jamanji" sitting under a tree. They take it home and immediately start to play. All of the sudden, the creatures from the game came to life, in their very own house! How will Peter and Judy get this jungle cleaned up before their parents come home? Will they clean up in time? This book is a great mystery for kids' ages 4 to12. It has a great plot and brings wonderful excitement to the reader. Each topic makes you eager to read more and find out the result of the mystery.

LIONS, MONKEYS, AND, RHINOS, OH MY!
In Jumangi, Chris Van Allsburg details the story of Peter and Judy's afternoon. Through his words and pictures, he describes their eventful afternoon. On a boring afternoon, these two siblings are left alone. Before their parents leave, the two children are warned not to disorganize the house. However, once the children find an interesting board game, their once boring and uneventful afternoon becomes full of action and a bit of chaos. In this picture book, the author, who is also the illustrator uses black and white illustrations that are full of depth. Through his descriptive words and pictures, one can clearly witness the children's afternoon. The simple, yet detailed illustrations add to the characters, sets the setting, and mood. Jumanji's award winning illustrations are unique and add to the concept of fantasy in the book. Many children will enjoy this story or anyone who has experienced a boring afternoon or played an imaginative board game. The book may be slightly scary for younger children, but will encompass the attention of older readers. This book takes the reader along with the children on a wonderful adventure. JUMANJI!

Jungle fever
Chris Van Allsburg used to be my favorite picture book artist, and in many ways he remains so to this day. And it's books like, "Jumanji" that remind me why I love his work as strongly as I do. For some reason, Van Allsburg's picture books are so popular and so evocative that they are continually adapted into full screen motion pictures. "Polar Express" has just been turned into a computer animated extravaganza, and "Jumanji" was a Robin Williams vehicle once. Just the same, nothing compares to the original tale. Using his uber-realistic illustrations to highlight how incredibly bizarre the storyline is, this book is fully worthy of the 1982 Caldecott Medal it was awarded.

Peter and Judy have been left home alone by their opera going parents and boy are they boredy bored bored. After playing with their toys and making a mess they decide to take a run to the park. Once there, they discover an abandoned board game called Jumanji sitting beneath a tree. On a note taped to the bottom of the box read the words, "Free game, fun for some but not for all. P.S. Read instructions carefully". The kids don't know what to expect but they take the game with them anyway. After reading the instructions they find that once a person begins Jumanji they cannot stop until someone has won the game. The first roll of the die leads to a space that reads, "Lion attacks, move back two spaces". Suddenly there's a real live lion in the room, and it's regarding Peter hungrily. The kids realize, to their horror, that whatever happens on the board happens in real life. If they want to finish the game (and remain alive) they're going to have to continue.

The book really plays on the old idea of "when the parents are out the kids will get up to all kinds of unwitting mischief". There's a lot in this story that's similar to "The Cat in the Hat". Two bored kids. The magical entity that destroys their home but (undeniably) occupies their time. Getting everything cleaned up before mom and dad walk in the door. You get the idea. The story is surreal and skirts the edges of the disturbing. With illustrations created with Conte dust and Conte pencils, Van Allsburg makes the pictures especially realistic. You can make out every strand on Peter's head or observe the rubber bands holding together Judy's braids. As a child, I was always fascinated with realistic images of fantastical situations. Van Allsburg fits this bill perfectly.

"Jumanji" was later given a sequel of sorts entitled, "Zathura". I haven't read it myself, but I think my loyalties will always lie with the original. There's something about Van Allsburg's clean lines and startled expressions that really chill the reader to the bone. If you have a child that likes to be ever so slightly freaked out from time to time, I can't think of any picture book artist that does a better job of this than the master of the pencil drawing: Chris Van Allsburg. And "Jumanji" is his masterpiece.

Scary
I am a Van Allsburg fan but this book, though very good, is not one of my favorites. Some young children may be frightened by the illustrations. It is a good was to expose children to the fantasy genre if you feel they will not be upset by the illustrations or plot. (...)

Jumanji
I am a student of West Virginia State College, currently taking a class on Children's Literature. Mr. Samples (A Wonderful Teacher) has instructed us to review a Caldecott winner and write our thoughts on it. I read this book after seeing the movie and, of course, it is quite different. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because of the differences and its speedy nature. I believe that children of various ages would enjoy this book because of the quick adventure and excellent illustrations. I would recommend this book to anyone for a classic family reading time, classroom reading, or bedtime story! ... Read more

Amazon.com

One couldn't select a more delightful and exciting premise for a children's book than the tale of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve only to have Santa Claus sweep by and take him on a trip with other children to the North Pole. And one couldn't ask for a more talented artist and writer to tell the story than Chris Van Allsburg. Allsburg, a sculptor who entered the genre nonchalantly when he created a children's book as a diversion from his sculpting, won the 1986 Caldecott Medal for this book, one of several award winners he's produced. The Polar Express rings with vitality and wonder. ... Read more

Reviews (102)

An Absolute Necessity For Anyone's Personal Library
Oh, what a beautiful book this is! I've owned this book for over fifteen years, and every year during the holiday season I take it down from the shelf and read it, and I am immediately taken back into time. For the few minutes that it takes me to read this book I once again become a child full of wonder and innocence. I begin to believe in the magic of the holiday season, and yes, for a moment I even believe in Santa Claus again.

This is the story of a boy lucky enough to ride The Polar Express to the North Pole on one magical night to see Santa Claus and his elves. While the destination is exciting, the real fun is riding in this train full of children, all dressed in their pajamas and snacking on cookies and milk. The story is beautifully told by Chris Van Allsburg, but the real reason why reading this book is an annual tradition for me is the brilliance of the illustrations. The pictures are painstakingly detailed, especially the beautiful images of the train, the light from the stars in the sky, and the fallen snow.

While Santa Claus is incorporated into the story and the illustrations, he is not the focal point. The crux of this book centers around this train, the wintery environment, and the youthful magic that makes it all so special.

I am now 22-years-old, and this book is just as compelling for me today as it was when I was 5. I look forward to the day when I will have children of my own and will be able to make it an annual tradition to read this book to them. This book is a must-have for anyone's personal library, especially if you are a parent, a child, or a child-at-heart like me. I give this book the highest of recommendations.

Sorry, the movie can not be as wonderful as this book
Chris Van Allsburg's "The Polar Express" tells the simple tale of boy who has been told by a friend "There's no Santa." However, the boy knows this is wrong, which may explain why the Polar Express shows up outside his house that night to take him to the North Pole. In the giant factory city where all the toys are made for Christmas, the elves will all gather and Santa will give to one of the children on the train the first gift of the Christmas season.

"The Polar Express" is a simple tale of the power of belief, told through exquisite pastel drawings that make a steam locomotive seem a soft vision of light in the gently falling snow. The story being told is almost as good as the illustrations. This is a modern Yule time classic, which teaches a simple lesson: always fix a hole in your pocket.

I find it hard to believe that this beloved children's book is coming to the silver screen through full CG animation, even if it is Imageworks' next-generation motion capture process that the digital characters to be modeled on live-action performances. But if the movie leads new readers, both young and old, to discover Van Allsburg's original book, then we can think of it as being the world's longest commercial and not a inadequate substitute for one of the great picture books of all time.

Wintery Exploration
I have loved this book since I first heard it in second grade. That little boy reminds me of how I used to stay awake all night Christmas Eve and then sneak downstairs when I heard the first little noise. The artwork is wonderfull, I would just sit there and imagine I was part of the book. I am diffently going to get this book for my children.

Can't you hear the whistle blowing?
It must be nice to have written a real holiday classic. I imagine that author Chris Van Allsburg must be tickled pink by way his book, "The Polar Express" has slowly gained increasing attention and praise as the years have gone by. Though not my favorite Van Allsburg (a tip of the hat grants his miraculous "The Stranger" that honor) this book is perhaps more perfectly his style than any of his other texts. And in that way, it is truly wondrous.

In this story, a young boy travels at night by a train bearing the book's title to the North Pole with a host of other antsy children. This combines the dual pleasure kids would feel in getting to staying up late AND taking a train all by themselves. Once at the North Pole, our hero asks Santa only for a silver bell from his reindeer's sleigh. Santa complies and though the boy looses the bell on his way home, Santa returns it to him. For years afterwards, only those who truly believe can hear the bell's magical ring (which, actually, explains why adults cannot hear Santa fly overhead at night, I suppose).

It's a lovely story, complimented nicely with Van Allsburg's realistic (but not photo-realistic) illustrations. Particularly nice is how the story does not date. Though it clearly takes place at a time when children wore dressing gowns, it does not feel as if it is a period piece. The kids traveling on the train are slightly multi-cultural and the waiters on the train delightful in their white puffy hats.

This book is so well loved that it has actually inspired whole communities to create their own makeshift Polar Expresses. On these trains, kids are served hot cocoa "as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars" while grown-ups read them the book. They then meet Santa and go home contented and happy. Unfortunately, as charming as this may seem, it may be greatly exploited with the late 2004 release of the CGI film version of the book. My advice is to grab this book right now, regardless of whether it's Christmas or not, and read it to your kids thoroughly. Such nice stories as this deserve extensive attention. Let us all hope that this story sinks deeply into the canon of picture books beloved by millions of kids the wide world over. It's a class act through and through.

If you have a little kid in your life, it's a MUST READ
Gorgeous illustrations.
Amazingly mesmerizing language, almost poetry.
Magical story about Santa's visit on Christmas Eve. Santa, however, arrives on a train instead of a sleigh, and he takes the boy on a train ride to the North Pole (a trip that is so exquisitely illustrated that you can come to believe it's real), where, from among hundreds, he's chosen to receive the first Christmas present, which he can choose. He could choose anything, anything at all - and he chooses one of the bells from Santa's sleigh, which is loaded, ready and waiting.
When he returns home and the train pulls away, he's devastated to discover the bell has fallen through a hole in his pocket. What happens next to restore this child's believe in Christmas magic.
Buy the book and find out. Buy it. But it now and read it yearly at Christmas. When your kids grow up and leave home, read it to yourself. Then read it to grandchildren. Take it to your retirement community and keep reading it.
For sure. ... Read more

Book Description

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? ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Solve the Mystery!
What is the connection between the stranger who does not talk and the farmer and his family? Watch for the subtle clues. My students always listen (and watch) intently when I have them watch for clues. Who is the stranger? Fun book for children. Well illustrated.

Wonderful Book!
Bang!! Have you ever hit a person who you thought was a deer, while driving your car? Probably not. But, when a mixed up stranger comes into a house, the family thinks he is really weird. The author doesn't tell you who this guy is, but you can read this book yo try to find out!

-Erica

A hypnotic book
Chris van Allsburg's "The Stranger" is, well, a very interesting read. I have to admit to NOT liking it the first couple of times I read it to my kids, partly because the stranger in question remains a stranger throughout the book. Van Allsburg gives us no easy answers here. Still, this makes the book an excellent jumping-off place for questions about who we are, what makes a group of people a family or a community, and how well we really all know each other.

The illustrations are, as usual, stellar van Allsburg stuff. The cover portrait especially, of the stranger being served soup by Farmer Bailey's wife, is very nearly hypnotic. The stranger's face is suffused with a mixture of fear and wonderment, and you find yourself thinking, "Is it the soup that fascinates him? The tureen across the table? The farmer's wife?" It really gets you thinking.

Excellent read aloud
Teachers - this is a wonderful book for a read aloud. I read this book to a class of second graders and they were completely entranced by the illustrations and by the stranger in the story. The book is wonderfully illustrated and is great to read during the fall season to the students. Also, because the stranger's identity remains a mystery this book is a wonderful lead into a writing activity. Read it. You'll love it!

The greatest picture books ever written
Chris Van Allsburg is a great writer and artist, and he does it once again in this fantastic book. The Stranger is about a mysterious stranger who seems to make the seasons last a little longer than usual. I recommend all of Van Allsburgs books to every parent and child alike! ... Read more

Book Description

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. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Just a Dream, Chris Van Allsburg
Have you ever wanted to see what the world is like in the future? Well some people might not be ready to see it. This story shows how the earth has to be protected by everyone.
Walter is a young boy that doesn't care much about the earth. One day he has a donut bag that he tosses on a fire hydrant. That night he is watching a TV show about a boy in the future. He sees that people will have little planes and robots.
So that night he has a dream, his bed takes him years into the future. He finds that the world will be totally different. Walter notices that trees need to be protected because they are being cut down for wrong purposes. Walter finds out about what pollution does to the world. And Walter witnesses advances in science. Walter's bed takes him back to the present. Walter decides that he wants to make the world a better place. And for his birthday he gets a small tree like his neighbor got for her birthday. Then that night his bed takes him away, to the future, again.
I thought the book was interesting because a boy who doesn't think much about the world sees what the world will be like if it is not protected. It was cool that he was moved by what he had seen. And I think I would have tried to clean up too.

Just a Dream
Just a Dream is an incredible story. It is inspiring for kids. I love the books Chris Van Allsburg makes. It's like he is makng it both meaningful and entertaing too. All of his books teach you a lesson and that makes a pefect ending. The story that I like best is Just a Dream. The story is extremely cool. The pictures make you think that it is a real. This is what the story is about. A little boy goes travleing in his room, but he is just asleep. It is trying to tell him he needs to change things so he can save our nation,but it takes more than one person to take care of Mother Earth. We all need to read Chris Van Allsburg's book.

Just A Dream
Chris Van Allsburg has done it again. This book helps kids get a better understanding of why being a litterbug isn't cool. His illustrations are awesome. I wanted to be able to be in the pictures with Walter (the main character). Everybody that litters should read this book. Our world would be a more beautiful place.

Just A Dream
This book, teaches children a lesson on how to respect the environment. Its illustrations paint pictures in our minds and help us to realize the consequences of every action that we make. It also tells us that the future with all the high technology and stuff won't always make us happy. Even if we have all the things in the world we want we may still no be happy.
When Walter goes to sleep, he travels the future to see all the different things that may happen to him. During these dreams he sees different things that kind of make him aware that it is important to take care of the environment.
This book is a great way to teach children to take the time to appreciate all the beautiful things of nature and to recycle and take care of the earth. ~Kellie~

Just A Dream
This is a wonderful book filled with colorful illustrations and it has a great story like to it. I think it is good that the author uses dreams to tell children to keep the world clean.
The author gives to Walter, the boy in this book a very wide imagination. Walter is just a normal boy, and he was watching a television show about this boy living in the future. The boy has a robot and he flew around in a tiny airplane That night Walter went to bed wishing he lived in the future. He had many dreams of the future. He had many dreams of the future. He had many dreams of the future. None of the dreams showed the future he was wishing for. In the end his bed took him to the lawn in between the two trees that he had planted when he was just a boy.
This story shows that the future of great technology is not always the one that will make you happy. The book shows that keeping the world clean is important. It is not always the materialistic things that make this world beautiful. ~Kellie~ ... Read more

Book Description

"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. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Sweetest Fig
The Sweetest Fig story takes place in Paris, France. Monsiur Bibot, the coldhearted dentist, helped a patient who had a toothache. After Bibot helped her, all she could pay him with were two magical figs. In disbelief, Bibot took the figs and shoved her out of his office. When Bibot went home, he decided to eat one of the figs as an evening snack. It was the seetest fig Bibot had ever tasted, it just wasn't until the next morning that Monsieur Bibot realized it indeed was so magical that it had the power to make your dreams come true.

Another great book
Another great book by Chris Van Allsburg. I do an author study with my second graders and they particuarly love this book. They to hear it read with a bit of a French accent. The children have great empathy for poor Marcel and really appreciate when he triumphs over the self-absorbed Bibot. This book is in much demand in my classroom aftet it has been introduced as a read aloud.

the sweetest fig for ms voorhees book report assignment
Monseuir Bigot. A dentist, a picky snooty stuck up dentist, to be precise. He lives simply, with his small terrier who is not even allowed to bark, and his profession. One day as he is sitting in his office, an old woman comes into his building with a horrid toothache, she has no appointment, but he decides he could use a few extra francs. (he lives in france)He pulls her tooth out, and when he asks for payment, she hands him two figs, and says that they will make his dreams come true. he sends her from his office, and goes home. Later that night he has one of the figs, as a dinnertime snack. When he wakes up he finds that his dream had come true that he had dreamt the night before. He then hynotizes himself for weeks so he can control his dreams, the night he plans to eat the fig and become rich and famous, his dog eats the fig. he wakes up the next morning under his bed... bieng told to go for a walk...

Chris van alsburg has the best ironic childrens books. I really enjoyed how this one played out. The illustrations are as good as you would expect from a van alsburg book, especially well done are the peoples facial expressions.This is a book i would definately recomend to a friend, not nessesarily a younger reader but preferably someone who can read fairly well, its somewhere in between a chapter book and an easy reader.

What if... When You Slept, Your Dreams Came True?
Chris Van Allsburg's book, THE SWEETEST FIG, is an exquisitely illustrated book that raises the fascinating question, "What if... when you slept, your dreams came true?"

This story tells the tale of a mean-spirited dentist, Monsieur Bibot, who lives in Paris, France, with only his small, white dog for a companion. When Bibot receives as payment two small figs from an old woman who can't afford to pay him for his dental services, he is furious. The woman tells Bibot that these figs are special... "they can make your dreams come true." Dreams are clearly something that Bibot cares little for... that is, until he discovers that the old woman was telling him the truth. When he finds himself standing outside a restaurant dressed only in his underwear, and the Eiffel Tower bending down as if it were made of rubber -- he rushes home and begins practicing the art of controlling his dreams. Bibot's attempt to overly-control his life takes a surprising turn, and this story vividly illustrates the point that greed and self-absorption can ruin a man's life.

Because the artwork in this book is so exceptionally good and the moral of the story is so delightful, this is one book that parents will love to read to their children again and again!

Great Story, Magnificent Illustrations, & a Surprise Ending
What more could you ask for? The Sweetest Fig is the story of French Dentist named Bibot who is given two seemingly ordinary figs as payment for dental services rendered. The old woman who gives Bibot the figs tells him that the figs can "make your dreams come true." As the story progresses, it keeps the audiences attention easily. Most of the classes I have read this to (3rd & 4th Grade) seem to think the results of Bibot's first dream are hilarious and are eager to hear the outcome. The ending is rather abrupt but satisfying where Bibot gets his just rewards. Overall, Van Allsburg does a magnificent job (as always) both authoring and illustrating this intriguing tale. Highly recommended for 3rd and 4th grade students. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Witches' brooms don't last forever. They grow old, and even the best of them, one day, lose the power of flight.... On very rare occasions, however, a broom can lose its power without warning, and fall, with its passenger, to the earth below ... which is just what happened one cold autumn night many years ago." So begins The Widow's Broom, the gentle, strangely captivating book by Chris Van Allsburg, who received Caldecott medals for Jumanji and The Polar Express.

The story gets under way when the lonely widow Minna Shaw finds a wounded, sky-fallen witch in her vegetable garden. The witch disappears before dawn, but leaves her old, presumably defunct broom behind. Minna begins to use it around the house and finds that "it was no better or worse than brooms she'd used before." However, one morning, Minna sees the broom sweeping by itself! Opportunistically, she trains it to chop wood and fetch water.

When the neighbors find out about this "wicked, wicked thing" (posing as an innocent, hardworking broom), they accost the widow and demand that the broom be burned. Are they successful in separating the lonely widow and her diligently sweeping friend? This is a wonderfully suspenseful book to read aloud and young listeners will earnestly hope for the broom's survival. Still, older, wiser readers, ages 8 and older, will be swept up in the story, too. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The Perfect Halloween Story for Grade School Children...
The Widow's Broom is a fabulous tale of magic, witchcraft and conpanionship. The story focuses on a lonely widow named Minna Shaw whose brief encounter with a witch leaves her with a seemingly ordinary household broom. Minna soon comes to learn that the broom is anything but ordinary as it is enchanted. Trouble soon finds Minna Shaw in the form of her neighbors the Spivey's who denounce the broom as "evil." The events that follow are immensely entertaining and captivating. The twist ending makes the story all the sweeter. Van Allsburg's illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking as he deserved another Caldecott medal for his work here. Overall, kids will fall in love with this enchanting tale and adults may who read it may do the same. Highly Recommended for ALL ages.

The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allburg Reveiw by April
The main characters of this book are a witch, Minna Shaw, a broom, and the Spiveys. This story starts out with a witch flying on her broom. The broom loses its magic to fly, and makes the witch tumble and fall to the ground. The witch lands in Minna Shaw's garden. Minna Shaw was a widow who lived in a small white farmhouse. Widow Shaw knew she was a witch, but helped her any way because she is a kinded-hearted person. Minna takes the witch into her house, and at midnight, the witch left with her wounds all healed. The witch saw another witch circling in the sky. THe witch flew down and picked up the witch that Minna found. The witch left her old broom there, since it didn't fly anymore.
The next morning, Minna Shaw wakes up to an empty house. She wasn't that surprised by it though. She also saw that the witch left her broom there. Widow Shaw justed figured that the broom lost its powers and was like a normal broom. Then she saw that the broom was sweeping the floors by itself. She was very scared by this, but later on, got used to it. Minna Shaw taught the broom how to do other tasks, like feeding the chickens, chop wood, fetch water, bring the cows from the pastures, and to even play the piano.
The Spiveys, Minna's neighbors, found out about the broom. They didn't like it at all because they thought that it was the work of the devil. Sometimes the broom got bored and started to sweep the roads. Two of the Spivey boys were taunting the broom. The broom got loose and knocked both boys over. They got their dog to attack the broom. The broom set the dog sailing through the air. The boys told their father what had happened to them. They still haven't found their dog yet. Mr. Spivey and three other men went to go destroy the broom.
Minna shows them where she keeps the broom. What will become of the broom? Will Minna ever see the broom again? What ever happened to the Spivey's dog? Read the rest of the story if you want the answers to these questions. I liked this book because it gives you a great describion of what is going on. It also has great pictures that help you follow along with the story.

The Widow's Broom Book Review
The Widow's Broom is an outstanding book about an old widow named Minna Shaw, who finds a witch's former broom that has lost the power of flight in her kitchen. At that moment, the broom was sweeping the floor of Minna's kitchen all by it's self. At first, she was frightened, but the magical broom seemed harmless, and it was doing a very good job sweeping the floors like magic, and she thought it might be very good at other jobs too. The Widows broom was a fabulous story and I would highly recommend that you should read it no matter how old you are.

The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg
I still remember the days of when I used to borrow this from the local library as a small child. This used to be one of my favourite books alongside of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Alice in Wonderland," and many other fantasy books. This one was an exceptionally original and unique illustrated picture book about a widow who earns a strange gift (the broom) from a witch who stayed with the widow to heal from a crash. When the witch leaves, the widow notices that the broom has special powers and can move and clean the house - of course the neighbours are suspicious and jealous and want to get their hands on the broom. One of the things about this novel that makes it so special is the wonderful, sepia tone illustrations that add plenty of atmosphere to the reader's experience. There is one illustration that is very creepy to me and always be a powerful image - the witch standing in the night looking youthful and strong, staring out into the night sky. An excellent book for children and adults alike. Spellbinding reading!

WALTER'S REVIEW!!!!!!!!!
You really should read this book called THE WIDOW'S BROOM.
It is funny and exciting. An old lady gets an unusual
gift from a witch that stayed in her house to heal.
The gift caused a stir with all of her neighbors.
So go ahead and read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Fourteen black-and-white drawings, each accompanied by a title and a caption, entice readers to make up his or her own story. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

The *best* book for creative writers
My sixth grade teacher used this book for a creative writing assignment. We were supposed to pick one of the pages and write a story based on Chris Van Allsburg's wonderful illustrations.

Chris Van Allsburg, known to me as the author/illustrator of Jumanji and The Polar Express, outdoes himself in this book. It is a book to get the mind thinking, especially for children. Each illustration has a caption that is supposed to get the mind thinking. A child cannot read this book without formulating a story, perhaps unconsciously, in his mind.

Chris Van Allsburg is a wonderful artist. Each illustration, done in only simple black and white, is so breathtaking that I could stare at them time and again and be amazed at the detail, the realness. The sentence-long captions that go along with each picture even today cause me to dream up a story. It is a terrific book to get a child interested in writing. :)

My Brain's Barbells
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg is a book where they give you a title, a picture , and an opening sentence. You have to create the rest of the story. It lets you use creativity and allows you to write whatever you want. But the writing you do is in a strict matter.
One example is a picture of a ship the size of the Titanic. The Ship is going through an extremely tiny canal in Venice, knocking down large buildings. The title is Missing in Venice and it gives you the first line of the story. As for the pictures they are absolutely marvelous. They have tons of details , are black and white , and are very haunting.
This book has stimulated my brain to write with the ingredients that the book presents me. It inspires me to write every day. Also it builds my vocabulary and gives my brain a workout. I give The Mysteries of Harris Burdick five out of five stars and recommend it for all ages.

Middle School English Teacher's Dream Book
I teach English 8 in a middle school setting, and my student writers tend to grumble and struggle with writing longer pieces of fiction. Whenever I display one of the illustrations in this portfolio, my students get out of their seats and rush for the display easel. They ooh and ahh. Then they start thinking and talking about the stories that pop into their heads--all of them different. They get to work with happy faces and elaborate tales with bright-eyed energy. When they are finished, they can't wait to read to the class. All upper grade English teachers should have this book/portfolio in their bag of magic tricks. Me? I'm waiting for the Mysteries of Harris Burdick Part 2.

The portfolio edition is a must-have for any writing teacher
A colleague introduced me to the portfolio edition, and it is one of the best finds I have added to my writing program. What makes this edition better than the traditionally-bound book is that you can post each of the 12" x 16" drawings around the classroom and use them as picture prompts for writing. I have my students use the captions as the first line of their stories. So far, this collection has been a hit with every class I've taught. You won't be disappointed!

Been looking for this book for years!
One of my elementary school teachers introduced me to this book years ago. I think I was only in fifth or sixth grade. Being someone who loves to write, I was captivated immediately by the illustrations and the single sentence from the beginning of the stories that went along with them. I lost track of this book, until last semester when I saw it in my college book store. At the time I didn't have enough cash on hand to buy it, and by the time I went back the book was gone. Sadly for me, I had also forgotten the title and author! Thanks to a friend, I finally found this book again, and I cannot wait to get my own copy to share with my elementary students! ... Read more

Book Description

"Long ago, in the time of the old emperor, I was young and just beginning in my profession. The Usurper was there, and one could not escape his evil presence....An enthralling story in the time-honored tradition of Lewis Carroll and C. S. Lewis. Although her kingdom has lived in peace for many years, the queen has always feared the day the Usurper would return to plunge her city into darkness. Even as she rejoices in the birth of her first child, she sees signs of impending danger. Her husband and his army have vanished in the wilderness. With only a short time left to reinforce the kingdom's defense, her faithful general masterminds a strategy to keep the city safe, against great odds. But even when the Usurper's victory may seem to be complete, the mysterious veil of snows hides a symbol of undying hope.The Veil of Snows is a moving and powerful tale about the light of the human spirit,light that can never be wholly extinguished. The Veil of Snows, which stands on its own as a compelling story, also completes the Helprin/Van Allsburg trilogy that began with their first collaboration, Swan Lake, which Publishers Weekly called "elegant and beautiful...wise and musical." As Kirkus noted in a pointered review of A City in Winter, the second book, "The sheer scale of the city [Helprin] envisions will enthrall readers of any age...."Mark Helprin is the acclaimed author of books for adults and children, including A Soldier of the Great War and the best-selling Winter's Tale (both Harcourt). He lives in New York state. Chris Van Allsburg is a two-time Caldecott winner, for Jumanji and The Polar Express (both Houghton). ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful
I, too, found this book fascinating and couldn't put it down. The story is enhanced greatly by Van Allburg's ability to capture, enhance and crystalize the image of the text. This story is for adults or to be read out loud to older children who enjoy a good tale.

Stirring story, beautiful writing
This book appeared the summer before my third year of college; my mother and I read it aloud to each other while we moved me out of the house, expecting entertainment, but finding so much more than only that. The prose is simply incredible, and I don't know that I've encountered such exquisite writing anywhere else. I'm entirely disappointed that the prequels are out of print.

Helprin delivers an elegant masterpiece
In "Veil" Mark Helprin and Chris Van Allsburgh offer up a mythic tale which, while dark, will disturb and delight readers of all ages (though the elegant, sometimes labrynthine prose style will probably appeal more to older, more sophisticated readers). This book (as well as its predecessor, "A City In Winter,") is no doubt destined to become a classic, both to fans of fantasy and of children's literature for its moving story and its religious/philosophical themes.

Van Allsburgh's illustrations, while charming, are not essential to the understanding of the story, often interrupting the imaginitave "flow" of the prose itself. However, younger readers will still appreciate the bright, colorful images.

With this title, Mark Helprin has solidified his reputation as one of, if not the, premier American fantasists, a reputation which began with the mythic "Winter's Tale." It will remind Helprin fans why they are fans to begin with, and is no doubt destined to create some new ones.

extremely enjoyable triumph of the human spirit
having listened to this book on audio cassette i have nothing but good things to say for the narrator and writer. I loved this story and have listened to it more than once. I can only hope the author will do us the honor of continuing this trilogy.

Finding something with little or no bad language is challenge enough these days but to get to hear and/or read something of this caliber is a joy unto itself. please Mr Helprin write another installment of the story. please please please

In all honesty I am 25 years old very well read in varios topics of interest to me but still this book deserves credit.

Beauty and Ugly Truth as well
A simply incredible book of hard-to-find wonder. Unlike some of the others, my husband and I liked the Tookyshiem parts best. The queen's speech against them was a classic. At least that's my opinion. A gem of a book. They should reprint the prequels! ... Read more

Book Description

A dramatic black- and- white presentation of the alphabet in which the three-time Caldecott medalist depicts a mysterious transformation of each letter. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The alphabet as only Chris Van Allsburg could do it!
I am a huge fan of Chris Van Allsburg and own several of his books. My son (almost three) is still too young for most of them. This one, however, he enjoys. It's an alphabet book as only Chris Van Allsburg could do it--theatrical, eerie, and lots of fun. Dramatic things happen to each of the letters. The W is warped, the Z is zapped and so forth. Many of the concepts, such as warping and disappearing, are rather abstract, so this is probably not the first alphabet book you want to use with your children. But once you are past the "A is for apple" stage, this book is marvelous. Terrific for vocabulary-building. I've seen it showcased at several teacher conventions.

Chris Van Allsburg writes good books!
This is an alphabet book with beautiful pencil drawings. This book has phrases about every letter in the English alphabet. All the letters have something happen to them. I like the alphabet letters because their drawn nicely. From Z1s being zapped to A1s in avalanches, you should read this book!

Allsburg's ABC picture book is a classic masterpiece.
This is a classic amoung alphabet picture books. I have always loved the simplicity of alphabet books. Sharing them with children is more fun than anything. But Allsburg takes the fun up a notch with exciting illustrations and a witty humorous twist to the traditional alphabet book. Though his drawings are in black and white because they were done in pencil, Allsburg captures the reader and the audience in a refreshing rendition of this beginning reader collection.
As a liesure artist, I find Allsburg's work very refreshing. His illustrations are detailed and realistic. In this particular collection, Allsburg demonstrates mastery in shading and form. I love his illustrations. Any child that loves to draw will be inspired by Allsburg's work.
I also love the way Allsburg's illustrations bait the reader to guess what words are used to describe what is happening to each letter. By strategically placing the words for each illustration on the back, readers are encouraged to say what they think is happening. Dialogue is an exciting way to learn reading. By encouraging this kind of sharing, Allsburg has created an excellent book for children learning to read.
Allsburg is an inspiration to young writers and artists. This is not his first children's book and only adds to an already growing collection of fantastic works. Every teacher, babysitter, storyteller and parent should keep this one handy as well as a pad of paper and plenty of extra pencils. Once you've read The Z Was Zapped you will want to put your hands to work as well.

Very good book
The Z was Zapped is an alphabet book. The book presents the letters in different acts. One act per letter. The book starts out with a picture of the letter of the letter A with rocks falling down around it. You turn the page and the text says "The A was in an avalanche." On the opposite side of the page, there is the picture of the letter B. The picture has the letter B getting bitten by a bear. This format continues through out the whole book. Once you understand how this book is laid out and why it is done this way, the book makes sense. Initially, if you are unaware of why this is happening, it might be somewhat confusing as the pictures do not seem to go with the words. The artwork in this book is fabulous. The pictures are black and white sketches done in pencil. There is an incredible amount of detail in these pictures. Readers will gain some knowledge of new words which the pictures help to clearly illustrate the concept. This is a wonderful book.

splendid!
The illustrations along with the imaginative text left me chuckling and enlightened. I commend Van Allsburg's fantastic use of personification. The blending of art and literature breaks the mold of mediocre, mundane, overprocessed, otherwise typical alphabet books. This work reaches well beyond the superficial rehash of today's expected societal response to the English language, offering the audience a broader perspective of our inner dialog and interpersonal struggle for understanding. ... Read more

Book Description

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. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Above the Waves
This book was my favorite as a child and I plan to share it with my Kindergarten class in the fall. Chris Van Allsburg has an incredible ability to bring the unimaginable alive. Allsburg tells a wonderful tale of a brashly self-confident young sailor who finds himself shipwrecked on a magical island. Ultimately, he conveys an important lesson about learning one's limitations. This book could be helpful character instruction. It would also fit excellently into a unit on the ocean and/or boats.

You should read this book. It is really great.
I thought this book was very interesting and different book. I liked the pictures because they were very realistic. I enjoyed this book because I like boats a lot. I also liked the way Chris Van Allsburg sometimes puts the same characters in his books like the dog named Fritz.

Average Van Allsburg
I use this book as part of the Van Allsburg author study I do with my class but it is definitely not one of my favorites. My students also prefer Van Allsburg's other works over this one. If you are a Chris Van Allsburg fan I would recomment buying this book; if you are not, borrow it from the library if you feel compelled to read it.

read this book called, the wreck of the zephyr!!
hey hey all you book lovers!! come sit down and read this book called: the wreck of the zephyr!! it's a great book. this story is about an old man that tells the story of a sialboat called the zephyr. a zephyr is a light wind or breeze. the man tells the story to a young boy. the boat is all the way up on a cliff. faaaar from the water's edge. the boy wonders why and the man tells the story. read this book. its got GREAT pictures and is a great book. i'm sure you'll like it!!

This book is a classic favorite!
I have grown up with a tattered copy of this book and never seem to tire of it! Chris Van Allsburg is the most talented artist and author of our time. I have every book he has written and anxiously await any and every book he publishes. The Wreck of the Zephyr, though, is by far my favorite. I find something new each time I crack the spine. I will cherish this, and all his works, forever. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Another ambitious and glossy collaboration between novelist Mark Helprin and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg, continuing the story of Swan Lake, their earlier book that recreated the ballet classic for children. Emulating Maurice Sendak's reinterpretation of The Nutcracker, both the earlier book and A City in Winter abound in winter season atmosphere and fairy tale magic. At the end of Swan Lake, the unnamed little girl who has heard the story of a prince and his beautiful lover Odette usurped from their kingdom by evil forces, realizes that she is the daughter of the pair, and the rightful heir to the kingdom. As the sequel begins, the girl is now an adult, restored to the throne as queen. She recalls her return to the city at age ten, and tells how the restoration came about. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Classic Tale
I loved this series by Mark Helprin. I'm a big fan of Winters Tale, and this was just as enjoyable. These are wonderful to read aloud to children, or to pass around and take turns with, as we've done with the Harry Potter and other series. Beautiful artwork, and thick shining pages make this book a keepsake, and a sumptuous pleasure to read. In this retelling of Swan Lake, all things are possible... you'll find yourself laughing one moment, tense the next, and always riveted. I also found the strong and triumphant female lead character refreshing, ..the story is told from her point of view, after all this has happened, a narrative to her not yet born child.

"City in Winter" is a masterpiece
Mark Helprin is a magical author able to draw his readers in simply on the power of his imagery and emotion. Chris van Allsburg's lush illustrations are cathartic images meant to shake the reader. Between the two, a masterpiece of modern literature has emerged. I have read a number of Helprin's books and cannot wait to get my hands on all of them. This may be a children's book in name, but anyone who remembers how to dream will be enchanted by this story and its companion piece, the Veil of Snows.

READ A CITY IN WINTER!!!!
A City In Winter is a wonderful book. It's about a little girl who goes on an adventure to find the person who killed her parents. When she gets to the village, she meets two bakers who's names are Astrahn and Notorincus. They help her throgh the story. They told the little girl that if she ever got caught, to tell them that she's a yam culer. During the story, the little girl works in the yam kitchen and finally meets up with the tutor, that raised her when she was little. He knows that she is the queen and in order to keep her safe, he sacrifices himself to tell everyone that the queen is alive. Also in order for the queen to be safe, Astrahn and Notorincus ran up the stairs to the tutor's room. On the way, Astrahn is shot and can't go on. So Notorincus finished running up the stairs and kept the queen safe.In the end the little girl opens the door and everything and everyone gets silent, for they know that she is the queen.I thought that this book was a great book!!

Very Nice
This i must say is one of the most kickin books i ever read. the themes of good and evil are represented so fully in this book.The sequel to this novel is just as well recieved by me. If you really are reading this then i hope i have touched your soul and that you read this book. This is specificly to Mark Helprin, you are the coolest author i have read in so long.If you write anymore then you email me and i will read it as soon as i can find it. In other words you rule.
Peace out,
Joe

A letter to Mark Helprin
Dear Mr. Helprin,

Hi! I'm one of your fans. I'm a ten-year-old fourth grader. I have just read your book A City in Winter and I enjoyed it. I also liked the illustrations-nice choice to collaborate with Chris Van Allsburg. I loved everything about your book!

I can even summarize A City in Winter for you. Your story starts out with a queen writing to her unborn child about her difficult life. She writes about her grandparents being assassinated by an evil usurper when her mother was a baby, and the same usurper assassinated her own mother and father when she was a baby.

Until this Queen was ten years old she lived in the mountains as a simple country girl who barely knew a soul. Her tutor, or as she knew him growing up "Grandfather," told her about her real history when she was almost ten years old. When she discovered her history, she set out to find and free her rightful kingdom from the evil usurper who rules her people cruelly.

When she reached her kingdom she became a yam sorter in the palace that the usurper had conquered. In the middle of her time there her tutor came to her and gave her the message that the scholars in her kingdom had been waiting for a sign of her existence for ten years. The sign would be "a burning angel through a darkening sky." This sign would alert her Damavand army generals that they should assemble and it would give the people courage to rise up against the usurper. At the end of the book the Queen opens a door and looks out over her assembled troops, but what will happen to her next? Have you written or have you considered writing a continuation of this book? If you haven't, I recommend doing so because I found the ending a real cliffhanger.

I would recommend this book to anyone. Your writing is sculpted beautifully; you make me feel like I'm in the kingdom you write about. I'd like to find out more about your life and your writing.

Your fan,

Divina ... Read more

Book Description

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. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

SO MUCH MORE THAN A BOOK
If there were a so-much-more-than-a-book category, this title would head the list. The Garden of Abdul Gasazi written and gloriously illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, and read by Jason Robards is a standout.

Threats are more menacing; adventures are higher when recounted in Robards' inimitable voice.

This, Van Allsburg's first book, winner of the Caldecott Award and deemed Best Illustrated Book of the Year by the New York Times, is the imaginative story of a little boy and a very mean magician.

Spectacular reading and listening!

Another Good VanAllsburg Book
Very intriguing plot with excellent pencil drawings! A young boy is minding a dog for the day. Did a magician really turn the dog into a duck? Read this engaging book to find out. This is another fine product from VanAllsburg.(...)

the garden of abdul gasazi for ms voorhees book reports
The garden of Abdul Gasazi begins when a woman leaves her mischeivous dog in the care of a young boy, when she pays her cousin a visit. The boy is very busy trying to keep the bad dog from doing things that would enrage the owner. Later, the boy takes the dog for a walk, he comes across an unusual sign that says "NO DOGS ALLOWED, HOME OF RETIRED MAGICIAN" the boy is about to turn back when the dog breaks the leash and runs past the sign down the path and into a garden. The boy spends a very long time looking for the dog, and decides he should ask the magician if he has or knows where the dog is. The magician reveals that all dogs that wander into his garden... he turns into ducks. He gives the boy the dog, in duck form. He says the spell will revert someday, whether it be a day or a year. The boy is on his way taking the duck home, when it takes his hat and flys away. He then returns to the home where it came from, all the while trying to think of something to tell the owner, when he reaches the door to her home, he knocks and begins to tell her the whole story, when he notices the dog walk up behind her. He had been duped. He walked home laughing at himself... And the woman forgot to give him his hat back...

I really enjoyed this book, its one of the most well illustrated books by Chris Van Alsburg, but the story wasnt quite up to his usual standard, I expected it to be a little bit more ironic, but ah well. Im sure all younger readers and some just learning to read would enjoy this book very much.

Chris Van Allsburg shows his artistry with a pencil
"The Garden of Abdul Gasazi" was Chris Van Allsbrug's first picture book and it features exquisite drawings done with a carbon pencil on Strathmore paper. Young Alan Mitz is given the job of watching Miss Hester's dog Fritz for the day. During their afternoon walk they find a sign by a vine-covered wall that reads: "ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO DOGS ALLOWED IN THIS GARDEN" signed "ABDUL GASAZI, RETIRED MAGICIAN." Alan is more than willing to heed the warning, but at that moment Fritz snaps right out of his color and runs in to the garden of Abdul Gasazi. Alan tries and tries to catch up with Fritz, but with no success. Finally, he has to go and knock on the magician's door, apologize and get Fritz back. However, the magician has some good news and bad news. Alan can certainly take Fritz back, but because he despises dogs, Abdul Gasazi has turned Fritz into a duck. Or has he . . . ?

It will not matter to young readers of this book that Van Allsburg was interested in applying fine-art drawing style and sensitivity to the problems of illustration. A note on the backpiece explains how these drawings represent the artist's attempt to explore areas of concern such as "creating a balance on the page by placing dark tones next to light for contrast" and "using a light source to provide a variety of tones to show form." I read this through, several times in fact, and flipped back and forth between the pictures, trying to make the connections between theory and practice. I believe I have some clue as to the principles involved in the execution of these drawings. However, the important thing is that the artwork is really neat and the guy did it with just a sharp little pencil. Yes, the story is little more than an excuse to do these drawings, but what is wrong with that? Especially if young readers race for pencil and paper after looking at this book to see what they can do.

Allsburg at his BEST.
I have had this book for years and still enjoy readig it.I can not even edge the divinity of this magnificent work. To say the least, Gasazi is Allsburg's magnum opus. A wonderful read for all generations, especially children. I mean, the artwork is far better than regular children's litterary works. Then, a very rare story-line: A boy must venture far into the garden of a wealthy magician to retrieve his neighbor's canine. Far better than The Polar Express, in my oppinion. Now, don't get me wrong, the story-line is no Harry Potter, but still a good read. ... Read more

Book Description

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. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Love 'Bad Day'
A teacher I was working in the classroom with read this book to her 4th grade class. I was hooked! I read this book to children from the 1st grade to the 5th. I cannot read this book out loud without laughing! This is a wonderful book, I love it! Van Allsburg is now one of my favorite authors.

For all ages!
Allburg is the best picture book writer out there. He gets a idea like a child would, such as how the cowboys in a picture book feel, and isn't afraid to go full speed ahead and explore it.

There's always layers to his works. An asset for all parents of young children.

Bad day at riverbend for ms voorhees book reports
It is a day like anyother in riverbend, where nothing ever happens, occasionally a stage coach will pass through, but wont stop, thats because no one ever comes or goes from the town, simply because theres nothing to be done or seen there. One day the Sheriff walks out into the road looks around, seeing everything normal, he looks down the road and then sees a bright light... and then it goes out. he wanders back into the station to ponder what the light could have been, a stage coach rides into town, with a horrible goo all over it, after several more discoveries of the "slime" the sheriff forms a posse to go after whatever or whoever is doing this destruction. Only for the reader to discover, riverbend.is.a.coloring.book.

I loved this book. this was by far my favorite chris van alsburg book ever, because its got the most irony of all of his books and is so well put together. he has such a great style with his writing and illustrations. I particualariy liked the part where they show the kids hand coloring in the sheriff. All young readers will enjoy this book, and older readers might just get a kick out of it too. enjoy.

Chris van Allsburg's imagination is amazing!
Like all Chris van Allsburg's books, "Bad Day at Riverbend" shows an astonishing blend of imagination and talent. The good folks of the tiny western town called Riverbend start to realize that there are all sorts of strange things happening--and no one can explain them. People are afraid. People are uneasy. People turn to the town's sherriff for help.

Adults will tune in right away to what's going on, but what fun to see understanding dawn on a child's face when they realize where the light and color are coming from--it's positively magical to watch.

Van Allsburg employs his usual stellar artistic talent in an unusual way here, and the end result is captivating. There is a sense of unease here, a discomfiting sense of mystery that pervades all Van Allsburg's work, and it works wonderfully well here to heighten the sense of suspense. Much to be admired!

My Favorite Picture Book
I have loved this wonderful book since it came out. This is a grownup's book masquerading as a kiddie book. The children I know have not liked the book, but the adults howl over it. It's one of those books children don't really get because it subtly makes fun of kids...but that is what the fun is all about.

One past reviewer said this was not Chris Van Allsburg's typical illustration. There IS no typical Van Allsburg illustration. All of his books are totally unique. You will not find a copycat book in his whole award winning collection.

The whole point of this delightful books is that it mirrors a child's coloring book. The opening pages are uncolored and shows the typical western town with the peaceful citizens living their quiet daily lives with the usual sheriff in attendance to round up the bad guys. Suddenly a horse and rider pull into town. Hanging from the horse are greasy colored strips hanging from him. The rider was in the same terrible condition. He looked awful. The rider tells the sheriff that he was riding along minding his own business, when suddenly there came a sudden bright light and then he was attacked. The sheriff knows he must act at once to save the town from this terrible unknown threat. I won't tell you the ending.

If you are reading this book in a bookstore, be prepared for people to stare as you double over with tears streaming down your face. ... Read more