Happy birthday Chris Van Allsburg! Revisiting his top books
Chris Van Allsburg is best known for his books and illustrations for children. His creative plots make his books widely read by kids. Van Allsburg has won the coveted Caldecott Medal twice, in addition to the National Book Award, Regina Medal, and other honors for career achievement in children's literature. On his 74th birthday, let us look at some of his top books.
Jumanji
Published in 1981, Jumanji tells the story of Judy and Peter Shepherd who play the board game Jumanji when their parents are out. They discover a warning urging them not to play if they don't intend to finish it. The threats they encounter in the game manifest in their home as they play, only to vanish once the game is over.
The Garden of Abdul Gasazi
Fritz, Miss Hester's obnoxious dog, runs away from little Alan Miltz's supervision into retired magician Abdul Gasazi's prohibited garden. The youngster encounters the harsh magician after failing to locate the dog in the enigmatic garden. The story then follows the trick Gasazi plays on the little boy and the dog. The beautiful monochrome illustrations enhance the charm of Van Allsburg's debut novel.
The Polar Express
The book follows the story of a young boy who is awakened on Christmas Eve by a train waiting outside his house. He discovers that the train is the Polar Express traveling to the North Pole. The boy receives a bell from the reindeer's harness as a gift from Santa Claus on reaching the destination. But while returning home, he misplaces the present.
The Wreck of the Zephyr
An old guy sitting by a wreck tells the author the story of a boat that capsized high on a cliff. He is told the story of a young child who excels at sailing and is constantly striving to outdo others. The child finds himself unconscious and left alone above the water as he looks to launch his ship, the Zephyr.
The Widow's Broom
The narrative begins when Minna Shaw, a lone widow, discovers a wounded, sky-fallen witch in her vegetable garden. Before daybreak, the witch vanishes leaving her old broom behind. Minna starts using it around the house. One morning she notices the broom sweeping by itself, following which she teaches it to cut wood and get water for her. Check out more such book recommendations.
