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An Artist is Born
Chris was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His parents were Doris Christiansen Van Allsburg and Richard Van Allsburg. He lived in an old farm house next door to the creamery his grandfather owned and his fater worked. Chris and his family moved a few times while he was growing up. One of the streets he lived on was the inspiration for the art work in the Polar Express. -
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Chris Van Allsburg interview
vanallsburg
Chris Van Allsburg never planned on being an author
Before he wrote books he was offered a jod as an illustrater, But he said the books did not move him.
He lives in Provodence RI with his family. -
Starts University of Michigan
Chris started at the University of Michigan in the fall of 1967. He soon discovered that he was a good sculpture. He majored in sculpture and learned how to do bronze casting, wood carving, and resin molding. While attending UofM, Chris met his futuer wife Lisa. -
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Author Website Link
home
This is a great webstite, it is filled with a ton of information.
There is a biography of Van Allsburg
An interactive are that has games, an area to write a story, and many other features.
It shows his other works as weel, like sculpters and posters -
Graduated U of M 1972
He graduated in 1972 and went to graduate school at the Rhode Island School of Design to continue his study of sculpture. -
Earned Masters of Fine Arts 1975
In 1975 Chris earned his M.F.A. degree, he then set up a studio in Providence, RI. He also married Lisa Morrison, who he met at the University of Michigan. The picture to the left is one of Allsburg's sculpters -
1st, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi published 1979
Persuaded by his wife and his friend, Chris set aside some time and created the story and pictures that became The Garden of Abdul Gasazi, published in 1979. -
Caldecott Honor Medal 1980
In 1980 Chris was awarded the Caldecott Honor Medal for The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. -
2nd Jumanji Published 1981 1 of 5
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg.
One of his best in my opinion. This is the book that hooked me. The pictures are outstanding and the story is great. I own this book and many others of his.
gr 4-6
Picture storybook, Modern fantasy -
Jamanji Wins Caldecott Medal
Jamanji was only Chris' second book and was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1982. -
3rd Bens Dream published 1982
As Ben studies for his geography test he falls asleep and is taken to major landmarks throughout the world. -
4th The Wreck of the Zephyr 2 of 5
The Wreck of the Zephyr by Chris Van Allsburg.
This I think is my favorite story by Allsburg. I love how it is a story in a story. I have read this book many many times and it never gets old. I think this is the only one of his books where the story may out weigh the pictures.
gr4-6
Picture storybook, Modern fantasy -
5th The Mysteries of Harris Burdick
This is a mystrious and fun book to read, my kids and I enjoy it very much. -
6th The Polar Express 3 of 5
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.
This may be one of Van Allsburgs most read books. I know many people who read it at least once a year. The story is one that parents and children can both relate with. The cover art work reflects a street where Chris grew up.
gr 3-6
Picture storybook, Modern fantasy -
The Polar Express wins
The Polar Express wins the Caldecott Medal -
7th The Stranger 4 of 5
The Stranger by Chris Van Allsburg.
This book is kind of like a mystery, the man that shows up out of no were and the disappears at the end. But there are hints to who the stranger is. I enjoy reading this book to my kids, but I never tell them who I think the stranger is.
gr 4-6
Picture storybook, Modern fantasy -
8th The Z was Zapped 5 of 5
The Z was Zapped by Chris Van Allsburg.
This has got to be the best ABC book that has ever been published. The pictures show a grim end for each of the letters in the alphabet. This book entertains and makes kids laugh.
gr 1-4
Picture storybook, Informational -
9th Two Bad Ants 9th
This book shows how two ants get side tracked while looking for crystals for their queen and almost get hurt in the procces. -
10th Swan Lake
This book was not written by Van Allsburg but was illustrated by him.
