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.

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.

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!

these were the images. The ability to heighten your senses. To smell the sunshine on the grass. To be alive in the breezes. Awaken to love and loyalty. Heart stopping and heart wrenching. A tale for all ages.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I have read it several times over and the story never grows old. It holds me captivated to the very last page through every reading. (I also cry every single time.) If you are the kind of person who loves the story of Romeo and Juliet I garentee that this book is for you.

Swan Lake is a beautiful book. The story of the old man, the little girl, the true prince and the beautiful Odette is told with simple elegance through the eyes of the wise old grandfather. I read this book out loud with my friend, and we could have stayed up all night, caught up in the beautiful, heartbreaking tale of love and life and learning. We laughed and cried, and sat stiff with suspense. We were filled by turns with sorrow and joy, despair and hope and sometimes a mixture of them all. Everyone should read Swan Lake, for this book is truly a treasure, a gem that will shine brightly for years to come.

I was first introduced to this book in a children's literature class taught by Jack Gantos. I must confess The Mysteries of Harris Burdick has never left me since. Is there a story? Not really. I think this is precisely why The Mysteries of Harris Burdick is able to take such a profound hold of your imagination. Each of the 14 haunting black & white illustrations are accompanied by a caption. Nothing more. We as the readers are left to ponder the meaning of each picture and make up our own stories to go along them. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick is the perfect way to introduce a child to the joys of reading and writing.

Preston McClear, author The Boy Under the Bed

Never before have I read a story as intriguing or thought-provoking as The Mysteries of Harris Burdick . The pictures hold a magical quality of intense beauty and mystery. Each one is full of detail and causes the imagination to go to work. When I look at one of the drawings, my mind immediately begins to develop an elaborate story, as will yours. The title and caption add to the suspense and are as much a part of the story as the drawing. In the past, I have always had trouble coming up with ideas for my writing. This book gave me hundreds of wonderful stories. Whether you are old or young, a writer or just a reader, I would definitely recommend this book.

I was actually introduced to this book as a 17 year old in a creative writing class. It's incredible. The pictures are gorgeous, typical Chris Van Allsburg stuff. It's great for creative exercises for kids and adults. I think the whole class had a great time making up stories to fit the pictures, I know I did, and high school students are certainly not the most willing suspenders of their cynicism, amd disbelief. This is the kind of kids book you like so much, and that is so beautifully done that you're reluctant to actually let the kids touch it.

In his introduction to his selection of ghost stories, Roald Dahl notes just how hard it is to create a true classic in children's literature. Out of the hundreds to thousands of children's books written every year, maybe one or two (in a good year) retain a large audience. The Polar Express is one of these rare volumes--and deservedly so.

Chris Van Allsburg's holiday classic is full of lovely illustrations. One can feel the chill of a long ago Christmas Eve, the warmth of the inside of the train, the vastness of the Polar landscape. Yet, the real attraction with The Polar Express is its timeless, haunting story. Like the last echoing strains of the sweetest ringing bell, this story will stay with you long after you are done reading.

With all the "stuff" that has come to surround and obscure Christmas--this story, of a boy who finds wonder in the face of surrounding disbelief, is a perfect book to read during the season.

I give it my full recommendation.

"On Christmas Eve, many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets. I breathed slowly and silently. I was listening for a sound -- a sound a friend had told me I'd never hear ...." And so begins one the of the most beautiful stories of all time. Although I am now a senior in college, The Polar Express has remained the most valued and cherished book in my ever-expanding library. A childhood Christmas gift, Chris Van Allsburg's timeless masterpiece has become a fixture at our family gatherings each and every holiday season. Every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, appreciates it's simple but elegant story-telling style illustrated by the soft and soothing silhouettes of Van Allsburg's full-color art. The Polar Express is the story of a young boy and his magical journey aboard a mythical train to the North Pole. The reader is taken along this incredible ride and rediscovers the true joy and pure spirit of a child at Christmas. Van Allsburg's beautiful illustrations become as important to the story as the words themselves. These life-like pictures encourage children of ALL ages to explore their own imaginations and to become active participants in the young boy's journey. In the end, the young boy has grown into an old man, but the spirit of Christmas still rings for him, "... as it does for all who truly believe." I hope you enjoy this book half as much as I do.

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.

This book is a very good book to use in teaching character education. It stresses the importance of listening to people who are older and have more experience than you as well as open-mindedness to the thoughts and ideas of others. It also hints to the fact that just because something has never been done a certain way, doesn't mean that it isn't possible. The book stresses to the target audience (up to grade 3) that they will not always know everything.

I was very impressed with the book's introduction. It seemed to jump right into the story. The author used very detailed illustrations. I was especially dazzled by the magnificent colors. The character was portrayed as a risk-taker, arrogant and one who disregarded all warnings. I did not like the fact that the author did not use names to identify the characters. It made it a little more difficult to follow the story line.

There are many things that this book could be used for in a classroom setting. It could be used to teach subliminal messages, foreshadowing, and frame narrator. The possibility that the old man may be or is the boy may need to be pointed out to younger readers or listeners. This book is particularly great for children because it plays on their love for things of the imagination.

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.

I like this book because it was written by Chris Van Allsburg. He leaves the end of the book to your imagination. I like when the little boy made the boat go up into the air. My class said the old man was the little boy, I hope people like this book because it is fun to read but don't go looking of the ending because Mr.Allsburg leaves it to your imagination.

This is more than just an alphabet book. Older children love this book. For a fun book innovation using alliteration read The Z was Zapped. Brainstorm verbs that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Assign each student a letter. Require each letter to have a sentence such as for letter A: The A was accepted into an association. Title your class's book something like: The Z was Zipped-up. This is a fun way to meet state content standard for alliteration. I have used this idea with 5th and 3rd graders for three years and tied it into many of this author's works. Awesome illustrations!

Chris Van Allsburg had produced another invaluable children's picture book. Each letter depicts an action beginning with it's letter in a fun way. . . the M is melting, the N is nailed. The illustrations are Van Allsburg's infamous black and white trademark, but still intriguing to children and adults alike. A must have book.

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!

Witches' brooms don't last forever. One day while the Widow Minna Shaw is out in her garden just such a witch's broom finally runs out of flying power and the witch plummets to the ground and lies injured in Minna's garden. Without a second thought the kindly Minna brings the witch inside and after tucking her into a quiet place allows her to rest comfortably while the witch heals herself. After the witch has recovered and magically summoned a ride home, Minna discovers that she has left the old broom behind. It may not have much in the way of flying power any more but it turns out to have quite a bit of spunk left in it! Nosey neighbors automatically assume that because it is magical it must be evil and they set out to destroy it. Chris Van Allsburg is in peak form in this wonderful book. His writing is so mysterious and evocative yet filled with his characteristic wry humor. The story is sweetly spooky with just the right hint of shadow and a generous sprinkling of mischief. The illustrations are absolutely perfect. The familiar style of almost sepia toned illustrations are filled with exquisite details and wonderful expressions and activity. The meddlesome neighbors have a Salem flavor to them while the witch seems mysterious and magical. Minna is delightfully understated and open to the changes. We are treated to a fun-filled Van Allsburg plot change-up at the end. Don't miss this one. It's great for Halloween or any time. I think it's his best.

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.

Chris Van Alsburg is widely known as an excellent story-teller and this book is no disapointment. He weaves a fascinating, sweet'n'sour tale of a widow and the witch's broom that she holds so dearly to her heart. Moving and craftily written, I suggest this book for anyone who wishes to read a good old fashioned tale of friendship.

I would not reccomend this book for children under 6 years. Though it has a happy ending, it does have some darker themes that would be inappropriate to present to young children if only for the reason that they wouldn't understand them.

Regardless, an excellent book if you are in the market for one. Happy reading! -Lia

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.

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

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!

This is my FAVORITE children's environmental book. Chris Van Allsburg's illustrations are fabulous, as always, and greatly add to the drama of the story. I am an environmental educator and read this book to students (5th-6th grade) at the end of every week at outdoor school. This is a great book to read aloud, especially because of the way the illustrations are separate from the text. What I love about this book is that it is in the end very hopeful. Walter's first dreams of the future show a world of great environmental problems, based on his actions of not caring in the present; but when he changes his ways, the future changes also. I like to emphasize this when reading it to students: The future is not written yet, but we are creating it every day with the choices we make. This is definitely a children's environmental literature classic, along with Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" and Lynne Cherry's "The Great Kapok Tree," but is even better for older children.

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~

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.

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.

When reading this book, you will probably find it surprising that this book is a sequel to what happens in the ballet, "Swan Lake". But this is not a childish book describing the positions of ballet or some halfhearted fairy tale. This is what you can call quality reading. Believe me, it is not boring, it is suspenseful and exciting. (Having read this in third grade, I know that it covers a wide range of ages.) It is not just a children's book, either. Adults will enjoy the breathtaking illustrations and the amazing story. Mark Helprin sure knows how to weave words, and Chris Van Allsburg can paint illustrations that play with light and are almost as captivating as the story itself. Congradulations to the author and the illustrator! And if you plan on getting this book, good luck and happy reading!

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.