Chris Van Allsburg
Author of The Polar Express
About the Author
Considered to be one of the foremost authors and illustrators of surrealistic fantasy for children, Chris Van Allsburg was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1949. He received his B. F. A. at the University of Michigan and his M. F. A. at the Rhode Island School of Design. He married Lisa Morrison show more and currently teaches at the Rhode Island School of Design. Van Allsburg's work is highly praised for the excellent artisanship of his illustrations, which often have a surreal element. His first book, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi (1979), concerning a lost dog found by a magician, and his second book, Jumanji (1981), about a strange board game that comes to life, brought him quick praise. Jumanji won the Caldecott Medal in 1982. The Polar Express (1985), Van Allsburg's most popular book, deals with the idea that the ability to believe in things beyond one's experiences helps to keep a person young. It also won a Caldecott Medal in 1986. Other books by Van Allsburg include The Z was Zapped, and Just a Dream, a story about a boy who learns to be ecological. Van Allsburg's sculptures have also been exhibited at many New York galleries. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Image credit: Author of children's books Chris Van Allsburg (right) and NASA engineer Jennifer Keyes (center) speak with Digital Learning Network host Rachael Manzer during a live videoconference on Nov. 16 at Langley Research Center. Photo by Jeff Caplan.
(nasa.gov)
Series
Works by Chris Van Allsburg
The Polar Express Holiday Gift Set Book DVD Keepsake Sleigh Bell CD & Collectible Poster (1985) 3 copies
Jumanji: Complete Series [1996 TV animation] — Author — 3 copies
Poetry Writing Handbook c.1998 2 copies
The Polar express [computer file] : an animated retelling of the Caldecott award-winning book (1995) 1 copy
Z for Zephyr 1 copy
O Expresso Polar 1 copy
Il fico più dolce 1 copy
Tàu Tốc Hành Bắc Cực 1 copy
Associated Works
From Sea to Shining Sea A Treasury of American Folklore and Folk Songs (1993) — Illustrator — 695 copies
The Magic Journey Delux Storybook with Full-color Poster - The Polar Express - T — Contributor — 4 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 1949-06-18
- Gender
- male
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
- Places of residence
- Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Education
- University of Michigan
Rhode Island School of Design (MFA) - Occupations
- children's book author
illustrator - Awards and honors
- Society of Illustrators Lifetime Achievement Award (Contemporary ∙ 2009)
Regina Medal (1993)
Members
Discussions
Short story: American family injures a man who is winter personified in Name that Book (December 2015)
Reviews
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Ms favorite. Even months after Christmas. Mx likes it too, but not as much!
"Jumanji" is an imaginative adventure that captures the imagination of readers with its suspenseful plot and captivating illustrations.In "Jumanji," Peter and Judy's adventure unfolds as they roll the dice and move their game pieces across the board. Each roll brings new dangers and challenges into their world, from menacing monkeys wreaking havoc in their house to a lion prowling the streets. As they progress through the game, Peter and Judy encounter increasingly treacherous obstacles, including a deadly python and a torrential monsoon. It is a little longer chapter book so it would be a great read aloud in a third grade classroom.… (more)
Once again, a great option to teach inference in the classroom. But overall a silly book about two greedy ants that get trapped in a house. The best part is when they get blasted by the electrical outlet.
Lists
Witchy Fiction (1)
4th Grade Books (1)
Five star books (1)
Awards
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Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 43
- Also by
- 18
- Members
- 27,092
- Popularity
- #762
- Rating
- 4.0
- Reviews
- 1,447
- ISBNs
- 336
- Languages
- 15
- Favorited
- 37