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Van Allsburg, Chris
5 Reviews
(4)
K-3
Hamster Sweetie Pie finally leaves the pet shop but finds himself passed along from young owner to owner and ultimately abandoned in a snowy schoolyard. The conclusion reveals a surprising new home. Light, expert pictures never seem quite connected to the prosy text, which is mostly an overlong catalog of woes, lacking a theme or sense of motivation.
Reviewer: Roger Sutton
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2014
(2)
4-6
This companion volume to The Mysteries of Harris Burdick adds short stories by various authors (Sherman Alexie, M. T. Anderson, Kate DiCamillo, Jules Feiffer, Lois Lowry, Walter Dean Myers, etc.) inspired by the original illustrations. The stories embrace a range of styles and subjects; like their enigmatic and mysterious inspirations, each touches on the strange, the odd, and the fantastic.
Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2011
(2)
K-3
At the turn of the twentieth century, Annie Edson Taylor, widowed and elderly, decides she'll go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, a feat never before attempted. Though the stunt seems miraculous, Van Allsburg's matter-of-fact narrative emphasizes her advance technical planning. Sepia-toned illustrations depict Annie as prim and proper but also convey her grit and determination. An author's note is appended. Bib.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2011
(4)
K-3
Inspired by the magician he sees on his birthday, Calvin hypnotizes his little sister, making her believe she's a dog. When he can't remember the word to end the spell, he must find a way to restore her before Mama gets home. Beautiful sepia-soaked spreads in Van Allsburg's signature style don't make up for desultory prose and the bland twist at the end.
Reviewer: Claire E. Gross
(4)
K-3
The unspoken question concluding Jumanji--will Danny and Walter Budwing play the game?--is answered here: of course they will. Conceptually tied to Jumanji, this book is visually different, with the pictures creating a claustrophobic intimacy that magnifies the danger. The generally effective story is unfortunately concluded with a heavy-handed message promoting sibling harmony.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2002
5 reviews
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