Most Popular Books by Chris Van Allsburg

This enchanting book tells the story of a little boy who believes in Santa Claus even though his friends say that he does not exist. Because of his faith, he is taken on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express, where he is given a very special gift: a beautiful bell that only rings for those who still believe.

She could remember standing in a park near the falls, hypnotized by the sight and sound, and holding her father’s hand as they took a walk that would lead them closer. That’s what everyone wonders when they see Niagara . . . How close will their courage let them get to it? At the turn of the nineteenth century, a retired sixty-two-year-old charm school instructor named Annie Edson Taylor, seeking fame and fortune, decided to do something that no one in the world had ever done before—she would go over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel. Come meet the Queen of the Falls and witness with your own eyes her daring ride!

The Polar Express is for all those—of any age—who believe, come Christmas Eve, that they too will hear the sweet sound of a reindeer’s silver bell. A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole . . . Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a barren desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the huge city standing alone at the top of the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. For millions of readers around the world, this mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved Christmas classic. The Polar Express is a Caldecott Medal winner, and reading the story together is a beloved holiday tradition held by generations of families. It has also become a favorite holiday movie and been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season. Perfect for holiday storytime and family reading Filled with joy, wonder, and the spirit of the season A delightful Christmas gift for readers everywhere

When he has a dream about a future Earth devastated by pollution, Walter begins to understand the importance of taking care of the environment.

Presents a series of loosely related drawings each accompanied by a title and a caption which the reader may use to make up his or her own story.

From the astonishing imagination of Chris Van Allsburg (Jumanji, The Polar Express) A Caldecott Honor Book Sometimes that very thin line between illusion and reality is not as clearly defined as we would like it to be. It certainly wasn''t the day that Alan Mitz stumbled into the garden of Abdul Gasazi. For in this bizarre and eerie place—where strange topiary trees loomed—the eerie visage of Gasazi casts its shadow. And even after Alan escapes, the spell of Gasazi still seems to penetrate into his everyday world. The very first picture book from the astonishing imagination of legendary Chris Van Allsburg explores both the real and surreal worlds with incredible deftness in this unusual tale. In doing so, he has created exquisite and beautiful images that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have left the enchanted garden of Abdul Gasazi.

Roll the dice, make your move, and plunge into one of the most imaginative stories of our time! The game under the tree looked like a hundred others Peters and Judy had at home. But they were searching for something interesting to do, so they decided to give Jumanji a try. Little did they know when they unfolded its ordinary-looking playing board that they were about to be launched into the most exciting and bizarre adventure of their lives... This picture book classic from Chris Van Allsburg has been honored with many awards, including the Caldecott Medal. The surreal story also became the basis of multiple blockbuster film adaptations. This story about a game that comes startlingly to life is a family favorite that inspires imagination and explores the ever-shifting line between fantasy and reality.

When Sheriff Hardy investigates the source of a brilliant light and shiny slime afflicting Riverbend, he finds that the village is becoming part of a child''s coloring book streaked with greasy crayons.

Follows the fateful story of an ambitious young sailor and his spectral boat.

On his birthday, Calvin and his friend Rodney see a magician perform, then copy him by hypnotizing Calvin''s little sister, but the joke isn''t so funny when they are unable to snap her out of it.

The enchanting story of a widow who finds herself in possession of an extraordinary broom after a witch falls into her garden. Some of Minna Shaw''s neighbors don''t trust her clever broom. "It''s dangerous," they say. But Minna appreciates the broom''s help. She enjoys its quiet company. But one day two children get taught a well-deserved lesson by the broom. For her neighbors, this is proof of the broom''s evil spirit. Minna is obligated to give up her dear companion. Chris Van Allsburg, master of the mysterious, brings this tale to life with moody and memorable pictures that will haunt readers long after the book''s covers are closed—now in a new edition to celebrate this beloved book''s twenty-fifth anniversary. Perfect for Halloween reading A charming cozy seasonal pick

In 1983, beloved Caldecott-winning illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg, first invited readers to peer over the edge of a cliff to consider the wreck of a small sailboat. Had a churning sea carried the Zephyr up in a storm? Could waves ever have been so impossibly high? And what of the boy who had believed—dared to chase the wind—no matter where it lead? The winds have shifted once again and you’re invited back to the wreck of the Zephyr, to hear the story of the boy and his obsession to become the world’s greatest sailor, and a storm that carried them to a place where boats sail on the wind, instead of on the water. Told in spare text and haunting, full-color pastels, Chris Van Allsburg’s spectral sailboats once again take impossbile flight. In illustrations so vivid one can feel the whisper of wind and hear the flutter of canvas, depart this world for another to entertain the marvelous possibility of dreams. This 30th anniversary edition includes read-along audio of the book, read by Chris Van Allsburg.

From two-time Caldecott winner Chris Van Allsburg, creator of Jumanji and The Polar Express, comes a poignant story of one hamster''s struggle with destiny. Being a pet store hamster isn''t much fun for Sweetie Pie, but life in human homes proves downright perilous. As Sweetie Pie longingly gazes out of his cage at the squirrels frolicking in the trees, he wonders if he''ll ever have the chance to feel the wind in his fur. Allsburg''s expressive, soft-hued illustrations artfully capture a hamster''s-eye view of the wide and wonderful world where maybe, just maybe, Sweetie Pie could someday run free.