Author Study: Chris Van Allsburg

This is a collection of sites about author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg. Includes biographical information and suggested classroom activities to go along with his books: “The Polar Express,” “Jumanji,” “The Garden of Abdul Gazisi,” “The Mysteries of Harris Burdick,” and “The Z was Zapped.”

Grades

Links

"Jumanji": This site offers a synopsis of the book as well as discussion items about the book. There are also suggested activities.
Caldecott Medal Acceptance Speech: These are the speeches Chris Van Allsburg gave when he received the award for this books “The Polar Express” and “Jumanji.”
About the Author: This site has information on Chris Van Allsburg and some of his books. Click on “Author Links” to learn more about some of his favorite artists.
Chris Van Allsburg's Biography: This site from Scholastic tells about the author’s life and his work. Click on the links at the top to view a booklist and read an interview transcript.
Children Review "The Polar Express": Scroll down to get to the Van Allsburg interview. Click on “Hear the Interview” to listen to an audio file of children’s reviews of “The Polar Express.” Scroll down to read the transcript.
"The Garden of Abdul Gazasi" Activities: This is a list of 11 activities to go along with the book “The Garden of Abdul Gazasi.”
"The Polar Express" Math Questions: Math questions to solve that go along with the book.
Chris Van Allsburg: See the author’s official homepage that includes general information and his work as well as activities that go along with a book. This site also include synopsis of his books.
Chris Van Allsburg: This site provides a biography of Chris Van Allsburg and includes an interview.
A Video interview with Chris Van Allsburg: See this interview video of Chris Van Allsburg and a short biography.
A Teacher's Guide: The Mysteries of Harris Burdick: This teaching guide provides a summary of the book as well as a summary of teaching ideas.
eThemes Resource: Railroads: Read all about railroads, trains, and the transcontinental railroad. Sites contain historical photos, audio, video, Webcams, and interactive quizzes on this mode of transportation.
eThemes Resource: Christmas: Traditions in the U.S.: These sites cover U.S. Christmas traditions, including Santa, stockings, Christmas trees, and the story of Jesus. Listen to Christmas music online, e-mail Santa, and play interactive games and quizzes. Includes text of the famous letter, “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”