Leave it to me to find a new obsession that isn’t altogether decadent, chemically-induced, hugely expensive, or downright obscene/insane.
I first learned how to knit last February, and I’ve loved it since. This, however, is something else entirely . . .
Children’s Books. Namely, books by the author Chris Van Allsburg.
So far, I’ve read four of his books, and they’re pretty stunning actually.
This new obsession started out as a curiosity really. A few weeks ago, I was watching tv with my niece and nephew and put on the show Reading Rainbow–a show I’ve always loved watching since I was a kid. At the end of each episode, they briefly showcase various books that they recommend to their viewers.
Imagine the sight of my Asian ears perking up when they started talking about a book called “The Garden of Abdul Gasazi”. The illustrations really caught my attention as well as the title of the book itself. It was all quite enchanting. The cover of the book, with animals carved out of various shrubs and bushes was enough to seer this book into my memory . . . . .
Not long thereafter, I looked on amazon(DOT)com to see if it was available and affordable. (It sure is, thank goodness!) A few days ago, I checked the library down the road from my house, and they had it as well. I am currently enjoying this borrowed copy until I eventually order one of my own at some point.
Here are some photos of the artwork. I truly LOVE this . . .
These illustrations complement the story perfectly, and oh what a story it is!!!! This book exemplifies everything about what a great children’s book should be. It tells a wonderful story with gorgeous illustration and, by the end of the book, infuses a sense of imaginative wonder in its young reader.
I have come to find out that this was Chris Van Allsburg’s first children’s book and only the first of MANY to come. He writes the stories AND does the illustrations for them. This debut book won him numerous awards and recognition, paving the way for a long career in this magical craft of children’s books.
Thus far, I’ve also read these other books of his:
Just A Dream
The Wretched Stone
and finally, The Stranger
These three others are also quite excellent, but I would venture to guess that The Stranger is probably among his BEST works. I can’t explain it, but together with Allsburg’s illustrations, this is a truly special book. When I finished reading it, I was absolutely quite in awe of the imagination one must have to write this story. The Stranger stands along with The Garden of Abdul Gasazi as my favorites so far.
What boggles my mind is that he’s written and illustrated even MORE than the 4 books I’ve just read.
OMG!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of them!!!
Needless to say, as long as there are copies available, I will be starting a collection of Chris Van Allsburg’s books as soon as humanly possible.
I’ll be featuring more of his work soon.
-gordon












































