Friday, April 1, 2011

A is for Chris Van Allsburg

Born: June 18, 1949

Excellent BooksThe Polar Express, Jumanji, Zathura.  He has written and illustrated 15 books, illustrated several others, and won the Caldecott and other awards.

From His Life:  Chris walked 1 1/2 miles to and from elementary school. He enjoyed drawing pictures of cars and cartoons as a boy.  He includes a picture of a small white dog in many of his books to commemorate a bull terrier who was part of his first book.  He has two daughters born in 1991 and 1995.

Advice for Aspiring Writers:  Chris has an attitude that I find motivating and encouraging.  When asked, "Which of the books you have written is your favorite, he always answers, "'My next one.'  That's because I always think the next thing I do will be at least a little better then the things I have already done." (quote from Chris Van Allsburg's website)

Website: http://www.chrisvanallsburg.com/home.html

12 comments:

D. U. Okonkwo said...

Very cool - and his answer to the question of his favourite book is the way to go. Always need to make your next book better than your last if you can.

エイプリル said...

His books are great. Love your theme for the challenge; great first post! :)

Laura S. said...

I love that quote! I haven't read Jumanji or Zathura, only seen the movies, but I'll have to check out the books. Love The Polar Express (book and movie)!

Carla said...

DU, I completely agree!

TheyCallMeVarmit, Thanks!

Laura, When Jumanji first came out I didn't even know it had a book!

Carla

Stephanie Faris said...

The Polar Express is SUCH a beautiful book, but I had no idea it was written by the Jumanji author. I need to read Jumanji. I missed that book, but I've seen the movie.

Marie Anne said...

I say similar about article writing. I haven't written my favorite article yet!

Popping in by way of the A-Z Challenge. I’m blogging at:
http://www.writewrongorindifferent.com/
http://marieannesmissives.blogspot.com/
http://gallongarden.blogspot.com/
http://macrochet.blogspot.com/

Murees Dupè said...

Great quote! It is very true.

septembermom said...

Love that quote! A writer keeps moving on.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I didn't know the same guy wrote Jumanji and Polar Express.
Great advice from him.

Dawn M. Hamsher said...

I like his comment "my next one". He looks ahead, not behind.

Carla said...

Stephanie, It IS beautiful!

Marie Ann, I agree...I enjoy writing articles too!

Murees, I just makes you happy to read it, doesn't it?!

Septembermom, You're constantly moving, it's true.

Susan, He has a really impressive list of books out.

Dawn, I totally agree!

Carla

Anonymous said...

I haven't read anything by him...yet. He seems like an awesome author.

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