Welcome to the Garden...
Where did I get the title of this website, you ask? Well, that's a wonderful question. Part of the answer is that I think the title "I'm obsessed with Chris Van Allsburg and every book he's ever written" would have drawn some less than desirable attention from people that I'm sure I don't want to know. Another part of the answer lies within the title of the first book Chris Van Allsburg ever wrote, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi, back in 1979. Since his name sounds somewhat similar (okay, maybe that's a stretch), I thought it was a fitting title. The final reason for choosing this title is that reading the books that this literary genius has penned is like walking through a garden, admiring the handy work of the gardener. When you read a Van Allsburg book, you find yourself lost in his world, just like when visiting the gardens at Reynolda Gardens in Winston-Salem or even on the campus of Salem College. So, come take a walk with me as we explore the works of Van Allsburg and what makes him such a beloved author and illustrator. I hope you will learn to appreciate him as much as I have.
Confused by the titles of the pages? Check this section out to figure out what's located under each tab.
*Welcome to the Garden (introduction and poll)
*Planting the Seed (Chris' biography)
*Watering the Works (Chris' books)
*A Mysterious Growth (The Mystery of Harris Burdick)
*Stop and Smell the Roses (Links to websites and videos)
*The Fruits of Chris' Labor (using Van Allsburg's books in the classroom)
*Welcome to the Garden (introduction and poll)
*Planting the Seed (Chris' biography)
*Watering the Works (Chris' books)
*A Mysterious Growth (The Mystery of Harris Burdick)
*Stop and Smell the Roses (Links to websites and videos)
*The Fruits of Chris' Labor (using Van Allsburg's books in the classroom)