Best Reads of 2013 (8th in a Series)

Tell me a story about...

The illustrations in Chris Van Allsburg's wordless and nearly wordless books are so evocative, you can't help trying to figure out what happens next.  Hollywood certainly couldn't resist pulling out all the special effects stops for The Polar Express and Jumanji.
 

The illustrations in The Mysteries of Harris Burdick proved irresistible to the imaginations of 14 authors, including Stephen King, Gregory Maguire, and Kate DiCamillo.  Working from the titles and captions in the picture book, they created 14 short stories for The Chronicles of Harris Burdick (cover art caption: "Even with her mighty engines in reverse, the ocean liner was pulled further and further into the canal.")

Try this as a family activity: start with the picture book and discuss the illustrations together.  Then read aloud from the short story collection.  Finally, and you'll want to record this part, encourage everyone to share their own stories about each picture.  I guarantee it will be one of your                             best holiday memories.

Mary Kretsch
Information Specialist