The Garden of Abdul Gasazi [Hardcover]

Chris Van Allsburg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 1979 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 580L (What's this?)

Sometimes that very thin line between illusion and reality is not as clearly defined as we would like it to be. It certainly wasn't the day that Alan Mitz stumbled into the garden of Abdul Gasazi. For in this bizarre and eerie place -- where strange topiary trees loomed -- the evil visage of Gasazi casts its shadow. And even after Alan escaped, the spell of Gasazi still seemed to penetrate into his everyday world. In this extraordinary, unusual, and unique picture book, Chris Van Allsburg explores both the real and surreal worlds with incredible deftness. In doing so, he has created exquisite and beautiful images that will continue to haunt readers long after they have left the enchanted garden of Abdul Gasazi.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is without question one of the best -- and most original -- picture books in years." The New York Times

About the Author

Chris Van Allsburg is the winner of two Caldecott Medals, for Jumanji and The Polar Express, as well as the recipient of a Caldecott Honor Book for The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. The author and illustrator of numerous picture books for children, he has also been awarded the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children’s literature. In 1982, Jumanji was nominated for a National Book Award and in 1996, it was made into a popular feature film. Chris Van Allsburg was formerly an instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife and two children.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children; First Edition edition (October 10, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039527804X
• ISBN-13: 978-0395278048
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 0.4 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,870 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Chris Van Allsburg is the winner of two Caldecott Medals, for Jumanji and The Polar Express, as well as the recipient of a Caldecott Honor Book for The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. The author and illustrator of numerous picture books for children, he has also been awarded the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children's literature. In 1982, Jumanji won the National Book Award and in 1996, it was made into a popular feature film. Chris Van Allsburg was formerly an instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife and two children.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A book of wonder and vivid fantastic illustrations November 2, 1999

By "lmfoit"

Format:Paperback

This book is burned into my memory as one of my few early childhood memories. It's been 20 years since I last saw this book, but I could describe many of the vivid illustrations for you. Mystical and magical. Abdul Gasazi's garden exists in every town. All it needs is a child's imagination to bring it to life.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Did Fritz really get changed into a duck? May 17, 1999

By R. D. Allison ([e-mail])

Format:Hardcover

This children's book is about a dog named Fritz who runs off from the boy who is watching over him. The dog enters the garden of a retired magician who hates dogs. Yet, the boy has to get the dog back. Alan is shocked to discover that the dog may have been turned into a duck. The book was a 1980 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children. A book greatly enjoyed by children of all ages.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars SO MUCH MORE THAN A BOOK April 19, 2004

By Gail Cooke HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio Cassette

If there were a so-much-more-than-a-book category, this title would head the list. The Garden of Abdul Gasazi written and gloriously illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, and read by Jason Robards is a standout.

Threats are more menacing; adventures are higher when recounted in Robards' inimitable voice.

This, Van Allsburg's first book, winner of the Caldecott Award and deemed Best Illustrated Book of the Year by the New York Times, is the imaginative story of a little boy and a very mean magician.

Spectacular reading and listening!