The Garden of Abdul Gasazi [Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

Chris Van Allsburg (Author), Jason Robards (Narrator, Contributor)

Book Description

Alan accidentally allows Miss Hester's dog, Fritz, to enter a magician's garden and is horrified when he thinks Fritz has been turned into a duck.

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 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.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books (October 24, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395712726
• ISBN-13: 978-0395712726
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,828,095 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 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" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Garden of Abdul Gasazi (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.

11 of 11 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]) (Gainesville, Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Garden of Abdul Gasazi (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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Garden of Abdul Gasazi (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!