The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Portfolio Edition) [Paperback]

Chris Van Allsburg (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Since its publication in 1984, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick has stimulated the minds of readers of all ages and backgrounds. Now the original fourteen drawings are available in a large portfolio edition of loose sheets. In addition, a newly discovered fifteenth drawing, titled The Youngest Magician, has been added, as well as an updated introduction by the author. The puzzles of these mysterious drawings will be even more provocative because of the larger size and the exceptional printing quality. For the first time, the drawings can be shared with groups or displayed singly. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 1984.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A new portfolio edition offers the artwork from Chris Van Allsburg's The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, originally published in 1984, in loose oversized sheets. The enigmatic black-and-white drawings are each accompanied by a title and brief caption: for example, a picture of a nun placidly sitting in a chair floating in a cathedral is labeled "THE SEVEN CHAIRS: The fifth one ended up in France." The portfolio also includes a 15th drawing, discovered under circumstances as mysterious as the original set. A new Internet site, set to launch on October 28, will encourage the use of the pictures to seed creative writing assignments.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Layered in mystery, this extraordinary book will stun imaginative readers of all ages." School Library Journal, Starred

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 16 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (October 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395827841
• ISBN-13: 978-0395827840
• Product Dimensions: 16.2 x 12.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,152 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

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The portfolio edition is a must-have for any writing teacher, May 31, 2004

By 

Colorado Dreamin' (NJ) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Portfolio Edition) (Paperback)

A colleague introduced me to the portfolio edition, and it is one of the best finds I have added to my writing program. What makes this edition better than the traditionally-bound book is that you can post each of the 12" x 16" drawings around the classroom and use them as picture prompts for writing. I have my students use the captions as the first line of their stories. So far, this collection has been a hit with every class I've taught. You won't be disappointed!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remembered fondly from childhood, January 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Portfolio Edition) (Paperback)

I am 21 years old and could not be more excited to find this book again! My uncle read to me and my cousins all the time when we were children. This book along with The Polar Express, The Wreck of the Zephyr, and Jumanji became one of our favorites! I had no idea until now that they were all the same author. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick was especially fascinating. Because only pictures with captions are provided we gazed at this book for hours, imagining all the possibilities. I strongly urge parents to buy this book and others by Van Allsburg. I feel that they all encourage reading, and this book in particular encourages the imagination. Though I haven't seen or read his books in years, I still remember them as if I read them yesterday.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL CONCEPT - YOU MIGHT WANT TO OWN THIS ONE, May 25, 2006

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D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Portfolio Edition) (Paperback)

This is a different book in so many ways. It is really one that should be placed not only in the children's section of the library, but the adult also. The author gives us a brief explanation as to where the pictures came from (no spoiler here..read it yourself), and then the book begins. Each picture is all Allsburg. Wonderful black and white illustrations done in pencil and, as with his other books, each illustrtion is absolutely captivating and a delight to gaze at or study. Each picture is accompanied by just one line of a story with no explanation other than the picture itself. This is a wonderful book to add to a creative writing class, for any age, contemplate late evenings, or just to enjoy anytime. This work will certainly not hurt a childs imagination and infact can start the day-dreaming going in most adults. I highly recommend this one and highly recommend you add it to your home library.