The Wreck of the Zephyr [Hardcover]

Chris Van Allsburg (Author)

Book Description

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

At the edge of a cliff lies the wreck of a small sailboat. How did it get there? "Waves carried it up in a storm," says an old sailor. But is it possible that waves could ever get that high? There is another story -- the story of a boy and his obsessive desire to be the greatest sailor, the story of a storm that carried the boy and his boat to a place where boats glide like gulls high above the water and not upon it. Chris Van Allsburg tells that story of the boy and his boat, the Zephyr, in words and haunting, full-color pastel paintings. His sailboats sail the night sky with the stars in pictures so vivid that the reader can almost hear the wind in the sails. Here is a work of unusual artistry that will enchant readers of all ages for many years to come.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The full-color pastel drawings are the work of a master: stunning, luminescent, and conveying a sense of the mystical and magical." Publishers Weekly

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.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (March 23, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395330750
• ISBN-13: 978-0395330753
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 11.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #102,986 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

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great children's book!, September 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wreck of the Zephyr (Hardcover)

Only once as a child have I read this book, but to this day I still remember it as one of the best. The illustrations are so life-like, and I just feel everything is done beautifully! A book every child should encounter.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a classic favorite!, March 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wreck of the Zephyr (Hardcover)

I have grown up with a tattered copy of this book and never seem to tire of it! Chris Van Allsburg is the most talented artist and author of our time. I have every book he has written and anxiously await any and every book he publishes. The Wreck of the Zephyr, though, is by far my favorite. I find something new each time I crack the spine. I will cherish this, and all his works, forever.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read classic!, January 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wreck of the Zephyr (Hardcover)

I first fell in love with this book in elementary. And now I have purchased it for my son to treasure. This book takes you to a magical place not easily forgotten. It is worth buying for the illistrations alone. It has mystery, adventure, and it is beautifully written. My only complaint is that is too short.