Birthday Spotlight: Chris Van Allsburg

Born in Grand Rapids, MI on June 18, 1949, Chris Van Allsburg grew up to attend the University of Michigan. He studied bronze casting, wood carving, resin molding, and other skills. He met his wife, Lisa Morrison, at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he earned a Master's of Fine Art in 1977. In 1978, Van Allsburg's drawings were part of an exhibit at the Whitney Museum, after which his wife encouraged him to illustrate books. After his works made it to an editor of Houghton Mifflin, Van Allsburg was encouraged to not just illustrate, but create his own stories. He is the creator of such beloved children's books as Jumanji, Polar Express (both of which are Caldecott winners), and Zathura. All three of these books have been made into major motion pictures. Click on the pictures to see these books' availability at the Spout Springs Library.