10 Facts about Chris Van Allsburg

Thursday, December 24th 2015. | Authors


Facts about Chris Van Allsburg present the interesting information about the notable writer and illustrator of children’s books from America. He was born on 18 June 1949 in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He writes two popular books. Both are The Polar Express (1985) and Jumanji (1981). The latter one makes him earn two Caldecott Medals for U.S. picture book illustration. Both of them are adapted into movies. Check other interesting facts about Allsburg below:

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 1: The Garden of Abdul Gasazi

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi is a book of Allsburg. In 1980, the book made him get the Caldecott runner-up.

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 2: a nominee

He was nominated for Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1986 due to his contribution as an illustrator for children’s books.

Chris Van Allsburg

Chris Van Allsburg

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 3: an honorary degree

In April 2012, University of Michigan awarded Allsburg with an honorary degree of Humane Letters.

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 4: the early life

The parents of Allsburg were Richard and Doris Christianen Van Allsburg. He was the second child in the family. In 1947, the mother gave birth to his older sister. The family lived in an old farm house when his mother gave birth to Chris Allsburg.

Chris Van Allsburg Pic

Chris Van Allsburg Pic

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 5: moving

His family moved several times. When Allsburg was three years old, the family relocated to a new house. The location was at Grand Rapids’ edge. He reached his elementary school by foot due to the close distance between his class and the house. But his family resided again at East Grand Rapids.

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 6: the education

Allsburg was educated at College of Architecture and Design, University of Michigan. He was interested to learn wood carving, bronze casting, sculpture, resin molding and others. In 1972, he graduated from the university.  Then he was enrolled to Rhode Island School of Design. In 1975, he graduated with a master degree.

Chris Van Allsburg Image

Chris Van Allsburg Image

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 7: a sculpture studio

He created a sculpture studio after graduating with a master degree of sculpture. Check Facts about Chris Crutcher here.

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 8: the problem

Allsburg decided to create sketches at home because he had problem with the time in the studio. His wife stated that Allsburg could make great illustration for children’s books from the drawings.

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 9: The Garden of Abdul Gasazi

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi was published in 1979. It was the first book written by Allsburg. He decided to write this book after his drawings were shown to children’s book editor. Get Facts about Chris Priestley here.

Facts about Chris Van Allsburg 10: the personal life

His wife is Lisa Van Allsburg. Both are blessed with two kids, Sophia and Anna. The family lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Chris Van Allsburg's Work

Chris Van Allsburg’s Work

Are you impressed after reading facts about Chris Van Allsburg?


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