Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Denver, CO

I was a graphic design major in college. And included in that major was a class in illustration. And my teacher for that class was pretty much the toughest teacher I ever had. But, of course, I learned so much from him.

One of my favorite lessons was a whole day on the children;s book illustrator Chris Van Allsburg. You may not recognize his name, but you have probably either read his books - or most certainly, in recent years, seen movies made from his stories. Polar Express, Jumanji, Zathura - all from the mind of Chris Van Allsburg. His stories are right and fanciful, bur really - his illustrations are legendary. Van Allsburg uses interesting perspective to draw you in, rich shading and texture to complete the scene. Below is a list of all his books. A treasure trove of art and words.






































    * Bad Day at Riverbend
    * Ben's Dream
    * The Garden of Abdul Gasazi
    * Jumanji
    * Just a Dream
    * The Mysteries of Harris Burdick
    * The Polar Express
    * Probuditi!
    * The Stranger
    * Swan Lake (Illustrator)
    * The Sweetest Fig
    * Two Bad Ants
    * The Wreck of the Zephyr
    * The Wretched Stone
    * The Widow's Broom
    * The Z Was Zapped
    * Zathura