Recently in our reading text books, we read The Garden of Abdul Gasazi, Chris Van Allsburg's
first children's book. It is a clever and mysterious story about a dog
named Fritz who runs into Mr. Gasazi's garden. Fritz is possibly turned
into a duck by Mr. Gasazi, but the reader never really knows for sure.
Mr. Van Allsburg leaves that up to the reader to decide.
Because Mr. Van Allsburg is such a talented writer and has written so many wonderful books, Mrs. Yollis read three more to us.
* * * * * * * *
The first one we listened to was called Two Bad Ants. Through
their experiences in the jar of crystals, which turn out to be sugar,
these ants learn that they are better off staying with their colony
rather than venturing out on their own.
* * * * * * * *
The second book we enjoyed was Bad Day at River Bend.
The story seems to take place in an old western town. Everything and
everyone in town is being covered by a colorful greasy slime. However,
at the end it is revealed that all the characters are in a young boy's
coloring book!
* * * * * * * *
Finally, Mrs. Yollis read The Widow's Broom to
us. It was an eerie tale in which a witch's broom comes to be owned by
a widow. The neighbors are very upset about this enchanted broom who
does all the widow's chores and want to do away with it. However, the
widow comes up with an extremely clever plan to trick the neighbors and
keep her broom!
* * * * * * * *
We are learning about surveys and polls in class. We decided to survey our readers: Out of the books read this week, which story is your favorite? Why?
Please leave a comment with your choice!
What other books by Chris Van Allsburg have you enjoyed?
Posts
Dear Class,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Chris Van Allsburg book is Two Bad Ants. I thought it was funny how big everything seems to the ants. For example, when they were in the garbage disposal with Fritz :-), I thought it looked humorous.
Sincerely,
Collin
Dear Class,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Chris Van Allsburg book is Bad Day at Riverbend. I liked that Chris made you wonder who was making the grease, and why was he doing it. At the end it turns out to be a little girls coloring book, and the grease was her crayons. Would you want to be in a coloring book?
From,
Ryan
Dear Class,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Chris Van Allsburg book is The Widow's Broom. I like The Widow's Broom because the broom is smart, and the Widow is clever, and together they scare the Spives away!
I have read almost all of Chris Van Allsburg's books. Some of the books are: The Widow's Broom, Two Bad Ants, Bad Day At Riverbend, The Polar Express, The Garden Of Abdul Gasazi,, Jumanji, Zathura, and The Stranger.
Do you like any of the books I've read? If yes, then which one?
Sincerely,
Mallory