Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg
Books by Chris Van Allsburg are mystifying and complex, as is this book. Children will puzzle over the pictures until they realize at the end that the story is just a dream. A perfect book for EARTH DAY (April 22), this story is about a child who dreams trees have been cut down and the world has been industrialized to the point of extreme pollution. Before the dream, a birthday present of a tree was not an exciting thought, but at the end of the story planting a tree becomes a wonderful gift. Appropriate for ages 5-8. This is the link to the official Chris Van Allsburg Site
If you notice other Chris Van Allsburg books, Jumanji is a fantasy story written and illustrated by the Chris Van Allsburg. It was made into a 1995 film of the same name, with a cast including Robin Williams. This story can upset sensitive children as unless you complete the game, Jumanji takes over your world. Parents should preview this book and perhaps use with the 8-12 age group. This book has beautiful black and white drawings by Allsburg, mystery, many discussion points for the adult reader and child, and perhaps a reason to listen to the advice of parents as the children play the game when their parents are not home (although the story doesn’t say that at all, it could be inferred).
This is a PDF with FREE one-page reading strategies (such as inferring) PDFs for parents and teachers. (my handout, free, opens here)
The Polar Express is also by Chris Van Allsburg. Oh, now you know what I’m talking about! This is a more well-known story for children, and is not written in a fast-paced or entertaining style. Readers have to think their way through this story. It is also a video.
