A review by mat_tobin
The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg
4.0
A Caldecott Honour awarded story that follows the exploits of a rather mischievous dog (who bites and exactly what he is told 'not' to do and Alan Mitz, the poor young lad who has been put in charge of minding him whilst the owner is away. Although the young boy has the measure of the dog at first, the hound eventually escapes and heads off into the neighbour's voluminous gardens. The great Abdul Gasazi though is a retired magician and one who has a particular distaste for dogs. What will happen to Fritz after the magician gets hold of him and whatever will Alan say to the dog's owner?
I've always loved Allsburg's illustrations. The deep and meticulous control of shading and line in pencils draw you in without fault and seem perfect for mirroring his themes or reality and fantasy. As always, the reading is encouraged to look closely at the pictures and consider what is subtly being said. The writing is, perhaps, a little too long winded at times but the mystery is as rich as ever. This was Allsburg's first picturebook.
I've always loved Allsburg's illustrations. The deep and meticulous control of shading and line in pencils draw you in without fault and seem perfect for mirroring his themes or reality and fantasy. As always, the reading is encouraged to look closely at the pictures and consider what is subtly being said. The writing is, perhaps, a little too long winded at times but the mystery is as rich as ever. This was Allsburg's first picturebook.