A review by kandicez
The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: 14 Amazing Authors Tell the Tales by Chris Van Allsburg
5.0
I need to start off by saying that I read an exquisite, hard back, over sized copy of this book. It's cloth bound, double foil stamped, and simply a gorgeous addition to my library!
Introduction by Lemony Snicket - ***** What can you say about Snicket's irreverent and charming writing style? If you don't like the Series of Unfortunate Event series, don't read this introduction.
Archie Smith, Boy Wonder by Tabitha King - ***** Tabby does not get the attention she deserves. This little story isn't great because of what happens, but because of the way she tells us. She uses words like a master, and no one should be surprised by this.
Under the Rug by Jon Scieszka - ***** Scieszka got the scariest illustration, in my opinion, and made the most of it. It was incredibly suspenseful to be so short.
A Strange Day in July by Sherman Alexie - ***** Kids are liars. Alexie takes that fundamental truth and runs with it! The fact that his illustration was just a beautiful play of light on the water speaks volumes about his imagination!
Missing in Venice by Gregory Maguire - ** I've never cared for Maguire's style and this was no exception. I know he has skill, so I couldn't give it one star, but it's not skill that appeals to me.
Another Place, Another Time by Cory Doctorow - This was a miniscule example of perfect fantasy for children, comparable to Tolkien or Lewis, or Grossman's more modern, The Silver Arrow.
Uninvited Guests by Jules Feiffer - *** This was hard to rate because I thought the premise, and especially the ending, was clever, I didn't care much for the style in which it was written.
The Harp by Linda Sue Park - *** This reminded me of fairy tales I read as a child, or a watered down version of a Harry Potter story. It was sweet and satisfying, but nothing extraordinary.
Mr. Linden's Library by Walter Dean Myers - **** I'm a sucker for a story about a library. A magical library? Even better!
The Seven Chairs by Lois Lowry - *** Clever, and even fun, but nothing amazing.
The Third-Floor Bedroom by Kate DiMillo - ***** A less scary version of The Yellow Wallpaper. Epistolary, which is one of my very favorite formats!
Just Desert by M.T. Anderson - ***** Very Creepshow / Twilight Zone / Outer Limits fare. I love this stuff!
Captain Tory by Louis Sachar - ***** Beautiful story, beautifully paced and told.
Oscar and Alphonse by Chris Van Allsburg - ***** I'm also a sucker for a smart little girl told at a time when little girls were meant to be pretty, not smart. And caterpillars. I'm a huge fan of caterpillars!
The House on Maple Street by Stephen King - ***** All of the stars. This has always been one of my favorite short stories, and the audio, read by Tabby, is sublime. King really knows how to write children, and this is a great example of that.
All in all I really enjoyed these tales. I had read some in other places, most often, being aware they were inspired by these illustrations, but I was surprised by a few. Short story collections are magical all on their own, but when you add these haunting illustrations, it's easy to see why and how author's are inspired.
Introduction by Lemony Snicket - ***** What can you say about Snicket's irreverent and charming writing style? If you don't like the Series of Unfortunate Event series, don't read this introduction.
Archie Smith, Boy Wonder by Tabitha King - ***** Tabby does not get the attention she deserves. This little story isn't great because of what happens, but because of the way she tells us. She uses words like a master, and no one should be surprised by this.
Under the Rug by Jon Scieszka - ***** Scieszka got the scariest illustration, in my opinion, and made the most of it. It was incredibly suspenseful to be so short.
A Strange Day in July by Sherman Alexie - ***** Kids are liars. Alexie takes that fundamental truth and runs with it! The fact that his illustration was just a beautiful play of light on the water speaks volumes about his imagination!
Missing in Venice by Gregory Maguire - ** I've never cared for Maguire's style and this was no exception. I know he has skill, so I couldn't give it one star, but it's not skill that appeals to me.
Another Place, Another Time by Cory Doctorow - This was a miniscule example of perfect fantasy for children, comparable to Tolkien or Lewis, or Grossman's more modern, The Silver Arrow.
Uninvited Guests by Jules Feiffer - *** This was hard to rate because I thought the premise, and especially the ending, was clever, I didn't care much for the style in which it was written.
The Harp by Linda Sue Park - *** This reminded me of fairy tales I read as a child, or a watered down version of a Harry Potter story. It was sweet and satisfying, but nothing extraordinary.
Mr. Linden's Library by Walter Dean Myers - **** I'm a sucker for a story about a library. A magical library? Even better!
The Seven Chairs by Lois Lowry - *** Clever, and even fun, but nothing amazing.
The Third-Floor Bedroom by Kate DiMillo - ***** A less scary version of The Yellow Wallpaper. Epistolary, which is one of my very favorite formats!
Just Desert by M.T. Anderson - ***** Very Creepshow / Twilight Zone / Outer Limits fare. I love this stuff!
Captain Tory by Louis Sachar - ***** Beautiful story, beautifully paced and told.
Oscar and Alphonse by Chris Van Allsburg - ***** I'm also a sucker for a smart little girl told at a time when little girls were meant to be pretty, not smart. And caterpillars. I'm a huge fan of caterpillars!
The House on Maple Street by Stephen King - ***** All of the stars. This has always been one of my favorite short stories, and the audio, read by Tabby, is sublime. King really knows how to write children, and this is a great example of that.
All in all I really enjoyed these tales. I had read some in other places, most often, being aware they were inspired by these illustrations, but I was surprised by a few. Short story collections are magical all on their own, but when you add these haunting illustrations, it's easy to see why and how author's are inspired.