Books by Chris Van Dusen
If I Built a Car (If I Built Series)
If I built a car, it'd be totally new!
Here are a few of the things that I'd do. . . .
Young Jack is giving an eye-opening tour of the car he'd like to build. There's a snack bar, a pool, and even a robot named Robert to act as chauffeur. With Jack's soaring imagination in the driver's seat, we're deep-sea diving one minute and flying high above traffic the next in this whimsical, tantalizing take on the car of the future. Illustrations packed with witty detail, bright colors, and chrome recall the fabulous fifties and an era of classic American automobiles. Infectious rhythm and clever invention make this wonderful read-aloud a launch pad for imaginative fun.
Copies
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$19.99
If I Built a Car (If I Built Series)
With energetic rhyme and action-packed artwork to match, If I Built a Car sure to fuel any young inventor with big plans and grand imaginations.
"If I built a car, it'd be totally new! Here are a few of the things that I'd do. . . ." Jack has designed the ultimate fantasy car. Inspired by zeppelins and trains, Cadillacs and old planes, with brilliant colors and lots of shiny chrome, this far-out vision is ready to cruise! there's a fireplace, a pool, and even a snack bar! After a tour of the ritzy interior, robert the robot starts up the motor . . . and Jack and his dad set off on the wildest test drive ever!
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$9.99
If I Built a School (If I Built Series)
In this exuberant companion to If I Built a Car, a boy fantasizes about his dream school--from classroom to cafeteria to library to playground.
My school will amaze you. My school will astound.
By far the most fabulous school to be found!
Perfectly planned and impeccably clean.
On a scale, 1 to 10, it's more like 15!
And learning is fun in a place that's fun, too.
If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robo-chef to serve lunch in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more. The inventive boy who described his ideal car and house in previous books is dreaming even bigger this time.
Copies
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$19.99
The Circus Ship
With stunning artwork and a rhyming text, the illustrator of the Mercy Watson books tells a tale of human-animal connection full of humor and heart.
When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own to swim the chilly waters. Staggering onto a nearby island, they soon win over the wary townspeople with their kind, courageous ways. So well do the critters blend in that when the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, villagers of all species conspire to outsmart the bloated blowhard. With buoyant rhymes and brilliantly caricatured illustrations evoking the early nineteenth century, Chris Van Dusen presents a hugely entertaining tale about the bonds of community — and a rare hidden-pictures spread for eagle-eyed readers of all ages.
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The Circus Ship
“The verse is sprightly, but the pictures are the true stunners.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own, but they soon win over the wary townspeople with their kind, courageous ways. So well do the critters blend in that when the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, villagers of all species conspire to outsmart the bloated blowhard. With buoyant rhymes and brilliantly caricatured illustrations evoking the early nineteenth century, Chris Van Dusen presents a hugely entertaining tale about the bonds of community—and a hidden-pictures spread for eagle-eyed readers of all ages.
Copies
No copies available.
King Hugo's Huge Ego
From a master of visual comedy comes the royally satisfying tale of a head swollen out of proportion and a blowhard brought down to earth.
Hugo is a tiny king with a very large ego. But when he mistreats a villager who also happens to be a sorceress, the spell she casts causes his head to literally swell. The more he boasts, the bigger it gets, until it finally topples the mini monarch right off his castle! Who will cut this royal pain down to size? And, more important, will anyone live happily ever after? Chris Van Dusen’s hilarious story is matched only by his outrageous illustrations. Together, they make for a picture book that is sometimes fairy tale, sometimes cautionary tale, and always laugh-out-loud funny.
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No copies available.
Randy Riley's Really Big Hit
Randy likes space, robots, and baseball, but he can't ace everything . . . or can he? Chris Van Dusen knocks one out of the park with a comical ode to ingenuity.
Randy Riley loves two things: science and baseball. When it comes to the solar system, the constellations, and all things robot, Randy is a genius. But on the baseball diamond? Not so much. He tries . . . but whiffs every time. Then, one night, Randy sees something shocking through his Space Boy telescope: it’s a fireball, and it’s headed right for his town! Randy does the math, summons all of his science smarts, and devises a plan that will save the day in a spectacular way. Once again, Chris Van Dusen winds up his visual humor, dizzying perspectives, perfect pacing, and rollicking rhyme and delivers a hit to make readers stand up and cheer.
Copies
No copies available.
Randy Riley's Really Big Hit
“With all the bases covered — musical text, entertaining artwork, and surefire subject matter — this title bats 1,000 for group or lapsit read-alouds.” — School Library Journal
Randy Riley loves two things: science and baseball. When it comes to the solar system, the constellations, and all things robot, Randy is a genius. But on the baseball diamond? Not so much. Then, one night, Randy sees something shocking through his Space Boy telescope: it’s a fireball, and it’s headed right for his town! Randy does the math, summons all his science smarts, and devises a plan that will save the day in a spectacular way. Once again, with visual humor, dizzying perspectives, perfect pacing, and rollicking rhyme, Chris Van Dusen delivers a hit that will make readers stand up and cheer.
Copies
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$7.99
Hattie and Hudson
A little girl and her colossal friend teach a monster-size lesson about prejudging others in a charming offering from Chris Van Dusen.
Hattie McFadden is a born explorer. Every morning she grabs her life jacket and paddles out in her canoe to discover something new on the lake, singing a little song on her way. When her singing draws up from the depths a huge mysterious beast, everyone in town is terrified — except Hattie, who looks into the creature’s friendly, curious eyes and knows that this is no monster. So Hattie sneaks out at night to see the giant — whom she names Hudson — and the two become friends. But how can she make the frightened, hostile townspeople see that Hudson isn’t scary or dangerous at all? Chris Van Dusen brings his colorful, perspective-bending artwork to this satisfying new story about acceptance, friendship, and sticking up for those who are different.
Copies
No copies available.
Hattie and Hudson
“This eloquent, evocative book about compassion is perfect for sparking discussions on prejudice. A sensational choice.” —School Library Journal
Hattie McFadden is a born explorer. Every morning she paddles out in her canoe to discover something new on the lake, singing a little song along the way. When her singing lures a huge mysterious beast from the depths of the lake, everyone in town is terrified—except Hattie, who looks into the creature’s friendly, curious eyes and knows that this is no monster. She befriends the giant and names him Hudson. But how can she make the frightened, hostile townspeople see that he isn’t scary or dangerous at all? Chris Van Dusen brings his colorful, perspective-bending artwork to this satisfying story about acceptance, friendship, and sticking up for those who are different.
Copies
No copies available.
If I Built a House (If I Built Series)
The much-anticipated follow-up to the E. B. White Award-winning picture book If I Built a Car
In If I Built a Car, imaginative Jack dreamed up a whimsical fantasy ride that could do just about anything. Now he's back and ready to build the house of his dreams, complete with a racetrack, flying room, and gigantic slide. Jack's limitless creativity and infectious enthusiasm will inspire budding young inventors to imagine their own fantastical designs.
Chris Van Dusen's vibrant illustrations marry retro appeal with futuristic style as he, once again, gives readers a delightfully rhyming text that absolutely begs to be read aloud.
Copies
No copies available.
If I Built a House (If I Built Series)
The much-anticipated follow-up to the E. B. White Award-winning picture book If I Built a Car
In If I Built a Car, imaginative Jack dreamed up a whimsical fantasy ride that could do just about anything. Now he's back and ready to build the house of his dreams, complete with a racetrack, flying room, and gigantic slide. Jack's limitless creativity and infectious enthusiasm will inspire budding young inventors to imagine their own fantastical designs.
Chris Van Dusen's vibrant illustrations marry retro appeal with futuristic style as he, once again, gives readers a delightfully rhyming text that absolutely begs to be read aloud.
Copies
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$8.99
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee: (Kids Book Series, Early Reader Books, Best Selling Kids Books)
With enough lunch for three, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee head out to the sea. But what begins as a fun day in the sun turns a bit bumpy when onel playful whale decides to say hello. Soon the crew that once was floating finds themselves flying! How will they get down? Who will come to their rescue? And when will they ever get to eat lunch? Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee is a great read-aloud, sure to provide fits of giggles.
Copies
No copies available.
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee: (Read Aloud Books, Series Books for Kids, Books for Early Readers) (Mr. McGee (MCGE))
The second book in the much-loved series about Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee!
Chris Van Dusen books are always a delight, combining playful rhyming text with bright, comical artwork that's alive with color and detail.
In their new adventure, Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when along comes a lumbering, marshmallow-loving bear and the excitement begins. The next thing the two campers know, they are plunging down a mountain, racing down a river, and teetering on the edge of a waterfall! How will Mr. Magee and Dee find their way out of this slippery situation?
ADVENTURES IN CAMPING: A funny children's book that shares a lesson on overcoming obstacles with an easy-to-follow storyline, fun illustrations, and likable characters. Perfect as a bedtime story at home or on a camping trip!
TEACHERS' PICK BOOK: For storytime or individual reading time, teachers and students love the Mr. Magee books. This title is one of teachers' favorite fall books that may even inspire camping theme classroom décor!
FUN BOOKS SERIES FOR KIDS: Other titles in this terrific series of illustrated books for early readers include Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee and Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee.
Perfect for: A fun read-aloud for families and elementary story time Engaging early and emergent readers Fans of kids' reading books that incorporate colorful artwork throughout Readers of the Mr. Magee series and funny outdoor adventure books like Llama Llama Loves Camping and Curious George Goes Camping
Copies
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$16.99
Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee: (Read Aloud Books, Series Books for Kids, Books for Early Readers)
The third book in the much-loved series about Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee!
Chris Van Dusen books are always a delight, combining playful rhyming text with bright, comical artwork that's alive with color and detail.
One winter morning, Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee, head out bright and early to learn how to ski. But what begins as a pleasant day in the snow quickly goes downhill when a run-in with a curious moose sends them flying through the air and hanging above an abyss! How will Dee and Magee find their way out of this snowy situation? Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee is another fun-filled adventure for Magee fans old and new.
ADVENTURES IN THE SNOW: A funny children's book that shares a lesson on overcoming obstacles with an easy-to-follow storyline, fun illustrations, and likable characters. Perfect as a bedtime story at home or on a family ski trip!
TEACHERS' PICK BOOK: For storytime or individual reading time, teachers and students love the Mr. Magee books. This title is one of teachers' favorite winter books that may even inspire snow-themed classroom décor!
FUN BOOKS SERIES FOR KIDS: Other titles in this terrific series of illustrated books for early readers include Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee and A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee.
Perfect for: A fun read-aloud for families and elementary story time Engaging early and emergent readers Fans of kids' reading books that incorporate colorful artwork throughout Readers of the Mr. Magee series and funny outdoor adventure books like Dr. Seuss's Winter Things and Curious George in the Snow
Copies
No copies available.
Big Truck Little Island
That big truck is stuck! How will the island residents get where they’re going? A tale of community and ingenuity from the celebrated Chris Van Dusen, inspired by a true story.
When a big truck and its big load get stuck on a narrow road, traffic on the little island comes to a halt. Some cars need to go south and some have to travel north. How will Meg get to her swim meet? What about Barry’s ballet class? Luckily, the kidscome up with an ingenious solution: why not just swap cars? Inspired by an incident that happened on Vinalhaven, Maine, Chris Van Dusen tells a fun tale of resourcefulness and community through clever, rhyming wordplay and whimsical illustrations, sprinkled with plenty of cars and trucks for transportation-loving readers.
Copies
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$17.99
Si yo diseñara un auto (If I Built Series) (Spanish Edition)
Si yo diseñara un auto, ¡sería totalmente novedoso!
Pablo ha diseñado lo último en autos fantásticos. Inspirado en zepelines y trenes, Cadillacs y aviones viejos, con colores brillantes y mucho cromo resplandeciente, esta maravilla genial está ¡lista para viajar! Tiene chimenea, piscina y ¡hasta tiene un bar! Luego de un paseo por el fabuloso interior, Roberto el Robot enciende el motor . . . Pablo y su papá parten rumbo a la prueba de rodaje más increíble de la historia.
Copies
No copies available.
If I Built a Town (If I Built Series)
It has been 20 years since the classic If I Built a Car was published, and now here's a companion read-aloud that's even more joyful and inventive!
"My town will be swanky! My town will be swell! My town will be prized as the best place to dwell," says Jack to the mayor one day as he describes his plans for improving their community.
And what a town he has dreamed up! The zoo is packed with fantastic, Jurassic, and mythical creatures, the mail is delivered by super-fast hover vans, the health clinic travels right to your door, and a parade passes through each and every week. And don't forget the robots! All of Jack's plans include the most exciting and useful serving machines. But most of all, wait till you see the beach!
Jack's over-the-top creativity and infectious enthusiasm will inspire budding young inventors. It's a storytime romp that you'll want to return to again and again.
Copies
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$19.99
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee
With enough lunch for three, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee head out to the sea. But what begins as a fun day in the sun turns a bit bumpy when onel playful whale decides to say hello. Soon the crew that once was floating finds themselves flying! How will they get down? Who will come to their rescue? And when will they ever get to eat lunch? Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee is a great read-aloud, sure to provide fits of giggles.
Copies
No copies available.