THE CHRONICLES OF HARRIS BURDICK Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales / With an Introduction by Lemony Snicket

Twenty-seven years ago. Chris Van Allsburg published a book with 14 enigmatic illustrations. Now, 14 of the biggest names in children’s books respond to these visual prompts with short stories. These stories are unique and unconnected but linked by tones as mysterious as the original images. Much of the book is narrated by Cassandra Campbell, who creates a large cast of characters that make the stories sing. Jon Scieszka’s clueless, cliché-quoting grandmother is as memorable as Louis Sachar’s ghostly Scots sea captain. Campbell emphasizes the compelling quality of each story, stressing Jules Feiffer’s mix of chilling and humorous tones and conveying the trapped, lonely feeling of Kate DiCamillo’s character, who suffers from TB. This collection would be improved by the inclusion of the pictures that inspired them. S.W. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2011]