The Mysteries of Harris Burdick

When author-illustrator extraordinaire Harris Burdick goes missing, all he’s left behind are a series of images with accompanying captions, ideas for separate picture books.

But what can a picture of a nun quietly sitting in a chair floating in a cathedral have to do with a caption that says, “THE SEVEN CHAIRS: The fifth one ended up in France?”

Enticed to come up with their own endings, readers will marvel at the mystery behind these lasting drawings and the charm of an everchanging narrative.

Caldecott medal winner Chris Van Allsburg’s call for readers to write their own stories will enthrall young minds again and again.

Fourteen mysterious drawings were left behind. What stories will they tell?

• Story Starters: Each haunting image, from an ocean liner pulled into a Venetian canal to a house achieving perfect lift-off, is a complete world waiting for a story.
• Spooky & Mysterious Tone: Chris Van Allsburg’s signature black-and-white art creates an atmosphere of wonder and suspense that has captivated readers for decades.
• Creative Writing Prompts: Perfect for the classroom or a curious mind, these visual prompts challenge kids and adults alike to become the storyteller and solve the mystery of Harris Burdick.
• Visual Storytelling: With only a title and a single caption for each illustration, readers must use their imagination to connect the clues and invent their own compelling narratives.