Chris Van Allsburg 5 Books Collection Set - Children's Picture Books Ages 5-8 - Paperback

Titles in This Set
The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick
Jumanji
The Polar Express
The Wreck of the Zephyr

Details
Condition: Brand New
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Andersen Press, HMH Books for Young Readers
Age Range: Ages 5-8 (Grades K-3)

Overview
Five unforgettable picture books by Caldecott Medal-winning author-illustrator Chris Van Allsburg come together in this paperback collection for ages 5-8 (Grades K-3). From the jungle adventure of Jumanji to the magical Christmas Eve train ride in The Polar Express, the seafaring mystery of The Wreck of the Zephyr, the imagination-sparking images of The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, and the gentle animal tale of The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie, this set showcases Van Allsburg's signature blend of dreamlike storytelling and richly detailed illustration, ideal for read-aloud time or a classroom library.

About the Books
This five-book paperback collection brings together some of the most celebrated picture books by Chris Van Allsburg, an author-illustrator known for his moody, richly detailed artwork and stories that blur the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Jumanji follows two bored siblings whose jungle-themed board game unleashes real, wild hazards into their living room. The Polar Express follows a doubting boy aboard a magical midnight train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The Wreck of the Zephyr tells the haunting tale of a boy who dares a sailboat to fly above the waves. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick presents fourteen mysterious illustrations, each with only a title and caption, inviting readers to invent their own stories. The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie follows a hamster's journey from pet shop to backyard adventure and back home again. Together, these five titles highlight Van Allsburg's gift for pairing atmospheric art with spare, evocative text that rewards slow, close reading and repeat visits.

Key Benefits

• Five celebrated picture books by two-time Caldecott Medal winner Chris Van Allsburg in one set
• Includes modern classics like Jumanji and The Polar Express
• Atmospheric, richly detailed illustrations that reward slow, close reading
• Encourages imagination and visual literacy through open-ended narratives
• A ready-made gift set for birthdays, holidays, or a home reading collection
• Great for read-aloud time, classroom libraries, or independent early readers

Book-by-Book Guide
The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie — A pet-shop hamster ventures outdoors before returning home.
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick — Fourteen mysterious images invite readers to imagine the stories behind them.
Jumanji — A jungle-themed board game brings real, wild hazards into two siblings' living room.
The Polar Express — A doubting boy boards a magical midnight train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
The Wreck of the Zephyr — A boy dares a sailboat to fly above the waves, framed by a lingering mystery.

About the Author
Chris Van Allsburg is an American author-illustrator celebrated for his distinctive, atmospheric picture books. He has won the Caldecott Medal twice, for Jumanji and The Polar Express, and received a Caldecott Honor for The Wreck of the Zephyr. Known for his richly textured illustrations and stories that blend everyday settings with subtle mystery, Van Allsburg is one of the most influential picture-book creators of his generation. His work has been adapted for film, most notably The Polar Express and Jumanji.

Why You'll Love This Collection
This collection gathers five of Chris Van Allsburg's most beloved picture books into one giftable paperback set, perfect for birthdays, holiday stockings, or building a home reading nook. With Caldecott Medal-winning storytelling and unforgettable artwork, it's an ideal gift for young readers who love adventure, mystery, and a little Christmas Eve magic.

Please Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.