The Mysteries of Harris Burdick

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Summary: You'll want to buy two copies!
Review: I became a fan of Van Allsburgs books when I picked up The Polar Express, but The Harris Burdick Mysteries is my favorite! I have purchased two copies, one to read and another to cut up, frame, and mount the illustrations for a chilren's nursery.

A wonderful picture book that's more than a picture book.

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Summary: Becoming a cult classic amoung 20 something fans
Review: I bought this book a few years ago, when I was 22. It is a fantastic vehicle for imagination. I was drawn in immediately by the eerie drawings and mysterious captions. Brilliant. Edward Gorey fans take notice.

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Summary: Not exclusively for young minds
Review: I first encountered Harris Burdick and his mysteries when I was in my twenties. Those illustrations with their intriguing captions are just as magical for me as they are for six-year olds. As a writer, they have filled me with inspiration and story ideas. I bought the folio edition (which is not longer available) and I have had some of the prints framed, and they now hang on my wall.
This book is appropriate for people of all ages, although children, writers, and teachers will probably get the most from it.

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Summary: Great idea generater!!!
Review: I first stumbled across this book while helping a fourth grade teacher where my daughter attends school. He was using the pictures as writing prompts for his class. I must say that I was entranced. The pictures are fabulous and do indeed grab your attention and demand that you imagine the story within the picture. A must for every teacher and parent who wants to encourage creativity!

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Summary: An excellent inspiration for the imagination
Review: I had not heard of this book prior to reading about it on Amazon, so thanks to all of you who recommended it so highly. I could not agree with you more, what a fantastic book to get the imagination churning. I went through this book with my five year old, he took a turn making up a story and then I would take a turn. Believe me some of his stories were better than mine, and he has not yet become bored with this book as he does with so many others. So turn off the TV and sit down with a child to make up some stories! My only caveat would be that I would not recommend this book for the very young or those children who are easily spooked, as some of the imagery is a little on the creepy side.

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Summary: This a great and interesting book!
Review: I have been writing stories for these illistrations since I was in 4th grade (a requierment for school) and this year it is on "Another Place, Another time". It must be the best story I ever wrote! Thank you Chris Van Allsburg and Harris Burdick!!

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Summary: Excellent teaching tool.
Review: I have used this book extensively for creative writing exercises. It really sparks creativity in the minds of youngsters of all ages. It can even be used for group story projects with pre-school or kindergaten age childre

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Summary: a wonderful tool for the imagination!
Review: I noticed this book is recommended for ages 4-8. My 10-year old son, who normally reads adult sci-fi fantasy by the likes of Piers Anthony and David Eddings, found this book in his school library last year and fell in love with it! It's so much more than just a book. The pictures are so rich and full of detail, your child (and maybe even you!) will sit for hours making up stories to match the mysteries. If you're looking for an educational gift that's not too "nerdy", this is the book to buy.

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Summary: Middle School English Teacher's Dream Book
Review: I teach English 8 in a middle school setting, and my student writers tend to grumble and struggle with writing longer pieces of fiction. Whenever I display one of the illustrations in this portfolio, my students get out of their seats and rush for the display easel. They ooh and ahh. Then they start thinking and talking about the stories that pop into their heads--all of them different. They get to work with happy faces and elaborate tales with bright-eyed energy. When they are finished, they can't wait to read to the class. All upper grade English teachers should have this book/portfolio in their bag of magic tricks. Me? I'm waiting for the Mysteries of Harris Burdick Part 2.

Rating:
Summary: Middle School English Teacher's Dream Book
Review: I teach English 8 in a middle school setting, and my student writers tend to grumble and struggle with writing longer pieces of fiction. Whenever I display one of the illustrations in this portfolio, my students get out of their seats and rush for the display easel. They ooh and ahh. Then they start thinking and talking about the stories that pop into their heads--all of them different. They get to work with happy faces and elaborate tales with bright-eyed energy. When they are finished, they can't wait to read to the class. All upper grade English teachers should have this book/portfolio in their bag of magic tricks. Me? I'm waiting for the Mysteries of Harris Burdick Part 2.