Featured books by Chris Van Dusen
There's humor and drama to be found in the rhyming text and lively illustrations of Chris Van Dusen's books. Whether on a relaxing jaunt with a guy and his dog, meeting a small monarch, or bringing a large pink pig to life, the characters in these books will stay with readers long after the covers are closed.
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee
Mr. Magee and his trusty dog Dee pack up for a camping trip and share a very funny, woodsy adventure. The tale unfolds in rhyme with comic illustrations to move it swiftly along.
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee
With his dog, Dee, Mr. Magee goes out for a quiet day of boating. The excitement starts when an unexpected sea visitor wants to play. Rhyming text and color-filled illustrations tell the tale.
Hattie & Hudson
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.
If I Built a Car
In Seussian rhyme and lively illustrations, Jack imagines and describes the car he will build — much better than the clunky family car!
King Hugo's Huge Ego
Although King Hugo is just over 3 feet tall, his ego is enormous which makes his head swell. What can a monarch do when his head becomes as large as his ego — literally? Magic and a helpful lesson bring the king back in this funny rhyming tale.
Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee
In this rhyming adventure, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee learn to ski. They didn't expect to run into a very curious moose, however, which turns their outing a real cliffhanger!
Randy Riley's Really Big Hit
Randy Riley saves the day when he — a scientifically talented but baseball-impaired boy — spots a fireball heading his town's way. The adventure comes to life in rhyming text and vivacious illustrations.
The Circus Ship
Initially frightened by the tiger and other circus animals when a ship wrecks nearby, the townsfolk befriend and ultimately help the animals avoid returning to the circus. Humor abounds in the rhyming text and detailed illustrations.
Books illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package
Eugenia Lincoln is a practical person with no time for gee-gaws, whoop-de-whoops, or frivolity. When an unexpected package containing an accordion arrives at her house, she is determined to have nothing to do with it. But her plans to sell the accordion, destroy the accordion, and give the accordion away all end in frustration. How can Eugenia stop being tormented by this troublesome package? Might she discover that a bit of unforeseen frivolity could be surprisingly . . . joyous?
Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon
Animal control officer Francine Poulet has a crisis of confidence when the animal comes out on top after Francine’s first encounter with the screaming “ghost” raccoon. Humor abounds in both the story and illustrations in this rollicking and very satisfying saga.
Mercy Watson Fights Crime
Mercy loves buttered toast, so she assumes someone is making it when she hears the noise in the kitchen. What she finds, however, is a thief trying to steal the toaster! What follows is funny, fast, and very much in keeping for Mercy Watson.
Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig
When Mercy Watson, the Watson's beloved pet pig, eats the neighbors' flowers Animal Control Officer Francine Poulet is called in to capture the culprit. In order to do so, Officer Poulet finds she must think like a pig! Humor abounds in this easy novel with a very satisfying conclusion for all.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue
This is the first of the series of entertaining and engaging books about Mercy Watson, a charming pig adopted by a human couple. Here Mercy inadvertently saves the day, or at least her humans, amid a humorous series of events.
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
What should a pink pig don for Halloween? A pink princess costume, of course. Mercy is reluctant until the mention of treats is made. This is as lively and funny as the other books about this porcine prima donna.
Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?
Baby Lincoln decides to go on a ‘necessary journey’ away from her bossy older sister, Eugenia. Baby returns with lots of stories and a sister who missed her. Fans or newcomers to the Deckawoo Drive series are sure to enjoy this charming, gentle, and very funny story.
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