Recently in our reading text books, we read The Garden of Abdul Gasazi, Chris Van Allsburg's
first children's book. It is a clever and mysterious story about a dog
named Fritz who runs into Mr. Gasazi's garden. Fritz is possibly turned
into a duck by Mr. Gasazi, but the reader never really knows for sure.
Mr. Van Allsburg leaves that up to the reader to decide.
Because Mr. Van Allsburg is such a talented writer and has written so many wonderful books, Mrs. Ranney read three more to us.
* * * * * * * *
The first book we enjoyed was Bad Day at River Bend.
The story seems to take place in an old western town. Everything and
everyone in town is being covered by a colorful greasy slime. However,
at the end it is revealed that all the characters are in a young boy's
coloring book!
* * * * * * * *
The second one we listened to was called Two Bad Ants. Through
their experiences in the jar of crystals, which turn out to be sugar,
these ants learn that they are better off staying with their colony
rather than venturing out on their own.
* * * * * * * *
Finally, Mrs. Ranney read The Widow's Broom to
us. It was an eerie tale in which a witch's broom comes to be owned by
a widow. The neighbors are very upset about this enchanted broom who
does all the widow's chores and want to do away with it. However, the
widow comes up with an extremely clever plan to trick the neighbors and
keep her broom!
* * * * * * * *
Which of these stories did you like best and why?
What other books by Chris Van Allsburg
have you enjoyed?
Please leave a comment and give us your opinions.
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI like our story of the week (Abdul Gasazi). I like it because I thought it was funny. I also love dogs, ducks, and gardens. My favorite part is when Mr. G said he turned Fritz into a duck. I also liked the part when Fritz was at Mrs H's house, and got Alan's hat and Mrs. H said, ''how did you get Alan's hat?''
Cheers,
Maya
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Bad Day at River Bend. I liked this story because it was clever and the ending really surprised me! My favorite character was the Stage Coach because he had a silly personality.
Cheers,
Blythe
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI like the story The Widow's Broom. I enjoyed it because I thought that the witch broom didn't work, and I was surprised that it did. What is your opinion of The Widow's Broom?
Sincerely,
Annsley ☔🌠🌈🌈🌋
Dear Mrs. Ranney and class,
ReplyDeleteI liked the book The Widow's Broom because it was funny. My favorite part was when the broom hit the two boys on the head, but the part I didn't like was when the broom threw the puppy, poor puppy!
Have a nice winter break! And happy holidays! See you tomorrow!
Ciao,
Gigi
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI like Two Bad Ants. I like that everything is from an ant's point of view.
I especially like the cup of coffee. That is my favorite part of the book.
Sincerely,
Kenan
Dear Mrs.Ranney
ReplyDeleteMy class read the book Two Bad Ants. I really liked the story.
Sincerly,
Mika (Lexi's friend)