The boys and I have a favorite book. A book that challenges them and even myself to think outside of the box. To reach deep down into our imaginations in the hopes of creating something new and exciting.
It’s called
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg
If Chris Van Allsburg sounds familiar it’s because he has written such inventive stories as The Garden of Abdul Gasazi, Probuditi, Jumanji, The Polar Express and Zathura. Out of that list Jumanji and The Polar Express both received Caldecott Medals. Needless to say the man’s talented.
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick is an intriguing book of 14 inspired drawings. In the introduction is where the book takes a perplexing turn. Supplying you with a few small facts about Harris Burdick’s identity and the story behind how his drawings were published. As you browse through the pages you’re teased with only a title and a short sentence for each picture…that’s all, really.
You’re encouraged to run with the prompts and create your own fanciful story. Some well-known writers have also been inspired by these clever mysteries. Such as M2′s favorite drawing The House on Maple Street, that Stephen King penned into a short story found in Nightmares and Dreamscapes
THE HOUSE ON MAPLE STREET
____________________
It was a perfect lift-off.
The concept of this book has given me an idea for the kazillion random photos that I seem to have accumulated. I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out how best to share some of my favorites with you all. So from time to time I’ll post a photo with a title and a sentence. Then you my creative, brilliant friends get to come up with anything that pops into your mind. Be it a short story, paragraph, poem, haiku or even your own title. You name it, just be creative and surprise me. I only have one rule. Please keep it clean since the monkeys like to read the comments from time to time.
Seeing as how this is the first time we are giving this a try, you can choose between The House on Maple Street or my creation below.
A DAY AT THE BEACH
______________
He knew the possibilities.
Have fun. I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!
Love ya,
Tickled Red
By the way Chris Van Allburg’s website has a fun interactive area for kids of various ages, as well as a place where they can submit their own stories drawn from the mysterious 14 pictures. My guys had a blast with it tonight and are on a mission to submit one of their own stories.
November 4, 2010 at 9:32 am
What a cool idea! I’m going to have to pick that book up, because I just love the idea of it.
I used your photo:
He knew the possibilities. His mind raced toward each one simultaneously, engulfing his mind completely. So completely that he missed his wave. As he came crashing down into the cold, salty water, inspiration struck, and so did the answer to his prayers.
November 4, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Oh, this is great….I’m going to look for this book. thanks!
November 5, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Mr. & Mrs. Welcome were out of space.
“Mr. Welcome, what are we to do when more children arrive?”
The older boys were seated on benches at the pine table while her husband supervised algebra homework.
“Mrs. Welcome, what do you suggest?” Harvey Welcome knew his wife and if she asked a question like that it really meant that she had a project all lined up for him.
“Harvey, I don’t like to push the laws of physics, but since you asked…”
“Yes dear?”
“We need to grow up! And to do that we need to add to the foundation.”
The four boys had stopped working and were eavesdropping on the conversation. They had been joined their sisters, Luv, Hopey and ChairiTee.
David, the oldest and first child to be admitted to the Welcome family rose and went to his mother.
“Momma, you and daddy are all we need. And you know I’ll be leaving for college in the fall. Us kids can always make room for one more.”
“Oh David! I don’t want to think about you leaving. It’s happened to fast!”
“I know momma, but you raised me to always do my best and seek worthy work when I became a man.”
Harvey slowly made his way from the table to stand my his wife. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“You always said we should give the children back their wings.”
Mrs. Welcome smiled. How proud she and Harvey were of their son David. He came to them from a foster home after his mother died. He was five years old and didn’t really know love. Now he was a strong and loving man. Full of courage and the desire to contribute to the good of the world.
“Harvey, you’re right! Wings work both ways don’t they? It will be a perfect send off!”
“and you know I’ll expect a terrific Welcome home.” David laughed.
then they made sugar cookies with frosting, ate them up and nobody gained an ounce.
November 6, 2010 at 9:08 am
He knew with a name like Rudyard he wouldn’t have to struggle much to get attention–but, it wouldn’t be the kind of attention he’d get if his name was Aiden. And, he wanted the Aiden kind of attention from Mia.
All he really needed to do to turn things around was to get her to the beach. He was a god on the oceans. He knew it. He needed her to know it, too.
Like a miracle he turned his head and there she was. Mia. Sitting on the beach with her kid brother. Staring at the waves. Soaking in the sun. His heart stopped for a moment.
Now. Courage and confidence in tow he picked up his board and paddled out. She’d see him…he’d make sure of it.
November 8, 2010 at 11:19 am
Great story opening.