Transcription
THE MYSTERIES OF HARRIS BURDICKCHRIS VAN ALLSBURG
IntroductionI first saw the drawings in this book a year ago, in the house of aman named PeterWenders. Though Mr.Wenders is retired now, he onceworked for a children’s book publisher, choosing the stories and picturesthat would be turned into books.Thirty years ago a man called at PeterWenders’ office, introducinghimself as Harris Burdick. Mr. Burdick explained that he had writtenfourteen stories and had drawn many pictures for each one. He’d broughtwith him just one drawing from each story, to see if Wenders liked his work.PeterWenders was fascinated by the drawings. He told Burdick hewould like to read the stories that went with them as soon as possible. Theartist agreed to bring the stories the next morning. He left the fourteendrawings withWenders. But he did not return the next day. Or the dayafter that. Harris Burdick was never heard from again. Over the years,Wenders tried to find out who Burdick was and what had happened to him,but he discovered nothing. To this day, Harris Burdick remains a completemystery.
Introduction ContinuedHis disappearance is not the only mystery left behind. Whatwere the stories that went with these drawings? There are someclues. Burdick had written a title and caption for each picture.When I told Peter Wenders how difficult it was to look at thedrawings and their captions without imagining a story, he smiledand left the room. He returned with a dust-covered cardboard box.Inside were dozens of stories, all inspired by the Burdick drawings.They’d been written years ago by Wenders’ children and theirfriends.I spent the rest of my visit reading these stories. They wereremarkable, some bizarre, some funny, some downright scary. In thehope that other children will be inspired by them, the Burdickdrawings have been reproduced here for the first time.Chris Van Allsburg
ARCHIESMITH, BOYWONDERA tiny voice asked, “Is hethe one?”
UNDER THERUGTwo weeks passed and ithappened again.
A STRANGEDAY IN JULYHe threw with all his might,but the third stone cameskipping back.
MISSING INVENICEEven with her mightyengines in reverse, theocean liner was pulledfurther and further into thecanal.
ANOTHERPLACE,ANOTHERTIMEIf there was an answer, he’dfind it there.
UNINVITEDGUESTSHis heart was pounding. Hewas sure he had seen thedoorknob turn.
THE HARPSo it’s true he thought, it’sreally true.
MR.LINDEN’SLIBRARYHe had warned her aboutthe book. Now it was toolate.
THE SEVENCHAIRSThe fifth one ended up inFrance.
THE THIRDFLOORBEDROOMIt all began when someoneleft the window open.
JUSTDESSERTShe lowered the knife and itgrew even brighter.
CAPTAINTORYHe swung his lantern threetimes and slowly theschooner appeared.
OSCAR ANDALPHONSEShe knew it was time tosend them back. Thecaterpillars softly wiggled inher hand, spelling out“goodbye.”
THE HOUSEON MAPLESTREETIt was a perfect lift-off.
fourteen stories and had drawn many pictures for each one. He’d brought with him just one drawing from each story, to see if Wenders liked his work. Peter Wenders was fascinated by the drawings. He told Burdick he would like to read the stories that went with them as soon as possible. The artist agree
