Chris Van Dusen writes: “I was born in Portland, Maine, on St. Patrick’s Day, 1960. As a child, my brothers and I would spend hours drawing pictures. We didn’t have video games or computers to entertain us, so we drew instead. One of my brothers would sketch intricate war scenes. Another would draw animals so realistic you’d swear they were breathing. My specialty was aliens, robots, and monsters.
“Dr. Seuss and Robert McCloskey were my heroes. I loved the rhythm of Dr. Seuss’ words, and I was fascinated by the meticulous detail of Robert McCloskey’s illustrations. I had no idea back then that I’d end up writing and illustrating children’s books when I grew up.
Author website: http://www.chrisvandusen.com/
Books in order of publication:
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee – 2000
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee – 2003
If I Built a Car – 2005
The Circus Ship – 2009
Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee – 2010
King Hugo’s Huge Ego – 2011
If I Built a House – 2012
Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit – 2012
Hattie & Hudson – 2017
If I Built a School – 2019
BIG TRUCK, Little Island – 2022
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