The Garden of Abdul Gasazi: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner

I purchased this book for my class of 5th/sixth graders. They loved the ending and have started using the Gazazi name.

This was the first Chris Van Allsburg book we discovered, so many years ago that our kids now have nearly-grown children of their own. We love to share it with our friends. Van Allsburg's black and white illustrations are richly drawn and this story, like so many of his others, is macabre without being too frightening for young children. It involves a little boy, a dog and a magician, who may (or may not) have the ability to do transformative tricks. Once we read this one we were hooked. We've sought out Van Allsburg books ever since and we've never been disappointed. He's willing to take risks with his illustrations. His pencil work is terrific, but that doesn't stop him from trying pen-and-ink in "Two Bad Ants," or what's probably gouache in "Polar Express." Enjoy, savor and hope for more books to come.

This book is so wonderful. It has amazing black and white illustrations that make you feel like you're in the story. And the story itself piques your imagination and leaves you wondering in the best way. The cleverness may have been lost on my four year old but he still loved it.

I am a children's magician who bought this book after seeing it on Reading Rainbow. I buy a book for every one of my library shows, and after reading it to the children as part of the show (with the help of my trusty side kick, a sheep dog puppet), we donate the book to the library. This book featured the three most important things relating to the show I was performing at the time : A dog, and child, and a mysterious old retired magician. Chirs Van Allsburg writes such incredible stuff, but this was a real find. Th kids loved it, the librarian loved, it, and it now has a new home at the Golden Gate Library in Naples, FL ! HIGHLY recommended....

This is a family favorite on a cold rainy evening, tuck yourself in early with hot chocolate mugs and go on an adventure with Mr. Allsburg classics. This one particularly ends in a argument on who in the family thinks what exactly happened and every time everyone has a different opinion and not necessarily the same as the last time :)

Absolutely charming story. The illustrations are magical in and of themselves. This story is ostensibly about a boy who is charged with taking care of a neighbor's dog. However, the story takes some clever turns and winds up showing us that perhaps, just perhaps, magic does indeed exist. Wonderful to spark the imagination of young children. Written simply but with direct and impactful language. A recommendation for anyone's library; child or adult.

I am a Chris Van Allsburg fan, have been since my now in their 20's kids were infants. The Garden of Abdul Gasazi might be my favorite. The pencil drawings are magnificent, so richly textured, subtle and powerful. The tale itself mesmerized my children; you always step into a realistic-sounding fantasy before you know you've crossed that threshold. A joy for the adult reading to the child, as well as for the child who enters this world. Following the dog...'nuf sed. If you appreciate great art in children's books, combined with masterful storytelling, check out Van Allsburg's work. This black and white venture rates 5 stars.

This book is in excellent condition--no scratches on dust jacket, no bent corners on cover. Arrived quickly.

I love this book. The whole package is a work of art

A cute story, exceptional illustrations by Allsburg. Me and my son both loved it.

The work of a true master in art. Perhaps not the most powerful story but that's not the point of why this book deserves the highest praise.

Les illustrations sont incroyables, on pourrait littéralement rentrer à l'interieur du livre et se perdre dans les jardins du magicien. Ce livre me fascinait quand j'etais enfant, un melange d'aventure, de poésie et même de peur. Quelques dizaines d'années plus tard je suis toujours emerveillé...et mes enfants aussi !

Can't go wrong and can't wait to give as a present to my nephew.