Minnesota Public Radio Presents Children's Book Author, Kate DiCamillo with Illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg
Oct 25, 2011
Cathy Wurzer will host the family show for young readers, which will also feature Koo Koo Kanga Roo
WHEN:Sunday, November 20, 2 p.m.
WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul.
TICKETS: $15. $13 for MPR members and $9 for kids. Tickets can be purchased at the Fitzgerald Theater, 651-290-1200.
WHAT: Children's book author, Kate DiCamillo and Caldecott-winning illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg will chat with MPR Morning Edition host, Cathy Wurzer about Allsburg's new book, The Chronicles of Harris Burdick. The book features 14 remarkable stories by 14 best-selling writers including Stephen King, Lemony Snicket and DiCamillo herself. This one-time-only show will include surprises for the whole family, including sweet treats for the kids and a musical performance by Koo Koo Kanga Roo.
Following the show, the party will continue in the Fitzgerald lobby where theatergoers will have the opportunity to purchase The Chronicles of Harris Burdick, get their copy signed, and meet and mingle with DiCamillo, Van Allsburg and Koo Koo Kanga Roo.
About The Authors
Kate DiCamillo is the author of Because of Winn-Dixie (a Newbery Honor book), The Tiger Rising (a National Book Award finalist), and The Tale of Despereaux (winner of the 2003 Newbery Medal). She has recently completed a series of early chapter books about a pig named Mercy Watson. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was published by Candlewick Press in 2006 and is the winner of the Boston Globe Horn Book Award. Kate lives and writes in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Chris Van Allsburg won Caldecott Medals for his lavishly illustrated books (1982) and The Polar Express (1986). Van Allsburg's books are known for their mysterious stories and whimsically dreamy images. His other books include Ben's Dream (1982), The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (1985), The Wretched Stone (1991), and Zathura, a follow-up to Jumanji, in 2001.
About The Chronicles of Harris Burdick
1954 - A man named Harris Burdick dropped off 14 illustrations to a children's book editor. He said they were a taste of what he had written, but only provided a caption for each illustration. He said he'd return the next day with the full stories if the publisher was interested. But he was never heard from again.
1984 - The editor showed the illustrations and captions to children's author Chris Van Allsburg. Van Allsburg published his reproductions of them along with the captions, leaving readers to come up with their own stories.
2011 - 14 famous writers including Stephen King, Lemony Snicket, Gregory Maguire and Kate DiCamillo write their own stories, one for each of the 14 illustrations. Lemony Snicket believes Harris Burdick hides among them, providing his stories for these authors. Is Harris Burdick real? Is he still alive and writing? Some people believe in Harris Burdick. Others don't. Did he really exist or is it part of Chris Van Allsburg's mysterious plot?
About the Fitzgerald Theater
The Fitzgerald Theater is committed to programming that reflects the audience and mission of Minnesota Public Radio. This 1,000-seat theater acts as MPR's largest broadcast studio, with airwaves reaching millions of people tuned in to A Prairie Home Companion. Our staged productions commission authors, artists and radio hosts to create intellectually stimulating programs that delight and enlighten our vast public radio community. The Fitzgerald Theater is St. Paul's oldest theater and celebrated its 100th anniversary last year.