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The sucess of Chis Van Allsburg's The Polar Express clearly established the illustrator-author as one of the premier creaters of picture books in twentieth century children's literature. The Polar Express, immediately taken to hearts by children and adults alike, was a phenomenon in children's publishing. It won the Caldecott Medal for illustration, appeared on the New York Times best seller list, sold more than a million copies in its first five years of publication, and achieved the status of a comtemporary classic. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Van Allsberg recieved his B.F.A from the University of Michigan. Oringinally, he began drawing as a causal diversion from sculpting , and his early black and white drawings contained elements of sculpture and heavy, solid forms, which appear to be built with even, controlled lines and architectural prespectives. While The Polar Express unquestionably ranks as his most popular book it is only part of his contribution to children's books. His first book was The Garden of Abul Gasazi. To find out more about Chris Van Allsburg's check out this great sites below to learn more about this amazing author.