Imagine my surprise when I learned Chris Van Allsburg, master children’s book writer and illustrator, was going to show up at Wegmans’ grocery store to sign books. That would be like LeBron James appearing at a local Mobile gas station to autograph Miami Heat gear. Van Allsburg is promoting his latest book, Queen of the Falls, the true story of Annie Taylor, 62-year-old former teacher, who goes over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Of course, Van Allsburg is best known for his Caldecott Award winning books like The Polar Express and Jumanji. I have a particular fondness for Zathura.
When I showed up at Wegmans, the line had already formed. I was Number 89. Van Allsburg showed up and started signing. It was clear from the beginning of the event, Van Allsburg would be a gracious signer. He posed with fans for photos to be taken. The woman ahead of me had a stack of at least 10 Van Allsburg books. He signed them all without complain. I asked for my copy of Queen of the Falls to be inscribed: TO DIANE. Van Allsburg asked me who Diane was. I said, “She’s my wife. She read all of your books to her students.” “I like her already,” Van Allsburg quipped.
I’m curious: Did you have to buy a book to get Van Allsburg to sign it? And are there any of his books for sale at Wegman’s? What an odd place for book signing; but perhaps these days most writers have to go wherever they might be able to sell some books.
When I worked in an elementary school library, I would read JUST A DREAM to the older (3rd grade) students, stressing the beauty and painstaking nature of Van Allsburg’s artistry–and the book’s anti-pollution message. A major complaint I used to get was when students would check out JUMANJI or POLAR EXPRESS and then return them saying they weren’t anything like the movie adaptations. Sigh.
There was no requirement to buy a Van Allsburg book, Deb. Wegmans had piles of Chris Van Allsburg for sale–and they sold plenty of copies! But most people in that signing line brought their own favorite copies of Van Allsburg’s books. My wife reported the same reaction of her students to JUMANJI and THE POLAR EXPRESS.
How many people have gone over THE FALLS in a barrel do you reckon?
QUEEN OF FALLS lists the people who have successfully gone over the Falls in a barrel, Patti. Seven singles, two pairs. The unsuccessful attempts are countless.
Someone went over (and drowned) last week, Patti, but the article I read was unclear if it was suicide or an accident. Maybe George has heard more about this one.
I think the real question is: how many have gone over and survived?
According to Wiki Since Taylor’s historic ride, 14 other people have intentionally gone over the falls in or on a device, despite her advice. Some have survived unharmed, but others have drowned or been severely injured.
You’re right, Jeff. A woman went over the Falls last week and died. It’s frequently hard to determine people’s intentions after such an event unless they leave a note. I suspect some of the victims never realized the strength of the Rapids when they got into the water. They may have changed their minds, but once the water near the Falls has them in its grasp, escape is impossible.
Fortunately I read POLAR EXPRESS long before the film was around.
George, good to hear that Van Allsburg, a genuinely talented artist, is also a gracious fellow.
When we were standing at the top of the Canadian Falls I was mesmerized by the flow of water and how quickly it moved. Can’t wait to get back there in August.
Jackie wants to know: how come he was signing at Wegmans instead of a bookstore?
According to the Van Allsburg handlers, he was going to sign at some bookstores in our area, Jeff. But Wegmans has a large book section so maybe that’s what qualified them for a signing.
Great post, maybe interesting book. To me, the answer to “it’s not like the movie” is that Hollywood can’t make a movie that’s like the book, which came first, because they don’t know how.
Since you are a fan of great artwork, Rick, I’d recommend all of Van Allsburg’s books. His detail and masterful illustrations enhance the stories he tells. I’ve read all his books and admire the craftsmanship in all of them.
Probably a better chance of Wegmans still being there than a bookstore.
Sadly, you’re probably right, Patti. Writers will be reduced to doing signings in grocery stores and Wal-Marts if bookstores keep closing.
Unless you’re a right-wing blow-hard with some anti-Obama screed or a born-again Christian with some inspirational story to sell (I realize the lines get crossed occasionally), don’t count on book signings at Walmart or Sam’s Club. I shop at both regularly and the book section is like the Fox News Book Club coupled with the Pat Robertson/Jerry Falwell library.
Harrumph!
Our Sam’s Club used to have a wonderful book section, Deb. Plenty of variety especially computer books. Then, it was reduced 80% and all the Right Wing and religious books took over. I buy many books at BJ’s Warehouse where they have an impressive book aisle.