Quotes by Chris Van Allsburg

“The Polar Express is about faith, and the power of imagination to sustain faith. Its also about the desire to reside in a world where magic can happen, the kind of world we all believed in as children, but one that disappears as we grow older.”

“I am fascinated by the act of making something real that at one point is only an idea. It is challenging and beguiling to sense something inside, put it on paper (or carve it in stone), and then step back and see how much has got lost in the process.”

“The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, where people talk and I tell them what to say, is exciting and rewarding.”

“Following my muse has worked out pretty well so far. I cant see any reason to change the formula now.”

“At first, I see pictures of a story in my mind. Then creating the story comes from asking questions of myself. I guess you might call it the what if - what then approach to writing and illustration.”

“Santa is our cultures only mythic figure truly believed in by a large percentage of the population. Its a fact that most of the true believers are under eight years old, and thats a pity.”

“Each story Ive written starts out as a vague idea that seems to be going nowhere, then suddenly materializes as a completed concept. It almost seems like a discovery, as if the story was always there. The few elements I start out with are actually clues. If I figure out what they mean, I can discover the story thats waiting.”

“Some artists claim praise is irrelevant in measuring the success of art, but I think its quite relevant. Besides, it makes me feel great.”

“There was a great deal of peer recognition to be gained in elementary school by being able to draw well. One girl could draw horses so well, she was looked upon as a kind of sorceress.”

“The Dick, Jane, and Spot primers have gone to that bookshelf in the sky. I have, in some ways, a tender feeling toward them, so I think its for the best.”

At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though Ive grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.

Book lovers love books! her mother announced. Theres romance about the books- even having them seems to have a kind of excitement.from Mr. Lindens Library by Walter Dean Myers

Santa is our cultures only mythic figure truly believed in by a large percentage of the population. Its a fact that most of the true believers are under eight years old, and thats a pity.

The crudest thing Ive done as a teacher was to require students to write a national anthem for their country and sing it themselves.

I dont like to travel. Yet all my books seem to involve a journey.

The Polar Express is about faith, and the power of imagination to sustain faith. Its also about the desire to reside in a world where magic can happen, the kind of world we all believed in as children, but one that disappears as we grow older.

The general effect of viewing Jumanji is thrilling. I was able to see on film a thing that at one point had only existed in my imagination. I got to see the images from my book come alive.