Interesting Information
o Chris lied to the admissions officer from the University of Michigan in order to get into the Art Program. He had no
experience in art; he just thought it looked like something he might like.
o His brother-in-law's dog (Winston) was the model for Fritz in his first book, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. Fritz died but Chris decided to commemorate him by including him (or a part of him) in each of his books.
o His favorite book growing up was Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson.
o It takes Chris between 7-9 months to write a story and do the illustrations that become a book.
o Two of his books, Jumanji and The Polar Express were made into movies.
o He has two daughters; Sophia and Anna.