The Mysteries of Harris Burdick By Chris Van

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick By Chris Van Allsburg

The Picture Needs A Descriptive Poem By Tom Palumbo Author, Yesterday Once Again

Chris Van Allsburg found a mysterious set of pictures left in Chris’ editor’s office by a man named Harris Burdick. Mr. Burdick said he had a fascinating set of stories to go with each picture and would return shortly with the stories. Mr. Burdick never returned, so Mr. Van. Allsburg is on two misssions. One misssion is to find Mr. Burdick. The other mission is to get children across the country to finish each picture’s story. Our challenge is to describe each picture through poetry.

The Visitors They flew in the window Two by two. Their twinkle said They had mischief to do.

Bumps In The Night The bumps suddenly appear, But only on Friday night. They keep giving our household A most terrible fright.

The Comeback Stone I threw the skipping stone. The bounces we counted were three. My sister was amazed when, It turned around and came back to me.

A Tight Fit My little toy boat Just grew and grew. It caused a major disaster And scared its full crew.

A Return Trip The fog is lifting. The children hold tight to their chair. We are off to another adventure Straight for the castle in the air.

A Skater’s Past Life The skates are on a hook To the left of the basement door. When they are on your feet You’ll see the lives of who wore them before.

Harp Tales A magical harp Sang motionless by the stream. Possessing this prize Was everyone’s dream.

The Vines Have Her This picture’s story is my favorite. It is by far the very best. You can tell from the vines that encircle her, Allesan is in for a long, long rest.

Paris Mission Accomplished They say this church in Paris. Is where the last mission was begun. I wonder what great victories Six other chairs have won.

Paris Mission Accomplished They say this church in Paris. Is where the last mission was begun. I wonder what great victories Six other chairs have won.

Wallpaper Birds Tiny wallpaper birds At first no big deal. When three flew out the window I knew they were real.

One Slice Means Danger She tried to cut the pumpkin With the most caring of stroke. When she touched the skin A playful genie awoke.

It is now your chance For each story to form. Your poetry can be eight lines, Though four is the norm.

Look at each picture that follows and decide on three themes and three unique titles that might be developed from examining the illustration. After listing your themes/titles decide which theme/title you can be most creative with in a poetry format. 1. The caterpillars formed their bodies to spell ‘we love you’ in her palm. (A Different Spell) 2. 2. Was the magic gone from her ring? (Ring Wonders) 3. 3. Can wishes be blown away? (Do I Believe? )