Bad Day at Riverbend

Bad Day at Riverbend
by: Chris Van Allsburg
Illustrated by: The Author
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Language: English
ISBN-13: 9780395673478
Date: 1995
Price: (without shipping) $19.95 USD as of the date of this posting
Where to buy: Barnes and Noble (http://www.bn.com)

A day dawns like any other in the small western town of Riverbend, but something is about to rock the very foundation, and in fact the beliefs, on which the small town is built.

This an amazing book.

Allsberg, who also wrote and illustrated Jumanji and The Polar Express as well as many others, seems to write from a slightly dark and refreshingly twisted point of view. His books provoke thought, "A Ha!" and "OMG!" moments with the turn of every page. This book is a shining example of his ability in that regard.

While I can not say any more about the story for fear of giving it all away, suffice it to say that the first time I saw the book read, I ran out and got it. It has been a hit with the kids I read to for a year now.

We don't know 100% how kids thought processes are wired and programmed as they develop, I can only assume that books that entertain and yet provide discovery and provoke thought help to make smarter and more creative kids. If you agree, then Bad Day at Riverbend is a must have for your bookcase.

Message:
[Parents] Good old fashioned coloring is good (but this is not a coloring book).
[Kids] Sometimes things happen that are unexpected and have no explanation. We just have to deal with it.

Content: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Concept: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Price: 4/5