Q&A with Children’s Author Chris Van Dusen

Chris Van Dusen is the creator of many outstanding books for children, including “Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit,” “King Hugo’s Huge Ego,” “The Circus Ship,” and many others. About his latest illustration adventure, “President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath,” he says: “This is just the kind of outrageously silly story I love to illustrate. Plus, President Taft was a blast to paint!”

What’s the funniest/scariest/best interaction you’ve had with a fan?
When my first book, “Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee,” came out in 2000, I was browsing through the children’s section at a Borders store in South Portland, Maine. I noticed a little boy sitting on the floor reading my book and I was so thrilled that I couldn’t help myself. I went over and asked him, “Do you like my book?” I can’t even recall his response, but about 10 years later I was at a library presentation and the SAME BOY showed up and told everyone about our original encounter! It was pretty touching.

If you could ask another author (living or dead) one question, what would it be and what author would you ask?
I would probably ask Dr. Seuss how he goes about writing and illustrating a book and what his working process is. and I would have loved to have been in his studio while he was creating “Horton Hears a Who.”

What one book do you wish you’d written?
There are a LOT of books I wish I had written (like “The Wreck of the Zephyr,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Swamp Angel”, “Fanny’s Dream,” “Sylvester and the Magic Pebble”…) but one that stands out is “Time of Wonder” by Robert McCloskey. That book reads like a long poem. It’s just beautiful.

Choose one book you’ve written. Who would you caste to play the leading role(s)?
I heard a long time ago that William H. Macy was interested in playing “Mr. Magee.” I’m not sure if that was true or not. It was probably just a rumor. But If I was to choose someone to play “Mr. Magee,” I’d probably go with the actor that is dressed up like the Sun in the Jimmie Dean sausage commercials. I don’t even know his name, but every time I see one of those ads, I picture him in horn rim glasses and a pork pie hat!