Renowned children’s author Chris Van Dusen has captured the hearts of young readers around the world with his vivid imaginations and delightful storytelling. Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss his latest release, “If I Built a School.” In this eye-opening interview, Van Dusen shares the inspirations behind the book and what he hopes his readers will take away after diving into its captivating pages.
The idea behind “If I Built a School” came as a natural progression from Van Dusen’s previous books, “If I Built a Car” and “If I Built a House.” In each of these innovative stories, young protagonist Jack dreams up fantastic new creations and designs filled with futuristic technologies and unique style. “With ‘If I Built a School,’ I wanted to push the limits even further by exploring the possibilities in education,” says Van Dusen.
With inspiration drawn from his own experiences as both a student and an educator, Van Dusen set out to create an imaginative world where learning is fun, engaging, and limitless. The school that Jack envisions is nothing short of extraordinary – complete with robot instructors, hover desks, holographic technology, and even thrilling theme park-like attractions to keep students enthused.
Van Dusen believes that infusing fantastical elements in education not only encourages creativity but also helps foster a genuine passion for learning in young readers. “Sometimes schools can be very structured and regimented,” he explains. “I wanted to write something that celebrates thinking outside the box – something to make children excited about going to school.”
As we explore the wondrous school Jack builds throughout the pages of this inventive tale, it is clear that Van Dusen manages to blend whimsy with thought-provoking reflections on modern education. Readers can’t help but feel inspired by the limitless possibilities and wonder what a truly innovative educational landscape might look like.
When asked about his hopes for readers, Van Dusen says, “I want my books to inspire kids to think about their own dreams and ideas. For ‘If I Built a School,’ I especially hope that it encourages them to view learning as an exciting adventure.”
Chris Van Dusen’s “If I Built a School” is a timely reminder of the power of creativity in reimagining what education can be and how it can transform young lives. With its engaging illustrations, clever storytelling, and thought-provoking take on the future of learning, this book is sure to be a cherished addition to any child’s library.