C

Chris Van Dusen

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 13 Books

4
Series
13
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of If I Built ... Books
Start with: If I Built a Car (2005)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Mr. Magee Books
Start with: Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee (2000)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Circus Ship (2009)

About Chris Van Dusen

The villagers first hide the animals, making it hard for the circus owner to trace them. After one of the animals made a brave rescue, the islanders realized that the animals meant no harm, and all they needed is their protection. Somehow, the circus owners get information that the animals he abandoned did not perish with the ship as expected. He takes steps to get his animals back but will soon realize that doing so will not be easy. His animals have already found a new home and are surrounding by people who treat them with kindness. Brilliantly caricatured illustrations and buoyant rhymes characterize this book. The images evoke the nineteenth century when a real circus ship broke during a storm close to the coast of Maine, and one animal made it an island close by. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of If I Built ... Books series, Chris Van Dusen has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Chris Van Dusen

Publication Order of If I Built ... Books
4 books 2005–2025
1

If I Built a Car

If I Built a Car is an essential installment in the Publication Order of If I Built ... Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Chris Van Dusen have come to expect.

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2005
2

If I Built a House

If I Built a House is an essential installment in the Publication Order of If I Built ... Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Chris Van Dusen have come to expect.

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2012
3

If I Built a School

If I Built a School continues the Publication Order of If I Built ... Books story arc with Chris Van Dusen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
4

If I Built a Town

If I Built a Town is an essential installment in the Publication Order of If I Built ... Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Chris Van Dusen have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Mr. Magee Books
3 books 2000–2010
1

Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee

Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Mr. Magee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Chris Van Dusen have come to expect.

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2000
2

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee continues the Publication Order of Mr. Magee Books story arc with Chris Van Dusen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
3

Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee

Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Mr. Magee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Chris Van Dusen have come to expect.

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2010
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
5 books 2009–2022
1

The Circus Ship

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Circus Ship, another outstanding contribution from Chris Van Dusen.

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2009
2

King Hugo's Huge Ego

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with King Hugo's Huge Ego, another outstanding contribution from Chris Van Dusen.

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2011
3

Randy Riley's Really Big Hit

Randy Riley's Really Big Hit is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Chris Van Dusen have come to expect.

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2012
4

Hattie & Hudson

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Hattie & Hudson, another outstanding contribution from Chris Van Dusen.

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2017
5

Big Truck, Little Island

Big Truck, Little Island is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Chris Van Dusen have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 2020–2020
1

Raising Readers

Raising Readers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Chris Van Dusen have come to expect.

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2020

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Chris Van Dusen?

Chris Van Dusen is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 13 books. Popular series include Publication Order of If I Built ... Books, Publication Order of Mr. Magee Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Chris Van Dusen series to start with?

For readers new to Chris Van Dusen's work, the Publication Order of If I Built ... Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 4 books. Begin with If I Built a Car to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Chris Van Dusen written?

Chris Van Dusen has written over 13 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Chris Van Dusen books in order?

Yes, reading Chris Van Dusen's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Chris Van Dusen write in?

Chris Van Dusen writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 13 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Chris Van Dusen's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Chris Van Dusen's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Chris Van Dusen's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Chris Van Dusen's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of If I Built ... Books series. The first book, If I Built a Car, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.