Chris Van Dusen

Chris Van Dusen (born March 17, 1960) is an American illustrator and author of picture books. He has written picture books including If I Built a Car and The Circus Ship (2009), and has illustrated books including the Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo.

Early life and education Chris Van Dusen was born in Portland, Maine. As a child he frequently drew pictures with his brothers. Other inspirations include Barbara Cooney and E. B. White.

Career Cartoons and illustrations Van Dusen worked as a freelance illustrator for 10 years, publishing much of his work in children's magazines such as Nickelodeon, FamilyFun, and Disney Adventures. In about 1991 he created illustrations for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, including a sea otter T-shirt that Taylor Swift wore in 2025, which led to the shirt to being reissued.

Children's books In 2000, he published his first picture book, Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee. He has illustrated an additional 18 books by other writers, including the Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo.

Personal life Van Dusen and his wife Lori have two adult sons. The couple lives in coastal town in Maine and have a yellow lab named Opal.