Why did Chris Van Allsburg start writing books?

Chris Van Allsburg didn't initially set out to be a writer. He actually began his career as an illustrator. His first published work was in 1979, when he illustrated a children's book called "The Garden" by Maurice Sendak.

He later realized that he enjoyed writing stories as much as illustrating them, and he began creating his own books. This led to the publication of his most famous work, "Jumanji" in 1981, which he both wrote and illustrated.

So, the answer is that Chris Van Allsburg started writing books because he discovered a passion for storytelling alongside his talent for illustration. He found a natural synergy between the two, allowing him to create captivating and imaginative stories for young readers.