The Polar Express

The Polar Express
Chris Van Allsburg
Houghton Mifflin
Copyright: 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg
Pages: 32
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture book (Christmas)

Summary:
On Christmas Eve, a young boy lay in his room listening for the sound of Santa. Instead, he hears the sound of a train. He rushes outside to the train and the conductor tells him that this is the Polar Express and that it goes to the North Pole. He boards the train. The train is filled with children and they are served candies and hot chocolate. They travel through the wilderness, climb mountains, and never slowing. The mountains turn to hills as they arrive at the North Pole. The city seemed empty until they see the elves gathering in the center of the city. The conductor leads the children outside and when Santa appears everyone cheers. Santa chooses the young boy to receive the first gift of Christmas. Instead of choosing something extravagant, he asks for a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. Santa gives him the bell and flies away in his sleigh. As the children get back on the train, the boy realizes he’s lost his bell. Before they can go look for it, the train takes off. Once home, the boy hears the conductor yell “Merry Christmas”. The next morning the boy’s sister finds a small box and gives it to him. Inside is the bell. His parents tell him it’s too bad it’s broken, but he and his sister can still hear it. Over the years his friends and sister can no longer hear it. But he never forgets. He always believes.

Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to anyone who loves Christmas and who ever believed in Santa.

Potential Problems:
This could be a problem for families that don’t celebrate Christmas, or don’t want their children to get the wrong idea (Santa) about Christmas.

My Reaction:
I love this book! It’s one of my favorites to read at Christmas. The illustrations really add to the story and make it seem very magical.