The Polar Express Book
The Polar Express is a children's book about a boy who has begun to question the existence of Santa Claus. A magical train takes him on a journey the North Pole, where Santa Claus gives him a special gift.
Fast Facts
- Author: Chris Van Allsburg
- Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
- Publication: 1985
- Adaptations: The Polar Express in 2004
- Won the "Caldecott Medal" in 1986
- ISBN 978-0395389492
Plot Synopsis
The Polar Express is a story of a young boy waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve. Instead of Santa though, a magical train suddenly appears filled with children. They invite the boy to come along with them on their trip to the North Pole. When the train reaches the North Pole, the boy is hand picked by Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas. The boy chooses a silver bell from Santa's sleigh and puts it in his pocket. On his journey back home, he realizes the bell has fallen through a hole in his pocket. When he wakes up Christmas morning he soon discovers a box sitting in the back of the tree. In the box is a bell, Santa had found it and returned it to him.
Critical Reception
- "This tale's appeal traverses all age groups because it avoids the cuteness of many Santa stories and instead deals with deep magic. By the end of the story, the boy realizes that many people outgrow their belief in Santa, as one by one his friends and family stop hearing the bell. His own belief, however, rings true to the end." - Commonsense Media
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