|
The Polar Expressby Chris Van Allsburg
Order This Book |
|
|
The Polar Expressby Chris Van Allsburg
Order This Book |
One couldn't select a more delightful and exciting premise for a children's book than the tale of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve only to have Santa Claus sweep by and take him on a trip with other children to the North Pole. And one couldn't ask for a more talented artist and writer to tell the story than Chris Van Allsburg. Allsburg, a sculptor who entered the genre nonchalantly when he created a children's book as a diversion from his sculpting, won the 1986 Caldecott Medal for this book, one of several award winners he's produced. The Polar Express rings with vitality and wonder.
Although a book for the Christmas season, this story is read year-round at our house. My children are still believers! They love the pictures of the children on the train, the wolves in the woods and Santa holding the small silver bell. This evocative story contains many elements of wonder to a child, the adventure of the train ride, the snowy night and the woods, seeing Santa and his elves, hearing the bell's music, and Christmas morning. If you are looking for a special book to share with young children, this is a good choice.
Late on Christmas Eve after the twon has done to sleep, the boy boards the mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives, Santa offers the boys any gift he desires. The boys modestly asks for one bell from the harness of the reindeer. The gift is granted. On the way home the bell is lost. On Christmas morning the boys finds the bell under the tree. the mother of the boy admires the bell, but laments that it is broken - for you see, only believers can hear the sound of the bell.
In strange and moving shades of full color art, Chris Van Allsburg creates an otherworldly classic of the Christmas season. The Polar Express evokes the same sense of mystery as his previous imaginative books, The Gardern of Abdul Gasazi, Jumanji and The Wreck of the Zephyr.
Add your comments about this book here. Read what other KidSource OnLine visitors think about this book.