The Polar Express

Van Allsburg, C. (1985). The Polar Express. Boston:  Houghton Mifflin Company.

Genre:  Picture Book
Age Level:  5-7

Summary:  The Polar Express is a Caldecott Medal book and has also been made into a major motion picture.  This book is an intriguing tale of what it means to still believe in Santa Claus.  The main character of the story, which we never learn his name, is at that pivotal point in his life where he doesn't know if he believes or not.  He finds himself on Christmas Eve being awoken by the sound of a steam engine, which will lead him on a magical journey to the North Pole.  There, he must decide whether he truly believes or not, and will be given the opportunity to accept the first gift of Christmas.

Chris Van Allsburg wrote and illustrated this wonderful book.  His illustrations are created in oil pastels all throughout the story.  This is seen vividly in the illustrations of the train ascending up the snow-covered mountains on the way to the North Pole.  It is also seen in the illustrations of the children aboard the train as they are about to leave the North Pole heading for home.  The illustrations are also realistic and represent natural forms.  This is seen in the illustration that shows the young boy accepting the first gift of Christmas.  The boys face is very vivid and real.

Reflection:  I can't believe how much I have enjoyed this book.  Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and this book and movie bring me so much joy during this time.  I am always in awe of the life-like images I see in this beautiful story.  The illustrations are what gives this book such dynamic meaning because they show the story without having to actually look at the words.  To me, this book is best used as a read-aloud during the last week of school before Christmas break.  Students should be treated to sweet candy and hot chocolate, while wearing their pajamas to school.  We have done this over and over at our school and it is always a wonderful experience for all of our students.  Most often, it is done with the movie instead of the book, but maybe that needs to change.

Big Questions:  Do you believe in Santa Claus? Why or why not? Why do you think the young boy can't hear the bell at first, but then is able to at the end of the story? What do you know about he Northern Lights? Would you get on board The Polar Express if it pulled up in front of your house?