Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives there, Santa offers him any gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the reindeer's harness. It turns out to be a very special gift, for only believers in Santa can hear it ring. (19950606)
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Review
"Magical glowing double spread pictures . . . an original and memorable book." (Guardian)
"Evocative, realist pastels and atmospheric text." (Sunday Times)
"A thrilling tale." (Independent)
"Stunning and exciting . . . deeply painterly scenes express the wonder and imagination still fresh in childhood." (Growing Point)
"A powerfully atmospheric story with a dreamlike quality that will remain with young readers." (Books for Keeps) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
"Evocative, realist pastels and atmospheric text." (Sunday Times)
"A thrilling tale." (Independent)
"Stunning and exciting . . . deeply painterly scenes express the wonder and imagination still fresh in childhood." (Growing Point)
"A powerfully atmospheric story with a dreamlike quality that will remain with young readers." (Books for Keeps) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Book Description
Reissue of this timeless classic Christmas book, to coincide with release of the DVD of the motion picture starring Oscar-winning actor, Tom Hanks. (19950606)
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First Sentence
On Christmas Eve, many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt
On Christmas Eve, many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By S A KEOGH
Format:Hardcover
An absolutely beautiful book about a little boy who refuses to stop believing in Father Christmas,no matter how much his friends tease him. On Christmas Eve, a steam train shows up and whisks the boy and his disbelieving friends off to the North Pole to meet the man himself.
Wonderfully written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, this is a story to amaze and delight children, and touch the heart of any adult who reads it.
Soon to be made into a film starring Tom Hanks.
Wonderfully written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, this is a story to amaze and delight children, and touch the heart of any adult who reads it.
Soon to be made into a film starring Tom Hanks.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
No longer being a child, and having seen the movie before ever reading Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express, I find it somewhat difficult to review this Caldecott Award-winning book. Never having heard of the book before the movie came out, I had originally assumed that this must be some classic Christmas book from a half-century or more ago, one that had somehow escaped my notice when I was a child. The story really does read like a traditional classic, which is only one of the reasons I am so fond of it. I also love the beautiful simplicity of it all, as well as the fact that it helps me remember what Christmas meant to me as a child.
To me, The Polar Express actually speaks more eloquently to grown-ups than it does to children - although these visions of Santa and his reindeer, particularly in the ever-so-long days of middle December, are sure to invite smiles and squeals (and, I expect, questions along the lines of "why would he choose a bell when he could have had a Playstation 3?") from youngsters. Children will no doubt enjoy this story, but I am not so sure they will truly appreciate it - not until, that is, they have had the misfortune of growing up and losing that precious sense of wonder that defines childhood. The Polar Express speaks most subtly and powerfully to those of us who can no longer hear the bell.
To me, The Polar Express actually speaks more eloquently to grown-ups than it does to children - although these visions of Santa and his reindeer, particularly in the ever-so-long days of middle December, are sure to invite smiles and squeals (and, I expect, questions along the lines of "why would he choose a bell when he could have had a Playstation 3?") from youngsters. Children will no doubt enjoy this story, but I am not so sure they will truly appreciate it - not until, that is, they have had the misfortune of growing up and losing that precious sense of wonder that defines childhood. The Polar Express speaks most subtly and powerfully to those of us who can no longer hear the bell.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
The Polar Express is the story of a young boy who was taken on a magical train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to receive a special gift fron Santa Claus.
"The train was filled with other children, all in their pyjamas and nightgowns. We sang Christmas Carols and ate candies with nougat centers as white as snow. We drank hot cocoa as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars. Outside, the lights of towns and villages flickered in the distance as the Polar Express raced northward."
The gift the boy chose was a silver bell from Santa's sleigh, but on the way home he realised he had lost it. Filled with sadness he returned to bed that Christmas Eve, but in the morning...well, read the book and find out for yourselves. A truly wonderful story which will make you believe in faith (and Santa Claus).
34 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Reading to your child is good for both of you. The experience strengthens your bond. Your example also helps your child to learn to read. Pick a good book, and you will have enriched your child's life in ways that would not otherwise be possible. Reading The Polar Express aloud is a good opportunity to accomplish these worthwhile results.
This delightful Christmas story raises a challenging question for parents: For whom is this book appropriate? The text suggests that some children and parents (and almost all people as they get older) don't believe in Santa. In addition, the story is filled with things parents tell their children never to do when parents are not around (such as take a ride with strangers, eat food and drink beverages from strangers, and accept gifts from strangers). If you decide to read the story to a very wee one, you should also be prepared for the possibility that your child might be frightened by the idea that all of this commotion can happen on Christmas Eve near your house.
My conclusion is that the optimum time to read this story is the first time you become aware that your child is a little confused or skeptical about Santa. This often occurs after seeing the 17th Santa in a store during the same shopping trip. You could use the multiplicity of Santas to explain why some children and adults are skeptical about these "Santa's helpers." Obviously, we all know that Santa is really busy at the North Pole. I suggest that you handle the "unapproved" behavior by asking your child if she or he should do these things, and reinforce the proper lessons.
The story itself centers on faith. A man remembers one Christmas Eve. The Polar Express pulls up in front of his house when he was a boy and a conductor invites him on board for a trip to the North Pole.
... Read more ›1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book has beautiful pictures in and if you're a fan of the film , you'll love this book. Great to share over and over again The Polar Express
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By P. Baker
Format:Hardcover
I bought this for my two Grandsons who were excited about the approaching Christmas. They were delighted with it and the audio DVD accompanying the book was a bonus for the younger boy who is not yet proficient in reading. An excellent product.
By Culley
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Arrived in perfect time and perfect condition. This particular copy is wonderfully written and the pictures are great to! I would highly recommend this book (of course for Christmas time!)
By Louise beer
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
We recently went on the Polar Express and our "Chef" was showing us the book at the audio was played throughout the train. It was therefore a must for my little boy. It is a really beautifully illustrated book and we love it. Very good value for money too.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chuffed
Beautiful book and lovely story. My son loves this modern classic and was thrilled to see it amongst his birthday presents.
Published 4 months ago by Jo Hobbs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Xmas book
This is the best children's christmas book I have read, well illustrated and takes me back to my childhood days. Gave it to my grand daughter as a christmas present.
Published 4 months ago by Brian England
5.0 out of 5 stars
A bedtime favourite
My 3 year old son loves this story, he has seen the film but still loves reading the story. gReat
Published 4 months ago by nicola herd
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful film for all ages at Christmas
My grandchildren love this, but we do fast forward over the "scary" parts. "The Polar Express" is a Christmas tradition for us now.
Published 5 months ago by Gigi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely illustrations
We were going on The Polar Express at Christmas. I bought this book to give to my daughter (even though she's 44 it's a favourite film of hers)! Read more
Published 5 months ago by Smew
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best
This film adaptation of a much shorter book has everything . Mystery, songs, morality and enough excitement to amuse 7 to 70 year olds. And that engine..wow! Read more
Published 5 months ago by Bronwyn Smith
1.0 out of 5 stars
Poor value for the price.
The book was not worth the money I paid for it. It had very few pages. Hardly any of the story of Polar Express was told. Very few pictures too. Read more
Published 5 months ago by mr douglas j wesley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Woo Woo
Bought for daughter and son as they love the film. They ahve read the book twice and they are well happy. Fair price, quick postage and good packaging, thank you
Published 5 months ago by p d race
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Polar Express
A magical story with beautiful illustrations. My children love reading this and allows the Christmas spirit to start. A must have?
Published 5 months ago by m l king
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful book
I bought this book to keep my polar express obsessed 4 year old happy! He loves it & takes it everywhere with him & it's helped reduce the amount of times a day he wants to watch... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Miss V Finn
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