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).
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Arrived in perfect time and perfect condition. This particular copy is wonderfully written and the pictures are great to! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Culley
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Polar Express
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. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Louise beer
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 3 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 3 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 3 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 months ago by p d race
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