The Polar Express

Reader’s Annotations: For adults and children to indulge together in a magical holiday book that will take adults back and establish holiday traditions for youngsters. 

Author: Chris Van Allsburg 

Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg Age: 4 - 8 yearsgenre/subject: Children's picture bookPlot Summary: The narrator recalls a Christmas when he rode a magical steam train with other children to meet Santa Claus. He is selected to ride on Santa's sleigh and helps distribute gifts. When Santa asks him what he wants for Christmas, he asks for a bell. The bell signifies that Christmas is real, and as time passes, those around him grow up and fail to hear the bell ring. The narrator still hears the ringing of Santa's silver bell. 
Evaluation: The illustrations are so beautiful and warm. It is a great wintery and magical book to read during the holidays. Young readers can glean a lot from the story about Santa Claus. 
Significance & Bibliographic Usefulness: Received the Caldecott Medal in 1986. The book has wonderful picture value, it is large and wider than average. It is perfect for a group story time.
Readalikes:
Awards/Lists: 
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Nominee for Picture Book - Honor Book (1986)
Hook:
Ideas, Uses: Good holiday time story. Explains customs of Christmas to young children who are learning about the tradition and legend of Santa Claus. The book can be paired with the animated film.
ISBN: 978-0395389492
Page Count: 32
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Caldecott Medal (1986)

Kentucky Bluegrass Award (1987)

Buckeye Children's Book Award for K-2 (1991)

Nevada Young Readers' Award for Primary Category/Picture Book Category (1988)

Little Archer Award (1986)

Links:

School Library Journal

Pub Date: October 28, 1985