You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
adventurous
fast-paced
This is a trimmed down version of my review, to view the full review visit The Book Ramble.
Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express is a children's classic. This story about a little boy who boards a train to the North Pole and gets the first Christmas gift of the year is a timeless reminder of the joys of Christmas and why it's great for kids to believe.
This book is a classic. I can remember reading this as a kid, and more recently seeing the movie. I wasn't a huge fan of this book like other kids were, I enjoyed it but it wasn't a favourite. Reading it again now I can really enjoy the art, which I didn't even pay attention to as a kid. The art and the story of this book are pretty fantastic. I did find the story a little dull and rushed at times which is why it doesn't get a perfect score.
The art of this book is really the high point. The illustrations are beautiful and really capture the magic of Christmas. The really iconic and classic image of this book is the final page, the bell, which is really a striking image and one I've always remembered.
The story itself is really beautiful. I always felt that it was important for kids to believe is Christmas, it inspires so much imagination. I think this story is a huge reminder of that. I do think it's a bit rushed, it is a really short book, but it's understandable given that it is a picture book. This is definitely a picture book that could have been expanded though and wouldn't suffer from the expansion.
I highly recommend this book. It's a memorable story, and one that can be read and reread every year at Christmas time.
Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express is a children's classic. This story about a little boy who boards a train to the North Pole and gets the first Christmas gift of the year is a timeless reminder of the joys of Christmas and why it's great for kids to believe.
This book is a classic. I can remember reading this as a kid, and more recently seeing the movie. I wasn't a huge fan of this book like other kids were, I enjoyed it but it wasn't a favourite. Reading it again now I can really enjoy the art, which I didn't even pay attention to as a kid. The art and the story of this book are pretty fantastic. I did find the story a little dull and rushed at times which is why it doesn't get a perfect score.
The art of this book is really the high point. The illustrations are beautiful and really capture the magic of Christmas. The really iconic and classic image of this book is the final page, the bell, which is really a striking image and one I've always remembered.
The story itself is really beautiful. I always felt that it was important for kids to believe is Christmas, it inspires so much imagination. I think this story is a huge reminder of that. I do think it's a bit rushed, it is a really short book, but it's understandable given that it is a picture book. This is definitely a picture book that could have been expanded though and wouldn't suffer from the expansion.
I highly recommend this book. It's a memorable story, and one that can be read and reread every year at Christmas time.
The nighttime illustrations of this book create an atmosphere that is much more powerful than the story of the book. It's great to have a Christmas story that is creative and out of the ordinary.
Illustrated by the author.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1986.
Illustrated by the author.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1986.
“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”
A Christmas classic for this day and age, The Polar Express has warmed the hearts of millions of people. The book is alright - the movie is much better with more depth.
fast-paced
A neighbor gave my son a copy of this book when he was six years old and we have both loved it ever since.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A Caldecott award-winner and with beautiful art as it should be. And well-written. I can't say I buy the idea of slipping out of the house not even to catch a secret train to the North Pole. Nor do I buy the bell that grown-ups can't hear - though kids can hear higher pitched sounds apparently. Still, if you are going to do Santa Claus, not a bad read.
“Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.” ❤️