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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
This book isn't bad, but I can't quite understand how it's come to be considered somewhat of a holiday classic. Not much really happens in it, and that which does happen is not particularly exciting. But perhaps that's just me.
Hot take: the movie is better. Uncanny valley and all.
A Christmas classic. My sister and I read this together every year on Christmas Eve and now read it to my children, except now as an adult I can’t read the last page without choking up. Van Allsburg has the perfect writing style for this story, just a tad mysterious. The illustrations are beautiful and also evoke a feeling of mystery. The message about what it means to believe might be a little deep for young readers, but this is a book that if you continue to read for many years will see the message grow with you. Plus, what kid doesn’t want to go to sleep on Christmas Eve dreaming of a train whisking them away to the North Pole? So fun.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a charming and beautifully illustrated Christmas story. As a short book, it captures the magic and wonder of a journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, with themes of belief and imagination. The story is simple yet heartfelt, and the illustrations bring the wintery world to life.
However, while the book is a classic, I personally enjoyed the movie adaptation much more. The movie expanded on the story, adding depth and creating a richer experience. To me, it’s one of the best Christmas movies ever made.
That said, the book remains a great Christmas story in its own right. It’s a wonderful way to capture the spirit of the season, even in its simpler form. Both the book and the movie celebrate the magic of Christmas in their own ways, but if I had to pick, the movie wins for me.
However, while the book is a classic, I personally enjoyed the movie adaptation much more. The movie expanded on the story, adding depth and creating a richer experience. To me, it’s one of the best Christmas movies ever made.
That said, the book remains a great Christmas story in its own right. It’s a wonderful way to capture the spirit of the season, even in its simpler form. Both the book and the movie celebrate the magic of Christmas in their own ways, but if I had to pick, the movie wins for me.
I read this book when it first came out. Van Allsburg is one of the all-time great author/illustrator. It is a great book to read and re-read every year. It will not disappoint. It had been many years since I read it last and was delighted to find it at a local chain bookstore. It was published in 2005 and I am sure that I read it that year to my son. Now I am giving a copy to my grandson.
Reading this in a snowy and super cold weather is recommended with a cup of hot chocolate of course!
I know it’s unfair to compare this to the movie because it’s a children’s book. But it paled in comparison. It’s still good but it did not have the same vibe imo sorry.
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced