PACIFIC BOOK REVIEW

Helping Authors Succeed

Title:  The Polar Express
Author:  Chris Van Allsburg
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin
ISBN-10:  0395389496
Pages:  32, Hardcover
Genre:  Children's

Reviewed by:  Beth Adams, Pacific Book Review

  
 

Review
Christmas time is always something to be joyous about. The Polar Express truly captures the magic. This book is about a young boy who wakes up in the middle of the night to find there is a train in his front yard. The conductor is calling 'ALL ABOARD'. The little boy races down to ask where the train is going and he finds out that he is going to the North Pole. Excitedly the child boards the train and waits to see Santa. As the train ride comes to its stop, the children find out that they are going to get to have a chance to have the first gift of Christmas. Who will it be and what will he choose? Will he really get to meet Santa? Will he get home with the present? All these answers are in this book. This book is wonderful. I don't think that a children's book has ever touched so many hearts. It has a wonderful message that if you believe and have faith, you will always get what is best for you. This is a second grade reading level and should be part of your reading every Christmas.

The Polar Express is a wonderful and beautifully written story. The realistic illustrations are visually appealing. It is suitable for readers of all ages. It teaches a strong lesson for those who believe and is appropriate for children while bringing back the warm eager memories of waiting for Santa.