Customer Reviews

The Polar Express Twentieth Anniversary Edition

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Before you buy this book, consider whether your child has doubts about Santa Claus and how much you are going to let them in on the secret. This book may plant a seed of doubt that you may regret.

This is the story of a boy who is swept away to the North Pole, gets to meet Santa and his elves, and receives a very special gift which he treasures his whole life. The gift is a sleighbell that rings for anyone who believes in Santa. His parents could never hear the ring. His sister one year didn't hear it ring anymore. And some of his friends never heard it ring either. But he, being taken face to face with Santa, always believes and therefore always hears it ring.

But the flip side of the coin is that everyone else eventually stops believing. If your child is immersed in the tradition, then it may be too early to read the book to him. If your child is already clear on the subject, it might be too late. If your child is on the final step of finding out the truth, it might be a fantastic story to share with them to show how Santa exists for those who believe in him and there is no shame either in believing or disbelieving.

The art is fantastic and the story is very well constructed. It's only problem is finding the right moment to lay this on your kid.

Few books can leave an indelible impression like The Polar Express. The train journey to visit Santa is about every little child's dream... and Chris recounts it through a vivid imagination and passion for children's literature that was a huge inspiration for me. This project only grew more vibrant through its association with Tom Hanks and company...and this Anniversary Edition makes that very clear. I advise you to grab this and share it with your kids... I know they will love it as much as mine do!

The Polar Express was one of the books that fostered a passion within me to write children's literature. It adapted into a magical film that made the story grow all the more vibrant in the process.

Brian Weiner
CEO
The Illusion Factory
Author
Toad Catchers' Creek

I gave this book 5 stars because it was a good book. The book is about a magic train that travels to the North Pole. The train took little boys and girls to the North Pole. When the children arrive at the North Pole, they learn that one of them will receive the first gift of Christmas.
This was a fun book for me, I really enjoyed the train because they had good treats. I also like the pictures of the train.
Westly
7
1st grade
Germany

What this book speaks to me about is the magic of Christmas, not the commmercialism, something I try hard to capture each year amid the avalanche of enticements to buy and consume. I grew up not believing in the Santa that just brings presents but in the magic and spirit of giving and receiving and the joy and wonder of the season and by reading and sharing this book with my family each Christmas, I hope to capture some of that magic and wonder, for each of us to hold in amongst the chaos that surrounds us at this time of year.

Chris Van Allsburg's picture book THE POLAR EXPRESS is a Christmas classic anyone can enjoy. Both illustrations and text are wonderful and the book hits just the right magical mysterious notes with none of the creepiness the Tom Hanks movie can claim. And the ending is pitch perfect in capturing the spirit of Santa Claus and Christmas.

The first time I read this story to a class of children, I was amazed at how engaged every child was. The Polar Express, written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg is a story for all ages. The illustrations are beautifully crafted and each word is as beautiful as the finest piece of art. Van Allsburg immediately puts the reader in the story, because we remember the times magic has entered our lives. Children in my classes from 3-6th grade truly understand the end of the story, but every child and every adult can understand the magic that lies within this book.

I gave this book 5 stars because it was a good book. The book is about a magic train that travels to the North Pole. The train took little boys and girls to the North Pole. When the children arrive at the North Pole, they learn that one of them will receive the first gift of Christmas.
This was a fun book for me, I really enjoyed the train because they had good treats. I also like the pictures of the train.
Westly
7
1st grade
Germany

I am a huge fan of books and loved this as a child, so I got it for my 17-month-old daughter to share with her the joys in this masterpiece. I have yet to see the movie, but the captivating story and artwork makes the book well worth it. You will teasure it for years to come!!!

The Polar Express will leave you with a warm feeling. All the smells and memories of childhood will come floating back to you. I read this to my youngest daughter when she was 3 and she totally fell in love with it. Every Christmas since then she gets something with a silver bell on it. It has ranged from a sterling silver bell on a ring to a dime store bell, but she has kept them all and loves them. My other daughter liked the book, but did not feel the same way.