The Polar Express
By Chris Van Allsburg
A mysterious Christmas Eve train carries one boy towards a North Pole secret.
Pageticker community rating
Average score: 4.5
From 12 readers
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What does the Pageticker team say about The Polar Express?
Chris Van Allsburg combines a quietly mysterious story with rich, atmospheric illustrations that make the snowy journey feel wonderfully real. The Polar Express is a memorable Christmas read aloud about wonder, imagination and belief, best shared with children who enjoy a touch of mystery.
Genres
What is The Polar Express about?
On Christmas Eve, a young boy boards the magical Polar Express and journeys through snowy forests and icy landscapes all the way to the North Pole. There, he discovers the wonders of Christmas and the importance of believing. This enchanting tale, with beautiful illustrations, captures the spirit of the festive season and invites children to imagine their own magical adventure.
About the author
Chris Van Allsburg is a talented author and illustrator from America. He creates magical stories and beautiful pictures that capture children’s imaginations. Chris is famous for books like 'The Polar Express' and 'Jumanji', where unexpected adventures and mysterious happenings unfold. His stories encourage readers to dream big and believe in the impossible.
Discussion ideas around The Polar Express
Believing: Why do you think the boy wants to hear the bell, and what does believing mean to him?
A Magical Journey: Which part of the journey to the North Pole would you most like to experience, and what might you see or hear there?
Pictures and Feelings: How do the dark colours, snowy landscapes and views of the train make the story feel?
Growing Up: Why might some children and adults stop believing in magical things, while others continue to believe?
Real or Imagined?: Do you think the journey really happens, or might it be a dream? What makes you think that?
Pages
32 pages
Reading age
Picture Book (2-7)
This edition
2015
First published
1985
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