Science Fiction & Fantasy
![Chris Van Allsburg - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B000APKEI8.jpg)
Polar Express 30th anniversary edition
Take a ride aboard the Polar Express in this award-winning, classic holiday story, complete with an ornament gift, perfect for every child's library.
A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. This is a story for all who believe in the spirit of Christmas and those who treasure the sound of a reindeer's silver bell.
The Polar Express is the 1986 Caldecott Medal winner, and reading the story together is a beloved holiday tradition held by generations of families. It was also made into an animated feature film starring Tom Hanks.
In this special edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is highlighted with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes an author's note and downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson.
A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. This is a story for all who believe in the spirit of Christmas and those who treasure the sound of a reindeer's silver bell.
The Polar Express is the 1986 Caldecott Medal winner, and reading the story together is a beloved holiday tradition held by generations of families. It was also made into an animated feature film starring Tom Hanks.
In this special edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is highlighted with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes an author's note and downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson.
Editorial Reviews
"The best book about Santa."-Entertainment Weekly
"The Polar Express is magic indeed. "-The New York Times
"Allsburg's mix of meticulousness and mysticism is his own, and his quiet Christmas bell, now run, will not stop ringing."-Adam Gopnik, author of The King in the Window
"The sumptuous pastel effects make this one of Van Allsburg's most treasured visions."-Newsweek
"As always, the forms are sculptured, the perspectives as dazzling as they are audacious, the colors rich and elegant, the use of light and shadow masterly."-Horn Book Guide
"Even the most hardened Santa doubters might find in The Polar Express the faith to believe again."-American Bookseller
1986 Caldecott Medal Winner
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year
ALA Notable Book for Children
Booklist Editors' Choice
Horn Book Fanfare Selection
Reading Rainbow Review Book
Readers Top Reviews
E mummyF. LarnerSing
My then three-year-old son fell in love with the film last Christmas and after a viewing break of ten and a bit months, has become quite obsessed with it this year. I decided to get him the book, half expecting him to disregard it for not being EXACTLY like the film (the content seems to me to be the same, but there are aspects - such as the hot chocolate song - which are absent, if you get my meaning) but he appears to love it in it's own right. Much of the language is exactly as it is in the film and the illustrations are lovely. It's a relatively long story, which for some four-year-olds may not be for them, but mine is captivated by the story - and all things train (but only STEAM train!).
Rebecca Dearnley
I bought this for myself (I'm 29) because after watching the excellent film I wanted to read the book it was based on. It's a lovely story and is beautifully presented. It reminds me of the excitement and magic of Christmas that you can only really experience as a child. This will be a book I'll keep to read to my children when I have them.
Jenny RomaMelinda
So I bought this because my school was having a Polar Express Day and I wanted to read it to my class. It’s got beautiful illustrations and is a very pretty book. I don’t love the story, honestly. Once you tell first graders they need to believe in something you’ve created doubt and I don’t appreciate that. They believe because they take it as a simple fact. But you tell read them a whole book based on the idea that most people don’t believe and now they start to wonder why. I feel like it’s unnecessary and takes the fun out of it. But as far as the book goes, it’s a great quality printing with a nice hardcover and beautiful illustrations.
Condor Readsepcon
Bought this as a gift. When it came there was obvious damage to the cover as if something had been taped on and taken off. Also says it includes an ornament which it didn’t come with one. I honestly wasn’t expecting the ornament but I can’t give this as a gift, it would look like I took the ornament off before giving it away. Obviously will be returning and very disappointing.
Nicole
Had debated purchasing this book for awhile now. I am very glad I did. When I searched for the Polar Express book it was a little confusing as there were a few listings but they all had the same reviews so I was unsure as to what condition the product would be in when it arrived as some of the reviews had low ratings. The book arrived in great condition though and even came with an ornament and an option to download an audio recording. I bought the book to use as a Christmas display on my entertainment center. Very excited to be able to decorate now! Attached are pictures from the copy I actually received. Do not hesitate to purchase!
