The Polar Express

The Polar Express
Author/ Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
Award:Caldecott Medal Winner
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Grades: 1-5

After being told he would "never hear the ringing bells of Santa's sleigh" a young boy was then picked up by a train full of children headed off to the North Pole. They traveled through forests, mountains, and even saw the Northern Lights. When the Polar Express stopped the children were greeted by many elves, the boy got the chance to sit on Santa's knee, and asked for a bell from a reindeers harness. However, on the way back home the bow lost the bell. In the morning, the bell was wrapped up waiting under the tree for him.

Evaluation:
I would not read this in my classroom because I plan to be in the High Schools. However, this would be a great book to read in the Elementary schools during the holidays when everyone is in the Christmas spirit.