The Polar Express

Author/ Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg

Publisher/Date: Houghton Mifflin. September 15, 1985

Age range/class level:Grades 1-3

Awards: Caldecott Medal Award

Illustrations & Design: Sketched Drawings

Genre: Easy Reader Fantasy

Theme(s): Belief and Imagination

Characters: Boy, Santa Claus, and Train Conductor

Summary: This is the story of a young hero boy on

Christmas Eve who boards on a powerful magical
train that's headed to the North Pole. This
extraordinary train ride leads to an adventure,
which allows the doubting boy, embark on a
 journey of self-discovery. He is taught that the
wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Textual Components:

• Ink Illustrations

• Surrealistic

• Traditions

Classroom Connections:

• Writing

• Art

• Holiday- Christmas