This book is a good book to read to children at Christmas time. Many children know the story of the Polar Express and are excited to read this book every year. This is a good book to talk about and to discuss with the children. The teacher could also watch the movie with the children after reading the book.

The Polar Express is a book about a boy whose friend has told him there is no such thing as Santa Claus. The boy remains a believer and while listening for Santa’s sleigh bells on Christmas eve, hears a train pull up to his house. The train is heading for the North Pole. Once at the North pole the boy is lucky enough to meet Santa and his elves. Santa picks the boy to receive the first present of Christmas. The boy asks Santa for a sleigh bell. Santa cuts one of his bells off his sleigh and hands it to the boy. When the boy gets home, he notices the bell has fallen out of a hole in his pocket. The next morning while him and his sister are opening presents with their parents he unwraps a small present and discovers the bell inside, with a note that says, Fix that hole in your pocket. The boy shakes the bell and the only two who can hear it are him and his sister. This book is a wonderful story with pictures that make you feel you too are at the North Pole. On the way to the North Pole the train rides through beautiful landscape, making me wish I was a passenger on this train. The Polar Express is a Caldecott Award winner, and it is clear as to why, the pictures are extremely magical and original. This book is great for any teacher or parent who is looking for a good Christmas book. As a parent and soon to be teacher I highly recommend this book. It is a magical story which will have children longing to visit Santa at the North Pole. This story is also for anyone who was once a child who believed in Santa. It took me back to the days of my childhood when I too would listen for Santa’s sleigh bells. Teachers or Parents could have children draw pictures of what they would ask Santa for if they ever met him face to face. Children could also draw pictures of what they think the North Pole really looks like. This would be a good opportunity for children to make gingerbread houses for Santa to live in.