The Polar Express
written and illustrated by: Chris Van Allsburg
Allsburg, C., & Allsburg, C. (1985). The Polar Express. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
On Christmas Eve, a young boy lays in his bed and listens for bells of Santa's sleigh, but is suprised when he hears something like a train outside his window. He was not mistaken-- it was a train! He climbs aboard and realizes he and the other children are on the way to the North Pole. When he arrives, he receives the first present of Christmas. He chooses a bell from his sleigh, but due to a hole in his pocket, the bell is missing when he gets home. Waking up the next morning, there is an extra present for him underneath the Christmas tree-- his bell! When he rings it he and his sister can her it, but his parents are unable... This does not stop the boy from believing in the spirit of Christmas then as a child, and far into adulthood.
This has always been one of my favorite Christmas stories because my dad would read it to all of the girls on Christmas Eve. I think that this story would be challenging to bring into a classroom and willingly open the debate as to if Santa is real or not. However, this story is one that I would recommend to parents to read with their child and encourage that believing is necessary for everyone in class and to make it a joyful time. I think that the illustrations are incredible & the movie that was done would be a complementary read to this story.
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