The Polar Express Review

Silly as it sounds, I didn't realize that The Polar Express was a book before it was a movie.  My children and I had seen the movie and really enjoyed it.  Then a few Christmases ago, my Sister-In-Law bought the book for my boys.  Now, it's one of the books we read every Christmas Eve.  The Night Before Christmas is the other.

The Polar Express book has the same adventurous storyline as the movie.  It's about a magical train ride on Christmas Eve that takes a boy, along with many other children, to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus.  The pages are beautifully illustrated, and meticulous attention has been paid to every little detail.  The author of the book, Chris Van Allsburg, is also the illustrator.  What talent!

The book was originally published in 1985, and has sold 5 million copies worldwide.  It has been on the New York Times Bestseller list and was voted the New York Times Best Illustrated book of the year in the year it was published. 

Giving The Polar Express book as a gift, will be giving a child a book that they will enjoy for years to come.  It could become a family tradition to read the book every year, just as it's become a tradition in my home.  And when that child grows, they may choose to pass on the tradition with their children.  I love the thought of that!

You can purchase The Polar Express at all book stores, in most department stores, and online at places like Amazon.com.  The hardcover book sells for under $ 20.00.  Aside from the heartwarming story the book tells, the pictures are amazing.  Before my youngest son could read, he would just look at the pictures and tell stories of his own. 

If your looking for an idea to get a child on your shopping list, I think giving The Polar Express book is a wonderful, unique idea.