The Polar Express

This classic holiday story is another feel-good tale of a young boy who wakes in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve to find a train going through his neighborhood. While this book classifies as a fictional story, it is also a beautifully done picture book. The illustrations by Allsburg bring the scenes of the story to life. I can’t remember the exact time I was brought about this story, but what I can remember is that I’ve always loved it. This Caldecott winner connects the story told by the words and the story told by the pictures beautifully and is one of the reasons why I still enjoy reading the book today.

Allsburg, who is actually the recipient of two Caldecott awards, was an artist before he became a writer. He is able to capture in pictures what most people can’t capture in words. Another reason why this book is so loved is the way the boy changes and becomes hopeful by the end of story. A review done by Will Byrnes on goodreads.com states “The illustrations are incredible and the message of youthful hope symbolized by the bell resonates.” While some might outgrow this book eventually, the story still captures the joy and hope of the Christmas season and the imagination of a child that can never be replaced.