Taking a ride on the Polar Express: (1986 Caldecott Winner)

The Polar Express is a beautifully written and illustrated story about a child’s belief in Santa, and the magic of Christmas. The story begins on the night of Christmas Eve, when the boy is anxiously awaiting the appearance of Christmas Magic. Late into the snowy night, a huge steam engine appears in front of his house, ready to head to the North Pole. The Polar Express is full f children, sipping hot chocolate and riding the train in their pajamas, all waiting excitedly to reach the North Pole. Once the train reaches the North Pole hundreds of elves and children all gather to watch as Santa gives the first present of Christmas. The boy is delighted to be the child that Santa chooses, and decides instead of a toy he would rather have one of Santa’s silver bells from his sleigh. As the Polar Express takes all of the children home, the boy sadly realizes that the Santa’s present fell out of his pocket. The next morning, the Christmas magic returns the silver bell back to the boy, and from then on he can always hear the ringing of Christmas. The Polar Express won the Caldecott Medal in 1986, and has turned into a must-have Christmas story. The illustrations are incredibly vivid and truly make this wonderful story come to life. I love the way this story describes the way children believe in the magic and surprise of Christmas, and even though its rare in adults, sometimes it can last forever.