The Polar Express is a beloved children's book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. It was first published in 1985 and has since become a classic holiday story. It has been adapted into a feature-length film and an animated television special. Other notable books by Chris Van Allsburg include Jumanji, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi and The Mysteries of Harris Burdick
It is the story of a young boy who is struggling to believe in the spirit of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he hears a train arriving outside his home and embarks on a journey to the North Pole. Along the way, he meets other children, a conductor, and a mysterious conductor who teaches them the importance of believing in the power of Christmas.
According to the author, The Polar Express was the easiest of his books to write. It only required one draft with minimal changes before he was happy with it being published. He originally got the idea for the story based on the idea of a young child who sees a train while walking through a foggy wood at night. Once Chris had decided that he wanted the train’s destination to be the North Pole, writing became even easier. Chris said that it felt as if he was writing from memory and experiences.
Chris Van Allsburg is not only a talented author but a gifted illustrator as well. For the Polar Express illustrations, he was inspired by a 19th-century German painter, Casper David Friedrich, who was known for painting silhouetted figures in panoramic landscapes.
The story of The Polar Express is filled with themes of childhood innocence, friendship, and the power of belief. The story is also a reminder that no matter how old we get, it is important to never lose our sense of wonder and magic.
The Polar Express was very well received when it was released and has since become a beloved holiday classic. It has won numerous awards, including a Caldecott Medal and the National Book Award for Picture Books. It has also been adapted into a feature-length film and an animated television special. By 2015, ten years after the release of the film, the Polar Express book had sold more than 12 million copies.
The Polar Express is beloved by children and adults alike. It has been named one of the Teacher’s Top 100 Books for Children and made it into the School Library Journal’s Top 100 Picture Books list. It is a timeless tale that captures the spirit of Christmas and reminds us of the importance of believing in the power of magic. It is a must-read holiday classic that will bring joy to generations to come.
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