• Age: 4 to 7
• Grade: p to 2

For decades,The Polar Expresshas been a treasured holiday classic. This sturdy, oversized hardcover edition is perfect for sharing and reading aloud.

Awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1986,The Polar Expresshas sold more than 7 million copies, become a favorite holiday movie, and been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season.

Chris Van Allsburg's profile page

Chris Van Allsburg is the winner of two Caldecott Medals, forJumanjiandThe Polar Express, as well as the recipient of a Caldecott Honor Book forThe Garden of Abdul Gasazi. The author and illustrator of numerous picture books for children, he has also been awarded the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children’s literature. In 1982,Jumanji was nominated for a National Book Award and in 1996, it was made into a popular feature film. Chris Van Allsburg was formerly an instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two children.

"Even the most hardened Santa doubters might find in The Polar Express the faith to believe again." American Bookseller

"As always, the forms are sculptured, the perspectives as dazzling as they are audacious, the colors rich and elegant, the use of light and shadow masterly." Horn Book Guide

"The Polar Express is magic indeed." The New York Times

"The sumptuous pastel effects-train lights seen through falling snow and a vertiginous overhead view, from Santa's sleigh, of his popular city-make this one of Van Allsburg's most treasured visions." Newsweek

"One couldn't select a more delightful and exciting premise for a children's book than the tale of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve only to have Santa Claus sweep by and take him on a trip with other children to the North Pole. And one couldn't ask for a more talented artist and writer to tell the story than Chris Van Allsburg. Van Allsburg, a sculptor who entered the genre nonchalantly when he created a children's book as a diversion from his sculpting, won the 1986 Caldecott Medalfor this book, one of several award winners he's produced. The Polar Express rings with vitality and wonder." Amazon.com