The Polar Express By: Chris Van Allsburg

This Caldecott Medal book is a beautiful story of a little boy's adventure to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.  During his trip, his belief in Santa is renewed as he learns about the giving spirit.  Between the illustrations and the plot, this is one of my favorites to read to my students around the holiday season!

The Polar Express

Author: Chris Van Allsburg - As a child, Chris Van Allsburg moved numerous times.  The cover of The Polar Express is modeled after one of his many streets.  After a successful high school career, Chris Van Allsburg attended the University of Michigan majoring in sculpture.  After graduating from the University of Michigan, Chris Van Allsburg began his masters degree.  During this time, he met his future wife Lisa.  As a third grade teacher, Lisa encouraged Chris to assist her in illustrating a children's book.  His success in illustrating that book led him to write/illustrate 15 books.  Chris Van Allsburg Biography

Genre: Nonfiction

Grade Level: K - 2

Theme/Skill: Folktale - Believing in Santa

Brief Synopsis: An unknown train arrives on Christmas Eve to take a young boy to the North Pole.  At the North Pole, Santa Claus gives the young boy a bell that only believers can hear ring.  However, the boy loses it on his way back to the train.  On Christmas morning, the young boy receives a small box from Santa containing his bell that he lost.  Years later, he can still hear the bell while all of his friends have outgrown it.

Pre-Reading Activity: What holiday is coming up in December? According to the Christmas tradition, where does Santa Claus live? Describe the North Pole.  Have students close their eyes and imagine the North Pole.  Before reading the story, ask students to sketch out a picture of how you picture the North Pole.  Students can then share their sketches.

Post-Reading Activity: What did the young boy see at the North Pole? How does he know Santa exists?  What did Santa give the young boy? In this story, Santa represents a giving spirit.  He gave that bell to the young boy to strengthen his beliefs.  Ask students to brainstorm ways they could model the giving spirit in their personal lives.  Additionally, students can write an advertisement  promoting their Christmas giving spirit to others.

Allsburg, C. (1985) The Polar Express. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. Grades K – 2.