Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
not part of a series
What’s inside...
The Polar Express is a young boy's magical adventure with Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. He boards a powerful, magic train that's headed to the North Pole- Santa's home. This journey is filled with hot chocolate, caroling, and a unique gift from Santa. The boy grows up, but continues to believe in the spirit of Christmas, Santa, and the Polar Express, despite the disbelief of others. Beautifully illustrated and whimsical, the tale has a powerful message of faith and magic. A beautiful edition, including downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson, to celebrate 30 years of the magical, timeless story about a little boy's train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy (Narrator)
Santa Claus
The Conductor
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Polar Express a special train?
Why do you think the boy chose to keep the bell?
How do you think the journey to the North Pole changed the boy?
What does the bell symbolize in the story?
If you received a ticket for the Polar Express, what would you wish to see at the North Pole?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own version of the Polar Express. Ask them what magical features their train would have.
Discuss the spirit of Christmas and what it means to believe in something, drawing parallels to the boy's belief in the magic of Christmas.
Talk about the importance of keepsakes like the bell in the story. Ask your child if they have something special that reminds them of a magical moment.
Reflect together on the boy's feelings during his adventure. It can be a good way to discuss emotions and how certain experiences can make us feel different emotions.
After reading, consider watching the film adaptation with your child to compare how the story can be told in different ways and discuss which aspects each of you liked more.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Belief in the seemingly impossible
Explanation: In 'Polar Express,' the protagonist embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole, embodying the theme of believing in the extraordinary.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and belief in magic, which can foster creativity and open-mindedness in their everyday interactions and problem-solving.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the main character meets other children and learns about friendship and helping others, which is highlighted when he chooses the first gift of Christmas.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to value and nurture friendships and act kindly towards others, skills that are essential in developing social interactions and empathy.
Example Lesson: Courage in new experiences
Explanation: The young boy decides to board a mysterious train to the North Pole, demonstrating bravery and curiosity about new experiences.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of embracing new opportunities and learning from them, which can help them adapt to new environments or changes in life.
Example Lesson: Importance of generosity
Explanation: The protagonist's decision to ask for a bell from Santa’s sleigh for his sister instead of for himself showcases selflessness.
Real-World Application: This aspect of the book can help children understand the joy and importance of giving to others, fostering a sense of communal responsibility and personal satisfaction.
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Despite others doubting the existence of Santa, the protagonist keeps his belief, which is ultimately rewarded.
Real-World Application: Children learn that staying true to their beliefs and persevering in the face of skepticism can lead to positive outcomes, reinforcing resilience in challenging situations.