The Polar Express

Title: The Polar Express

Author: Chris Van Allsburg

Genre: Fiction 

Ages: All 

Summary: This book is about a little boy who travels to the North Pole on a magical train and his adventures along the way. He finds a bell from a reindeer which further goes on to represent that he never stops believing. 

About the author: Chris was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 18th, 1949. To the surprise of many of his readers he almost did not become an illustrator at all. He attended the University of Michigan to study law then changed his major to sculpture. He is famous for this book which later was produced into a movie. 

Theme/Skill: Christmas and believing 

Pre-reading activity: Have you ever had a dream that seemed real? What happened? Tell your neighbor about your dream. 

Post-reading: Set the chairs up in the classroom like a train so the students can pretend they are on the Polar Express and watch the movie. 

This is one of my all time favorite books and movies. The story and pictures are amazing and the children love it.