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Polar Express - By Chris Van Allsburg ( Hardcover )

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Highlights

  • The setting of the book is based on Van Allsburg’s childhood home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • The Pere Marquette 1225 train, now in Owosso, Michigan, was the inspiration for the story. As a child, Chris Van Allsburg played on the engine when it was on display, and to him, the number 1225 meant 12/25, Christmas Day!
  • The real 1225 train inspired the animated train, and they recorded the 1225’s different locomotive sounds to use in the movie.
  • Chris Van Allsburg said that The Polar Express was the easiest of his picture book manuscripts to write. He created only one draft and had to make only a few changes to the text.
  • The Polar Express is done with oil pastels, and to get the night lighting just right, he mixed color complements (reds with greens, oranges with blues) to bring out the hues of colors in low light.
  • Van Allsburg has an artistic connection to another Christmas classic — in 2014 he designed the sets for the Michigan Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker.

Description



About the Book



Take a ride aboard the Polar Express in this award-winning, classic holiday story, complete with an ornament gift, perfect for every child's library.



Book Synopsis



Take a ride aboard the Polar Express in this award-winning, classic holiday story, complete with an ornament gift, perfect for every child's library.

A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. This is a story for all who believe in the spirit of Christmas and those who treasure the sound of a reindeer's silver bell.

The Polar Express is the 1986 Caldecott Medal winner, and reading the story together is a beloved holiday tradition held by generations of families. It was also made into an animated feature film starring Tom Hanks.

In this special edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is highlighted with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes an author's note and downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson.



Review Quotes




"The best book about Santa."--Entertainment Weekly

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

"Allsburg's mix of meticulousness and mysticism is his own, and his quiet Christmas bell, now run, will not stop ringing."--Adam Gopnik, author of The King in the Window

"The sumptuous pastel effects make this one of Van Allsburg's most treasured visions."--Newsweek

"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

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

1986 Caldecott Medal Winner
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year
ALA Notable Book for Children
Booklist Editors' Choice
Horn Book Fanfare Selection
Reading Rainbow Review Book



About The Author



Chris Van Allsburg is the winner of two Caldecott Medals, for Jumanji and The Polar Express, and is the recipient of a Caldecott Honor for The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. He lives on the North Shore of Boston. Visit his website at www.chrisvanallsburg.com.

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