Christmas is just around the corner! Some hearts begin to beat faster and fill with dread at the thought of Christmas shopping, crowds and lack of funds. For me it brings to mind wonderful traditions of Christmases from my childhood and new traditions I'll start with my own children. One such tradition is reading a Christmas story each night until Christmas is finally here! One that has moved to the front of our lineup is The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.

Van Allsburg grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the 1950's. He loved drawing as a child, but succumbed to peer pressure and dropped it. He picked it back up again while in college at the University of Michigan. Thank goodness.

The story begins with a young boy questioning the existence of Santa Claus. He wants to hold onto his belief, even while his friends tell him St. Nick isn't real. That very night a beautiful steam engine arrives to take him on a journey to the North Pole where he meets Santa, his elves and is given the first gift of Christmas.

For this gift, the little boy knows he can choose anything he wants. His choice is a sleigh bell. Being from the North Pole, it is a magic bell. On his way back home, he loses the bell and sadly goes to sleep with only his memories of his train ride.

The next morning is Christmas morning, and the bell is hidden behind the tree! The little boy is delighted, but his parents say, after shaking the bell, "That's too bad, it's broken." For only those who truly believe can hear the bell!

Aside from the fact that this book is the winner of the prestigious Caldecott award, this book is remarkable in its illustrations. The pictures are all very dark, so very different from the many brightly hued illustrations in so many children's books these days. This lends a seriousness to its text: Santa Claus is serious business!

When I say the pictures are dark, I mean the story takes place at night. The subjects appear to be illuminated by a soft candle that puts you in the mood for bedtime. The lighting alone is testament to Van Allsburg expertise as an artist. Though the writing is superb and magical, the true beauty of this book lies within its pictures.

As a side note, if your child really begins to love this book as much as mine does, you may consider checking around your area for a "Santa Train." We are close to the Great Smokey Mountain Railway, and every Christmas they have a Santa Train ride complete with Santa Claus, hot cocoa and Christmas cookies and a reading of this book.

As I end this review, I'd like to share with you the last page of this book. It touches me and fills my soul with the spirit of Christmas each time I read it aloud. There is only a picture of the sleigh bell and these words:

"At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe."

I imagine we could all use a little magic this Christmas. God Bless you and yours and have a Merry Christmas!


Important Information

Published by: Houghton Mifflin Company, New York

Copywrite: 1985

Cost:
List Price: $17.95
Amazon.com Price: $13.26
Half.com: $3.95 (Used, Good Condition)

ISBN: 0-395-38949-6




Recommended: Yes