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Polar Express - By Chris Van Allsburg ( Hardcover ) - 2 of 4Polar Express - By Chris Van Allsburg ( Hardcover ) - 3 of 4Polar Express - By Chris Van Allsburg ( Hardcover ) - 4 of 4
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Polar Express - By Chris Van Allsburg ( Hardcover )

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About this item

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.
Dimensions (Overall): 9.2 Inches (H) x 11.6 Inches (W) x .5 Inches (D)
Weight: 1 Pounds
Suggested Age: 4-8 Years
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub-Genre: Classics, Holidays + Celebrations / Christmas, Transportation / Railroads + Trains
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Format: Hardcover
Author: Chris Van Allsburg
Language: English
Street Date: September 15, 2015
TCIN: 21405017
UPC: 9780544580145
Item Number (DPCI): 059-03-5843
Origin: Made in the USA
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 9.3 inches length x 0.38 inches width x 11.7 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 30 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
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Q: Are these new or used?

submitted by SRiffe - 11 months ago
  • A: Hi SRiffe, This is a new book. Thank you!

    submitted byIngram Content - 5 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: What does it mean by “mixed media”?

submitted by Ddog - 6 years ago
  • A: You can download an audio version.

    submitted bymomtothree - 6 years ago

Q: Is this a hardcover?

submitted by hawaiianpanda - 8 years ago
  • A: Yes it’s hard covered

    submitted byJacquie - 8 years ago

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No ornament!!!!

Product details said an ornament is included. The cover states the same. Didn’t receive the ornament which is crucial to the story. The recipient can read so I am not giving this treasure as a hift
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Must Have for Christmas.

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love this book!

our traditional Christmas book!! love it!!
just what I needed
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Beautilf and perfect book

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Great deal

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(no review title)

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