The Polar Express PDF, a classic Christmas story written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, captures the wonder and excitement of childhood in its magical tale. Published in 1985, The Polar Express follows the journey of one young boy as he takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Over thirty years later, The Polar Express continues to captivate the imaginations of readers. The book is published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and has sold over seven million copies worldwide. It has been translated into a variety of languages and can be found in print, as well as in digital downloads and audiobook formats.
The Polar Express explores various themes, such as belief, friendship, and the power of imagination. Critics adore the book, with some describing it as “a timeless classic” while others call it a “beautifully written story.” The Polar Express has also been adapted into a feature-length animated film that went on to become an Academy Award-nominated blockbuster.
Table of Contents
The Polar Express Summary
The book starts on a cold Christmas Eve. A young boy is lying in bed, trying to stay awake and wait for Santa Claus. His parents try to get him to sleep, but he insists on waiting up for Santa’s arrival. Suddenly, the sound of a train whistle fills the air outside his house.
He looks out his window to see an old-fashioned steam engine train, The Polar Express, parked in his front yard. He quickly gets dressed and runs outside to see the conductor beckoning him onto the train.
The boy joins a group of other children on board the Polar Express and they set off for the North Pole. Along their journey, they’re treated to hot chocolate and cookies and sing songs together. The train eventually reaches its destination, and the children are met by an elf who guides them to Santa’s workshop. The children get a chance to meet Santa and witness his elves making toys for all the good boys and girls in the world. They even receive a special gift from Santa himself: a bell from one of his reindeer’s harnesses that only those who believe in Santa can hear.
Details of The Polar Express Book
| Book | The Polar Express |
| Author | Chris Van Allsburg |
| Original language | English |
| Originally published | 1985 |
| Category | Children's literature, Fiction |
| Publisher | Houghton Mifflin |
| Total Pages | 32 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
Multiple Languages Editions of The Polar Express Book
The Polar Express has been translated into multiple languages, making it accessible to children around the world. Chinese, French, German, and Spanish editions of the book are all available.
| Book Editions | Check Now |
|---|---|
| English | Check Price |
| German | Check Price |
| French | Check Price |
| Spanish | Check Price |
| Portuguese | Check Price |
| Chinese | Check Price |
| Japanese | Check Price |
About the Author
Chris Van Allsburg is an American author and illustrator of children’s books. Van Allsburg was born in East Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1949. He began his career as a sculptor before transitioning to the field of writing and illustrating books for young readers. His works often feature fantastic elements and have been praised for their ability to spark imagination in children.
Van Allsburg wrote and illustrated The Polar Express in 1985. It soon became a classic, winning the prestigious Caldecott Medal for illustration excellence. Since then, it has become one of his most popular works, inspiring a movie adaptation among other spinoff products.
Van Allsburg’s other works include Jumanji (1981), The Stranger (1986), The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (1984), and Zathura: A Space Adventure (2002). He has won two Caldecott Medals and was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2011. In 2015, he was awarded the Randolph Caldecott Medal for lifetime achievement.
The Polar Express PDF Free Download
Click on the download button below to get a pdf file of The Polar Express book.
Similar Books to The Polar Express Book
- Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
- The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg
- Borrowed Children by George Ella Lyon
- The Stranger by Chris Van Allsburg
- A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story by Berkeley Breathed
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
- The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A Hoffman
- Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
What age is The Polar Express book appropriate for?
The Polar Express book is appropriate for children of all ages.
What is the moral of The Polar Express book?
The moral of The Polar Express book is to believe in the spirit of Christmas and never stop believing in Santa.
What reading level is The Polar Express?
The Polar Express is generally written at a 4th-grade reading level but can be adjusted for younger or older readers depending on their needs.
What is the problem with The Polar Express book?
One of the main problems with The Polar Express book is that it can be a bit too long for young readers.
Is Polar Express based on a true story?
Polar Express is not based on a true story but rather combines elements of fantasy and imagination in order to create its magical atmosphere.
