The Polar Express

Amazon.com

One couldn't select a more delightful and exciting premise for a children's book than the tale of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve only to have Santa Claus sweep by and take him on a trip with other children to the North Pole. And one couldn't ask for a more talented artist and writer to tell the story than Chris Van Allsburg. Allsburg, a sculptor who entered the genre nonchalantly when he created a children's book as a diversion from his sculpting, won the 1986 Caldecott Medal for this book, one of several award winners he's produced. The Polar Express rings with vitality and wonder.

Amazon.com Audiobook Review

The Polar Express book and CD gift set is a charming collage of enchanting sounds, lyrical words, and climatic storytelling. Read by Academy Award-winning actor William Hurt, author Chris Van Allsburg's children's classic--a winner of the Caldecott Medal--is accompanied by a handsome melody and the sweet sounds of sleigh bells, train whistles, and spirited cheers from hundreds of Santa's elves. The composition stirs the listener's imagination, bringing to life the magic of Christmas. Coupled with a hardcover book (and a special gift from Santa's sleigh), listeners can read along and gaze at luminescent drawings page after page. The Polar Express touches the imagination of those "who truly believe." (Running time: 11 minutes, one cassette) --Cate Bick

Product Description

A magical train ride on Christmas Eve takes a boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from

Customer Reviews:

Christmas Classic.......2007-10-15

I bought this for my sister who is a 2nd grade teacher. She gave it to an underprivileged child in her room. The child was amazed at how beautiful the drawings were...she said she was the luckiest child in the world. This book made my Christmas!

A Classic Christmas Story.......2007-05-24

One Christmas Eve a boy laid in his bed, all of the sudden he heard something. He heard a sound so different. A friend once described this sound to him. It was The Polar Express.

The Polar Express tells a fiction story of a boy who rides on The Polar Express train one Christmas Eve. The North Pole is where Santa was a waiting to give the first gift of Christmas. That gift will be given to someone on that train. Everyone hopes it is them but only one, only one can get the first gift.

I bet at one time or another you have all heard this story. It is a classic. The author, Chris Van Allsburg, tells this story so well. He also uses meaning beyond this books reading level. Chris says "Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me as it dose for the ones who believe." If you read this quote once you will just think it's about believing in Santa. When you read it again and think about it, it could mean anything. It could mean believing in yourself, friends, family, ECT.
Even though a bell dose not ring for all of these reasons still believe, it's the best thing you can do.

The Polar Express By Chris Van Allsburg.......2007-05-23

This is a good book for kids becuase it states that any thing is possible.The genre may be fiction, but it still teaches a valuable lesson. The story is set in modern times and takes place in the winter.The author does a good job at explaining what the scenery looks like, een with out the graphics.Any one who likes christmas of all ages will like this book. The main character seems to be outspoken and mellow.the story is much the same with other books also called
The Polar Express by other authors, but it still teaches a valuable lesson for kids. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5

"The Polar Express" awesome book review.......2007-05-23

"The Polar Express" is a timeless story meant for all ages. It forces us to think about the disadvantage of growing up. When it's Christmas Eve a young boy suddenly hears a train whistle outside his window. He is welcomed aboard the Polar Express by the train conductor and many other children ready to depart on a trip to the North Pole. It is there that they will meet Santa and find out who the special child is that will receive the precious first gift of Christmas.
This fantasy story is one of the best-written about the true meaning of Christmas. The realistic details and dialogue more the story along. The style and meaning behind the plot is enough to make you remember it for years to come.
When reading "The Polar Express" all you think about is meeting Santa and discovering the gift of Christmas. Anyone who likes a well-told story with a moral to remember will love this book!

Magic.......2007-05-13

This is such a wonderful heartwarming story. I have read this to my classroom for years and now share it with my own child. Terrific. And of course the illustrations are beautiful.

The Polar Express: The Journey Begins (An Early Reader)

Average customer rating:

Certainly not what we expected
not what i expected
Not much depth
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
"The Journey Begins..." Where's the Journey?

The Polar Express: The Journey Begins (An Early Reader)
Kitty Richards
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0618477950

Book Description

For those Polar Express fans who are just beginning to read on their own, this books starts readers on an incredible journey.

Customer Reviews:

Certainly not what we expected.......2007-01-10

My children and I are all fans of The Polar Express book and we did enjoy the movie as well. My youngest son, for whom I purchased this book, came to me with his 'review' before I had to ask... and then we gave the book away. Unfortunately, the book was not worth the money we paid for it, and even if it had been free, we would have not enjoyed it. This book is truly `the beginning', only telling the very first part of the story. While it is a Early Reader, it just wasn't interesting or enjoyable for my `beginning reader' to read, especially since we have the original book and the movie. Perhaps if it were sold in a set with other books that continue the story, it would be more enjoyable..

not what i expected.......2006-04-04

we love the movie and the original book so we were disappointed to find that this reader was so short. where's the rest of the beautiful story???

Not much depth.......2006-03-18

I was a little disappointed. This book doesn't go into a lot of detail and depth like the other Polar Express books I've read. Quite boring!

THE JOURNEY BEGINS.......2005-07-08

I bought this book for my granddaughter who has just learned to read. She was excited to be able to read a portion of the book that has always been read to her on xmas eve since she was born. I wish it had been longer and it may have been a little too easy for her. She is in the first grade.

"The Journey Begins..." Where's the Journey?.......2005-03-28

I must agree totally with Shannon. Very boring book. I bought this book assuming that there would be a series of books that cover "the Journey" all the way to the end, but nothing yet. As a stand alone book, terrible. As a beginning of a series, there is potiential.

GIVE US THE SERIES!!!

The Polar Express: The Movie: The Magic Journey: Deluxe Storybook (Polar Express the Movie)

Average customer rating:

My 3 yr old LOVED the movie so this book is perfect !!
No attention to detail
Pictures in Book were dark and gloomy
A MUST BUY!

The Polar Express: The Movie: The Magic Journey: Deluxe Storybook (Polar Express the Movie)
Tracey West
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0618477888

Book Description

Imagine going to bed on Christmas Eve and waiting for Santa Claus, only to hear a noise outside. Wondering if it could be Santa, you bound towards the window. As you look at your street, you aren't sure if what you are seeing is real. It isn't Santa Claus, but instead a huge train. The conductor is waiting for you. You've got a ticket. And you'll never believe where you're headed. Chris Van Allsburg's beloved tale of a boy's journey to the North Pole gets retold in a magical, gorgeous deluxe storybook. Including illustrations based on the upcoming film and a full-color poster, this treasure is sure to be savored by Van Allsburg's legions of fans.

Customer Reviews:

My 3 yr old LOVED the movie so this book is perfect !!.......2006-01-03

This book was what we wanted - the original book is not enough like the movie for us.

My little girl LOVES the Brave Girl (as we call her), the Lonely boy, the ghost, and all the stuff that happenns on the train ride (skiing, Karaboo, the roller coaster effects etc). The original Book has NONE of those elements. So for us this book was PERFECT!

The previous reviewer said the inconsistancies really bugged her. We felt the differences in the art were no big deal - most occur at a distance so they had little impact. As for it being "dark" the movie occurs at night. . . it's almost always dark!

There are a bunch of pixs I wish they had included but this book had all the major elements that we were hoping would be there - we are quite pleased. I hope the movie releases a book with tons more pixs but if they never do this book does a nice job .

No attention to detail.......2006-01-02

We saw the movie last year with my then 2 year old who loved the movie. We bought The Polar Express book and he loves having it read to him. This year we bought the DVD and he has watched it many times this Christmas season. Someone gave my mother The Magic Journey and when we read it to my now 3 year old he has found some of the errors in it and I have found more. Some of the pictures are directly from the movie and others are not. The Lonely Boy, Billy, is dressed differently at the beginning of the book than he actually was in the movie and is at the end of the book. The hero boy pulled the brake in the engine to stop for the cariboo, not the girl. There are more errors than this, too many to list. Don't buy this book, buy the original. It is beautifully written and illustrated. This book is a joke.

Pictures in Book were dark and gloomy.......2004-12-09

I went to see the movie and it was great!!!
Then, I bought the movie Storybook and the pictures
were very dark, instead of bright and cheerful.
I recommend if you want the polar express storybook,
buy the original Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg,
not the Magic Journey, Polar Express Movie Storybook.
I was quite dissatified with the pictures.

A MUST BUY!.......2004-11-10

I went to see this movie last night in 3D! and immediately went to buy the book. The book accurately depicts the movie and how wonderful the story and pictures are. I highly recommend this book!

Average customer rating:

waste of time and money
Fantastic!
Beautiful Book & Movie
I sent this book back to Amazon for a refund

The Art of The Polar Express
Mark Cotta Vaz , and Steve Starkey
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0811846598

Book Description

The Art of The Polar Express celebrates the transformation of Chris Van Allsburg's celebrated children's book The Polar Express into a full-length, animated feature film through a fascinating collection of concept art, production storyboards, and computer-generated renderings. Production designer Doug Chiang shares his original, never-before-seen artwork that evolved into the final motion picture. Weaving these pieces together are candid interviews with the star-studded cast and crew, including Robert Zemeckis and his team of filmmaking visionaries, that deliver rare insight into the film as they divulge the secrets behind their creative process.

Customer Reviews:

waste of time and money.......2007-01-17

Picking up and opening this book is a clolossal waste of time. Buying it is a colossal waste of money. If I had been able to rate this with a zero instead of one star, I would have. This book is nothing more than an advertisement for a movie. I do not know how anyone could possibly be interested in "artwork" from a computer-generated movie. Sad and pathetic.

Fantastic!.......2007-01-10

This book is amazing. Even though if the story isn't that great to you, just looking at the pictures is fantastic.

Beautiful Book & Movie.......2005-11-23

I disagree with the other reviewer, because I thought this book was very worthwhile and mine was in fine shape. The pictures are breathtaking and it gives you a nice insight into how they made the movie. It's meant to be a coffee table book and one that you look at from time to time. It certainly will put you in the Christmas spirit.

I sent this book back to Amazon for a refund.......2005-11-13

Although the content of the book is breathtaking, the book itself is very poorly constructed. When I received my copy, the glue keeping the spine together was clearly visible and beginning to separate. The continuity necessary when a single picture took both the left and right pages was completely destroyed by this pernicious affect. In the book I received from Amazon I could see the threads that held the pages to the binding. This is not an isolated incident. The copies sold at Barnes and Noble exhibited the same level of cheap construction.

What is wrong with the publisher of this book? Are they completely insane? This is a great story with beautiful Christmas imagery that is more deserving than the debasement it suffered at the hands of an administrator trying to save a buck. Shame on you!!!

Average customer rating:

The Polar Express Sam's Edition
Chris Van Allsburg
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0618836594

A Guide for Using The Polar Express in the Classroom

Average customer rating:

A Guide for Using The Polar Express in the Classroom
SUSAN KILPATRICK
Manufacturer: Teacher Created Resources
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Product Features:

LIT UNIT THE POLAR EXPRESS PRIMARY

ASIN: 1557345430
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Product Description

This resource is directly related to its literature equivalent and filled with a variety of cross-curricular lessons to do before, during, and after reading the book. This reproducible book includes sample plans, author information, vocabulary building ideas, and cross-curriculum activities.

Believe (From the Polar Express) (Piano/Vocal/Chords, Sheet Music)

Average customer rating:

Believe (From the Polar Express) (Piano/Vocal/Chords, Sheet Music)
Josh Groban
Manufacturer: Alfred
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music
ASIN: B000NDCTSK

Product Description

A beautiful ballad from the blockbuster movie The Polar Express. Performed by singing sensation Josh Groban, "Believe" carries a wonderful message of believing in a magical future.

The Polar Express Twentieth Anniversary Edition

Average customer rating:

Christmas Classic
Stellar!
Unlike the movie it "inspired" this is pure Christmas magic!
Timeless Classic Only Grows More Beautiful Over Time

The Polar Express Twentieth Anniversary Edition
Chris Van Allsburg
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 061861169X

Book Description

For twenty years, The Polar Express has been a worldwide bestseller and Christmas classic. To commemorate this special anniversary, this heirloom gift edition has been created. The slipcase holds a cloth copy of the book, which includes a distinctive bookplate designed by author Chris Van Allsburg exclusively for this edition. A perfect keepsake for any family, this beautiful edition can be handed down to each new generation of readers. In 1986 The Polar Express was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal and hit the New York Times bestseller list. Since that time, more than six and a half million copies have been sold, and every December it faithfully reappears on national bestseller lists. In 2004, The Polar Express became a blockbuster holiday movie. The DVD release in 2005 assures, that like the book, the movie will become a holiday classic.

Customer Reviews:

Christmas Classic.......2007-09-21

What this book speaks to me about is the magic of Christmas, not the commmercialism, something I try hard to capture each year amid the avalanche of enticements to buy and consume. I grew up not believing in the Santa that just brings presents but in the magic and spirit of giving and receiving and the joy and wonder of the season and by reading and sharing this book with my family each Christmas, I hope to capture some of that magic and wonder, for each of us to hold in amongst the chaos that surrounds us at this time of year.

Stellar!.......2007-01-30

I am a huge fan of books and loved this as a child, so I got it for my 17-month-old daughter to share with her the joys in this masterpiece. I have yet to see the movie, but the captivating story and artwork makes the book well worth it. You will teasure it for years to come!!!

Unlike the movie it "inspired" this is pure Christmas magic! .......2006-11-12

Chris Van Allsburg's picture book THE POLAR EXPRESS is a Christmas classic anyone can enjoy. Both illustrations and text are wonderful and the book hits just the right magical mysterious notes with none of the creepiness the Tom Hanks movie can claim. And the ending is pitch perfect in capturing the spirit of Santa Claus and Christmas.

Timeless Classic Only Grows More Beautiful Over Time.......2005-11-23

Few books can leave an indelible impression like The Polar Express. The train journey to visit Santa is about every little child's dream... and Chris recounts it through a vivid imagination and passion for children's literature that was a huge inspiration for me. This project only grew more vibrant through its association with Tom Hanks and company...and this Anniversary Edition makes that very clear. I advise you to grab this and share it with your kids... I know they will love it as much as mine do!

The Polar Express was one of the books that fostered a passion within me to write children's literature. It adapted into a magical film that made the story grow all the more vibrant in the process.

Brian Weiner
CEO
The Illusion Factory
Author
Toad Catchers' Creek

Believe From the Polar Express (Series: Pop Choral Series, SATB)

Average customer rating:

Believe From the Polar Express (Series: Pop Choral Series, SATB)
Josh Groban , and Arranger: Mac Huff
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music
ASIN: B000NCUEJM

Product Description

The sweetness and innocence of a child's view of Christmas are fully evident in this warm ballad by superstar Josh Groban. Rising to number one on the charts, it was featured in The Polar Express.

Average customer rating:

Enchanted Santas: Polar Express
Sigrid Wynne-Evans
Manufacturer: Beaded Bear Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1932368027

Book Description

A beadwork pattern book for a tapestry of a Santa with a Polar Bear. The tapestry is given in both peyote stitch and loom. A list of required beads is given.

There is also a 3 X 4 inch detail of the tapestry that can be used for jewlery.

Book Description

Neural networks have had considerable success in a variety of disciplines including engineering, control, and financial modelling. However a major weakness is the lack of established procedures for testing mis-specified models and the statistical significance of the various parameters which have been estimated. This is particularly important in the majority of financial applications where the data generating processes are dominantly stochastic and only partially deterministic. Based on the latest, most significant developments in estimation theory, model selection and the theory of mis-specified models, this volume develops neural networks into an advanced financial econometrics tool for non-parametric modelling. It provides the theoretical framework required, and displays the efficient use of neural networks for modelling complex financial phenomena. Unlike most other books in this area, this one treats neural networks as statistical devices for non-linear, non-parametric regression analysis.

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