You’ve probably seen the 2004 film The Polar Express, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks — but did you know it’s based on a picture book by Chris Van Allsburg? Long before it hit the big screen, this gentle, magical story was already a Christmas favourite in homes everywhere. Here’s why it deserves a place on your family’s bookshelf too.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
The Polar Express is a children’s book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, first published by Houghton Mifflin in 1985.
Now considered a classic Christmas story for younger children, it won the Caldecott Medal, one of the highest honours for illustration in an American children’s picture book.
The story is set partly in Grand Rapids, Michigan — the author’s home town — and was inspired by his own childhood memories of visiting department stores at Christmas time.
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The Story
Late on Christmas Eve, after the whole town has gone to sleep, a small boy lies awake, waiting to hear something he’s been told he’ll never hear: the sound of Santa’s sleigh bells.
Instead, he hears something else entirely unexpected — the grinding hiss of an old steam train pulling up outside his house. The Polar Express has arrived to carry him to the North Pole.
Whisked away through towns and cities, dark forests and snowy wilderness, the train finally arrives at a hidden city glowing with the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas.
There, the boy is chosen by Santa himself to receive the very first gift of Christmas. Santa tells him he can have anything he wishes for — and the boy asks for one simple thing: a bell from Santa’s own sleigh.
The Polar Express has been reprinted many times since 1985. Below, you can listen to the story read aloud by Liam Neeson.
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Why This Book Is a Classic
This book has earned its place as a classic, and rightly so. Beautifully written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express captures the pure magic and wonder of Christmas.
It steps away from the noise of materialism and instead offers a quiet moment of belief and possibility.
Even if your family has watched the film, we’d still encourage you to read the original picture book together. There’s something special about sharing this gentle, eloquent story as a family, away from the screen.
The simplicity of the story, paired with the warmth of the illustrations, makes it a book worth returning to every winter.
For many families, The Polar Express has become a treasured seasonal tradition — its message resonating most with those of us who remember what it felt like to truly believe.
Have you read The Polar Express with your child? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Polar Express based on a book?
Yes. The 2004 film starring Tom Hanks is based on the 1985 picture book of the same name, written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg.
Who wrote The Polar Express?
Chris Van Allsburg wrote and illustrated the book. It won the Caldecott Medal for its illustrations.
What age group is The Polar Express suitable for?
It’s a picture book aimed at younger children, but its story and illustrations are enjoyed by children and adults of all ages, making it a lovely read-aloud for the whole family.
Is there an audio version of the story?
Yes — the book has been read aloud by narrators including Liam Neeson, and you can listen to a reading in this article.
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