The Polar Express is an excellent example of Fantasy literature. Every child has probably dreamed about the North Pole and Santa's Workshop, and this book brings that dream to life. The main character wakes up to find a train outside his house ready to pick him up for the journey North. Along the way, they pass under bridges, through forests, and over bodies of water. Nothing can prepare the travelers for what they find at the North Pole that Christmas Eve. Santa and his elves are ready and waiting for the clock to strike midnight so that they can deliver the presents they have been creating all year, but they are also looking forward to the children's visit. The main character receives Santa's first gift that year, which is a bell from one of the reindeer collars. He loses it on the train ride home, but Santa puts it in its place under the tree for the next morning. Though the adults have lost the ability to hear the bell (they no longer believe), this child will always hear the special sound because he actually met Santa. I regard this story as a Christmas classic. It makes me feel happy, gives me images for what I have always pictured in my head, and provides me with amazing illustrations. In case you hadn't noticed, the author and illustrator are one-and-the-same. The pictures give a look of shrouded mystery, and it helps, too, that the events take place overnight. I not only love the book, but I also love the movie of the same title that features Tom Hanks in many roles. This is a must-read for children of all ages, including those of us who will forever love the magic of Christmas.
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