The Polar Express was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg and published in 1985.
The book is partially
set in the author's home town, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and takes place in 1956.
It begins when a young
boy, who used to love Christmas, but now doubts, hears a train whistle outside
his house and to his amazement, he finds the train has stopped and is waiting
for him.
The conductor explains
the train is called the Polar Express, and is journeying to the North Pole.
Still wearing his night clothes the boy reluctantly boards the train, which is
filled with chocolate and candy, as well as many other children in their
pyjamas.
After an adventurous
journey the train reaches the North Pole and at the center of town thousands of
elves are waiting to send Santa Claus on his way.
The boy is handpicked
by Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas.
Realizing that he
could choose anything in the world, he asks for one bell from one of the
reindeer's harnesses.
Santa gives him the
bell and he places in the pocket of his robe but later, on the train ride home,
it falls through a hole in his pocket and is lost.
But on Christmas
morning, his sister finds a small package under the tree, behind all of the
other gifts.
And when the boy
opened it he discovered that it was the bell, delivered by Santa who had found
it on the seat of his sleigh.
When the boy rang the
bell he and his sister revelled in the sweet sound.
Their parents of
course were unable to hear it because they did not believe.
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