Finding Magic in The Polar Express
As the chilly air settled in and twinkling lights began to adorn our neighborhood, I found myself in a familiar scene: my kids nestled under blankets with wide, fascinated eyes, eager for a story that promised to whisk them away to winter wonderlands. I’d heard so much about The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg from friends who raved about its magical essence. So, I nestled in beside my little ones, hoping for that cozy feeling that only a beloved holiday classic can bring.
The story follows a young boy who, unable to sleep on Christmas Eve, embarks on a nighttime train ride to the North Pole aboard the eponymous Polar Express. The heart of the tale is all about believing—not just in Santa, but in the magic of childhood itself. As we read, I could see my kids’ imagination take flight. Their eyes sparkled as they imagined themselves onboard that train, surrounded by all sorts of enchanting possibilities. But as the story unfolded, I found myself mixing joy with a hint of disappointment.
The themes of belief and adventure are wrapped up in an undeniably sweet premise, yet I couldn’t help but feel that the story felt a bit thin. My three-year-old, in all her inquisitive glory, pointed out the train almost immediately, while my five-year-old asked, "Mommy, when are we going to meet Santa?" Rather than feeling that magic build, I felt a slight tug of worry that this classic was more of a gentle nudge than a showstopper.
As for the illustrations… oh, they are beautiful in a way that captivates adult eyes, yet I sensed my kiddos drifting during some of the distant views. The muted palette and whimsical details felt like a distant cousin of the vibrant, immediate thrill of books like The Snowman, which they adore. The scenes were strikingly atmospheric—but I found myself wondering if children truly connect with that kind of artistry when the story progresses and the excitement builds.
Still, there were tender moments. My little ones giggled at the idea of elves, and we all marveled at the twinkling lights of the North Pole as the artwork finally came alive. “Mom, look! It’s all glowing like our Christmas tree!” my daughter exclaimed, pulling me back into the moment. It became clear that, while the ending tied everything together nicely, the journey felt a bit unrealized, like gazing at a holiday card without delving into its story.
Ultimately, I’m glad we read The Polar Express. While it may not earn a top spot on our holiday bookshelf, it sparked discussions about belief and made us ask questions—a gift in itself! I would recommend this for families with kids aged five to eight, perhaps for listeners who enjoy the idea of magic but don’t mind a gentle pace. It may not become a family favorite, but it’s a lovely one-time read—perfect for those cozy winter nights when a little dash of holiday charm is all you need.
As we embrace the holiday season together, I appreciate the conversations stirred and the moments shared—all part of the beautiful chaos of parenting. In the end, maybe it’s those tiny memories that make the biggest impacts, and for that, I’ll keep The Polar Express tucked in our collection, alongside other stories of whimsy and wonder. After all, magic can come in many forms, and it often surfaces in the most unexpected ways.
