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The Polar Express

(1985, Fiction - Holiday, Written by Chris Van Allsburg, Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 2, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    One of the most beautiful Christmas books.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A boy about eight-years-old sneaks out of his house.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Polar Express

Parents need to know that lush drawings of the winter world seen through the eyes of a child complement the quietly elegant story.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about faith. Why can the boy and his sister hear the bell, but the adults cannot? Have you ever believed something other people told you wasn't true? Why did you continue to believe? How did you feel?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    lexijacksmom
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Parent Reviewer
    kristyn
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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