No certainly this can’t be true? Has it really been 30 years since that magical Christmas tale of a train pulling up into a young boys front yard and hurling him over hill and dale until he reaches the North Pole? Oh, with hot chocolate of course.
To my astonishment, it’s true. Thirty years later, The Polar Express has become a holiday Caldecott Medal-winning classic leaving children all over the world laying quietly in their beds on Christmas Eve, hoping to catch a ride on that magical train.
For 30 years author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg has inspired us to “believe.”
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has released a 30th anniversary edition complete with a new jacket design, expanded interior layout meaning we get to see and experience more goodness, a letter from Chris Van Allsburg, a downloadable recording of the story read by none other than renowned actor Liam Neeson and a gorgeous golden keepsake ornament.
The added benefit is that HMH has generously given Jump into a Book a copy to give away! See below for Rafflecopter Giveaway details.
Along with this good news are oodles of things to do.
Somethings To Do
Want to Ride the Polar Express
This season there are more than 50 Polar Express train rides around the United States. Riders will enjoy listening to author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg reading the book, while they drink hot chocolate, eat nougat as they travel north to meet Santa Claus. Of course there will be a jingle bell to help each traveler to “believe” in the magic of December 24th.
Now here’s the big news……The Polar Express is having a sweepstakes where one lucky family of 4 will get to journey north on the Polar Express from Durango Colorado. The Sweepstake runs from October 15-December 31st 2015. To learn more about how you can enter please visit www.polarexpress.com
One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive:
- Four tickets to ride THE POLAR EXPRESSTM Train Ride in gorgeous Durango, Colorado*
- Four round-trip airfare tickets
- Two nights in a hotel
- Four free ski lift tickets to Purgatory Resort
- A free signed copy of The Polar Express: 30th Anniversary Edition
What inspired author/Ilustrator Chris Van Allsburg to write the Polar Express?
This great interview on Story monsters will give you a up close and behind the scenes look at what inspired Chris Van Allsburg to write this classic holiday tale.
Tasty Treats From the North Pole Kitchen
You know that you get to eat everything you’re not suppose to on the Polar Express and one never gets a belly ache. Here are some favorite recipes from that magical train ride. How could we ever refuse Snowball cakes, cozy hot chocolate, or reindeer chocolate mint cookies ? Well we can’t and it’s as simple as that.
Interactive Count-down Calendar
Starting December 1st, you and your family, classroom, or community, can experience an innovative way the count down to Christmas. Each day holds a ew delight for families, such as Polar Chocolate Nougat Caramel squares, reindeer crafts, online games, mazes, and more. Be sure to go each day to find a little moment of goodness. You can find it right here.
The Ultimate Polar Express Party Kit
All Aboard !!!! Why not host a Polar Express Pajama Party? This kit has everything you’ll need to have hours of fun. Not only are there round trip tickets, but amazing games, crafts, invites, name tags, ideas about how to present the story, more amazing recipes, music, print outs and much much much more. Loads of fun.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
ONE winner will receive a copy of The Polar Express 30th Anniversary book. Giveaway begins November 19, 2015
- Prizing & samples courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Giveaway open to US addresses only
- ONE lucky winner will win one copy of each of the above books.
- Residents of USA only please.
- Must be 18 years or older to enter
- One entry per household.
- Staff and family members of Audrey Press are not eligible.
- Grand Prize winner has 48 hours to claim prize
- Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on 12/31/15
The post The Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition Book Review & Giveaway appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
Add a Comment