You will hear the bells after reading this book!

With a new reader in our family, my husband and I have a new family tradition - reading Polar Express over and over and over during the Christmas season.

I had heard about this book for years from friends with children and from teachers that I had worked with. Museum cohorts had also mentioned it because of the stunning illustrations. With a two-year-old who loves trains, I finally had the excuse to buy the book. I was in tears by the time I finished reading it the first time - what a powerful story about the Christmas spirit and the ability of some of us to keep Christmas in their hearts.

My son was totally transfixed and won't let me turn the pages until he has had plenty of time to look at each illustration. And they are wonderful -- Allsburg is a true artist. There is a lovely dreamy quality that is completely suited to the plot of the story.

We have bought copies for all of our friends with children, nieces and nephews, and I have found the perfect jingle bell to wrap up for my son from S.C. - he asked Santa for one the other day. Too bad, Santa hadn't read Polar Express!