If you like The Polar Express, you’ll like these books (and websites)

Books by Chris Van Allsburg

Ben’s Dream by Chris Van Allsburg ()

On a terrifically rainy day, Ben has a dream in which he and his house float by the monuments of the world, half submerged in flood water.

Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg ()

Left on their own for an afternoon, two bored and restless children find more excitement than they bargained for in a mysterious and mystical jungle adventure board game.

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg ()

When the dog he is caring for runs away from Alan into the forbidden garden of a retired dog-hating magician, a spell seems to be cast over the contrary dog.

The Sweetest Fig by Chris Van Allsburg ()

"These figs are very special", the woman whispered. "They can make your dreams come true". Monsieur Bibot, the cold-hearted dentist, doesn’t believe her. But he’s in for the biggest surprise of his life.

The Wreck of the Zephyr by Chris Van Allsburg ()

A boy's ambition to be the greatest sailor in the world brings him to ruin when he misuses his new ability to sail his boat in the air.

Zathura: A Space Adventure by Chris Van Allsburg ()

Twenty years after "Jumanji" (1981), Van Allsburg picks up where he left off, with Danny and Walter Budwing discovering an oblong box in the park that unleashes a new series of reckless characters.

Christmas Books

Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera ()

When her eccentric Auntie Claus leaves for her annual business trip, Sophie stows away in her luggage, travels with her to the North Pole, and discovers that her aunt is really Santa's sister and helper.

Christmas City by Michael Garland ()

Tommy goes to meet his aunt in the city, but she leaves a trail of rhyming clues for him to follow in order to find her. He is soon whisked away in a magical taxi to a bustling metropolis where it's Christmas every day.

Harvey Slumfengurger’s Christmas Present by John Burningham ()

On discovering late Christmas Eve that he has forgotten to deliver one present, Santa Claus wearily makes his way in a variety of conveyances to the top of the Roly Poly Mountains to deliver it.

Little Whistle’s Christmas by Cynthia Rylant ()

With the help of Little Whistle, a real guinea pig, the toys in Toytown write to Santa asking if he made them. On Christmas, a note arrives "from Santa, who made you," along with a magical box that always contains exactly what each toy needs.

Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies ()

A Macy's Department Store Santa who insists his name is Kris Kringle teaches everyone a lesson in love, faith and the value of imagination.

On Christmas Eve by Liz Rosenberg ()

Unable to reach Aunt Cleo's house on Christmas Eve because of a wild snowstorm, a young boy worries that Santa Claus won't be able to find his family at the motel where they are stranded.

On Christmas Eve by Peter Collington ()

Dozens of tiny fairies guide Santa Claus to the home of a little girl who lives in a house without a chimney.

Pieces of Christmas by Teri Sloat ()

Each of the stamps on the letters to Santa paints a different, enchanting picture of holiday spirit all over the world. In these fanciful verses, animals from Africa to Antarctica celebrate Christmas in their own very special ways.

Santa Calls by William Joyce ()

The best of the old, the best of the new, the best that is yet to be--that's how Polar City, home of Santa, is described by young Art Aimesworth who journeys north by special invitation from Santa himself.

Santa’s Book of Names by David McPhail ()

A young boy who has trouble reading helps Santa with his yearly rounds and receives a special Christmas present.

SantaKid by James Patterson ()

A businessman who is not very nice has bought the North Pole and Christmas, threatening to ruin that special day, and only Chrissie, Santa's daughter, seems to believe Christmas can be saved.

The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza by David Shannon ()

When a neighbor makes fun of his puny Christmas decorations, Mr. Merriweather embarks on a decorating binge the likes of which have never been seen.

The Christmas Ship by Dean Morrissey ()

With the help of animated toys, Joey and Sam the toymaker board a magical ship to help Father Christmas distribute gifts on Christmas Eve.

The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien ()

A collection of illustrated letters from Father Christmas recapping the activities of the preceding year at the North Pole. The letters were written by the author to his children.

The Last Chimney of Christmas Eve by Linda Oatman High ()

After Nicholas, a chimney sweep, receives a red furry coat, he returns to the rooftops to pass on the kindness he was given.

The Light of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans ()

Every year Alexander and his mother witness the lighting of the Christmas tree. This year the Keeper of the Flame will choose the person who has given the truest gift of Christmas to light the flame.

Under the Christmas Tree by Nikki Grimes ()

Glimpses of Christmastime from a child's eyes, in the form of 23 poems that shine with all the hallmarks of the season.

Websites

Advent Calendars

Count down the days to Christmas with Tate the cat. The 2004 calendar won’t be accessible until December 1st, but you can look at past calendars from 1997 – 2003.

Chris Van Allsburg

The amazing, interactive website of the author of The Polar Express.

Christmas at the White House

Christmas stories and activities along with photos of past White House Christmas celebrations.

NASA's Santa Tracker

The North American Aerospace Defense Command’s website for tracking Santa’s travels.

Polar Express

You’ll find fun, games, information about the book, the author and the new movie. This site is for kids, parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers and anyone who loves The Polar Express.

Polar Express Movie

The official website for the new movie.