The Polar Express: The Movie: The Journey Begins : An Early Reader (Polar Express: The Movie (Paperback))

Rating:
Summary: Things Seen in the Movie.
Review: The idea behind this short book is that Boy in the story puts together a memory/scrapbook to remember his adventures to the North Pole. The book includes selected photos from the movie along with other items (ticket stub, bottle cap, etc.) that have been imprinted in the album. The book is divided into several different sections that talk about things that were seen in the movie and fills in information about each one. The legend of the Christmas stocking and one of the many legends of the Christmas tree are included, as well as a scientific explanation of the aurora borealis, a recipe for hot chocolate, suggestions for making one's own wrapping paper, the difference between a caribou and reindeer, what makes a bell jingle, and several other things. Granted the book is a merchandising ploy. Nevertheless, there are just enough tasty nuggets of information that make it a notch above the average movie "memory" book.

Rating:
Summary: Boring Beginning Then "The End"
Review: Unfortunately when this title includes "The Journey Begins", it is only referring to the opening scene of the movie. Most of the 32 pages picture a boy in his room with dark and subdued hues. The story does not proceed to the interior of the train and its colorful characters and spell-binding pace. It is very disappointing for the young reader to whom it is directed.