Pistes d'exploration

Predict upcoming words as the book is read aloud.

Write and decorate a Christmas shape-poem using some of the words.

Use elements from your traditions or culture to make your own Christmas/holiday alphabet book, either as a group or as a class project.

Create a pop-up Christmas or holiday card and write a note inside to someone you like.

Predict upcoming Christmas words as the book is read aloud.

Create a story using words from the book.

Use elements from your traditions or culture to create your own Christmas or holiday alphabet book, working as a small group or as a class.

Investigate different ways to make a 3D or pop-up Christmas card. Make one and add a note to someone you like.

The Polar Express

Mots-clés

Picture book , alphabet , celebrations , Christmas , lift-the-flap books , symbols

Commentaire descriptif

This alphabet book brings 3-D reading to a new level. Every spread features four Christmas cards, each opening to an artful and intricate pop-up representation of a Christmas-themed object or idea. The card for the letter K, for example, opens to a pair of nuzzling reindeer, the printed message is “kiss.” Children will relate to some words immediately: the U card features a present bursting open featuring the word unwrap. Others may spark discussion about the Christmas story. V is for village, and opens to a structure reminiscent of middle-eastern architecture with a bright star shining in the sky. W, for window, shows a stained-glass Madonna and child. Friends (two snowmen in embrace) and home (with tree and decorations) provide opportunities to discuss the values underlying the holiday season. Everyone will enjoy zzzzz, a pop-up of Santa sleeping, presumably after a long night’s work. While sturdy and well-built, the extensive pop-up engineering requires special handling by young readers. For aesthetics, spirit and sheer ingenuity, this book is a great choice for seasonal reading.