The Polar Express

Questions About The Polar Express

by Chris Van Allsburg

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Polar Express, please sign up.

Answered Questions (8)

How long does it take to read 'The Polar Express'?
Johnny 0h10m—About ten minutes, per a brisk reading of the 1996 Hardcover edition with ISBN 9780590998093.
flag
Have there been any short films or movie adaptations of 'The Polar Express'?
Johnny As of 2022, there have been:
• The Polar Express (2004)
IMDb #tt0338348 - 1h40m - 6.6/10 - Mid-High Popularity
• The Polar Express (2004) (Video Game)
IMD…moreAs of 2022, there have been:
• The Polar Express (2004)
IMDb #tt0338348 - 1h40m - 6.6/10 - Mid-High Popularity
• The Polar Express (2004) (Video Game)
IMDb #tt0433622 - Video Game - 6.3/10 - Low Popularity

Time will tell if any more are made over the years.(less)
flag
I still don't know why the kid never believed in the beginning of the whole story, if anyone knows please tell me?
Johnny The Boy (Protagonist) of the story says: "I was listening for a sound—a sound a friend had told me I'd never hear—the ringing bells of Santa's sleigh.…moreThe Boy (Protagonist) of the story says: "I was listening for a sound—a sound a friend had told me I'd never hear—the ringing bells of Santa's sleigh. 'There is no Santa,' my friend had insisted, but I knew he was wrong".

So the Boy does believe in Santa. It's his friend that doesn't. Rather, I think you're confusing the book with the movie. In the 2004 film the Boy starts out doubting Santa exists.(less)
flag
Was the character dreaming throughout this book or was this actually happening to him and he just couldn't remember it?
Rebecca It is up to interpretation. Do you believe its a dream or real?
flag
where did the idea for this book come from? how was it made up?
Johnny Regrettably, if you haven't got a response in 3 years, I doubt the author or anyone else is going to find a reliable answer to that and post it here.…moreRegrettably, if you haven't got a response in 3 years, I doubt the author or anyone else is going to find a reliable answer to that and post it here.(less)
flag

Unanswered Questions

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more