The book "The Polar Express" was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. He is an American author and illustrator known for this and other celebrated children's books such as "Jumanji." "The Polar Express" was published in 1985 and has become a classic Christmas story for young children. Van Allsburg won the Caldecott Medal for the illustrations in this book. The story was inspired by his childhood memories and imagination, and it is partially set in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
