A little story for every season
Seasonal Bookshelf
Some books feel right at home beside falling leaves. Others belong under the Christmas tree or in a bag packed for summer adventures.
This is a place for stories that help us slow down and enjoy the season with a child we love—through holidays, family traditions, and the little changes happening right outside the window.
First on this shelf: The Polar Express. Start with a Christmas journey, then return as more seasonal stories join the collection.
Christmas & Winter · First on this shelf
The Polar Express
Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg
A train waiting outside on Christmas Eve. A journey to the North Pole. A little room for wonder.
The Polar Express follows a young boy aboard a magical Christmas train. It’s a story to settle into together, with pictures worth lingering over and an invitation to imagine something extraordinary.
Through my teacher’s lens
This book gives us a lovely reason to slow down and look closely. Before turning a page, invite your child to notice the light, the setting, or a small detail in the illustration. Ask what that detail makes them think might happen next.
A thoughtful match for: children who enjoy trains, Christmas stories, and imagining a journey beyond the everyday.
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See The Polar Express on AmazonCheck the listing for the edition and format you prefer, or ask for the book at your local library.
A little conversation
Pick one question if it fits the moment. You can always just enjoy the story.
- Which picture would you like to step into? What might you hear or feel there?
- What makes this train ride different from an ordinary journey?
- What makes something special to you, even if it seems ordinary to someone else?
Make a ticket to somewhere wonderful
Fold a piece of paper into a pretend train ticket. Invite your child to choose a destination, draw the ticket, and tell you what happens when the train arrives.
It might be the North Pole, a grandparent’s house, or a place that exists only in their imagination. Drawing, dictating, or telling the story aloud all count.
For the child who wants to go deeper
Ask, “How do the words and pictures work together to make an ordinary night feel extraordinary?” Let your child point to a detail and explain their thinking. There’s room for more than one answer.
Explore more: The publisher’s Polar Express activities and teacher resources.
Read through the year
There’s always something to notice.
Start with our Christmas selection below, and watch for more books as this shelf grows.
Fall & Thanksgiving
Changing leaves, harvest days, gratitude, and gathering around the table. A lovely time to notice what’s changing and talk about the people and everyday things we appreciate.
Book recommendations coming soon.
Christmas & Winter
Christmas stories, treasured traditions, acts of kindness, and cozy winter days. Stories to share when you’re ready to settle in together for a few quiet minutes.
On this shelf: The Polar Express →
Spring & Easter
New beginnings, growing things, rainy days, and Easter traditions. Plenty of room for questions about the world waking up around us.
Book recommendations coming soon.
Summer & Everyday Adventures
Long days, outdoor discoveries, family visits, and a little imagination. Books to enjoy on the porch, on a trip, or wherever a summer day takes you.
Book recommendations coming soon.
A small idea to try
Let the season start the conversation.
After a story, you might ask, “What did you notice in this book that we’ve seen outside?” or “Does this family do anything that reminds you of ours?”
Then let the child lead. A favorite picture, a funny memory, or a question you weren’t expecting may be the best part.
There’s no need to plan a whole activity. Sometimes a good story and a few minutes together are plenty.
Looking for a story to share today?
Head back to Audrey’s Bookshelf to explore the books already on the shelves, including our first featured story, Madeline.
Back to Audrey’s Bookshelf