Readers Not So Anonymous discussion

The boy's friend told him that Santa doesn't exist, but the boy continues to believe. Think of a time in your own life that you have experienced this situation. How does it feel to keep firm when other people tell you you are wrong?

Notice how Van Allsburg adds to his descriptions of the train ride to the North Pole by comparing one thing to another (give some examples). How does this kind of descriptive language add to the story for you?

The boy can ask Santa Claus for anything in the world. Why do you think he chooses a simple bell?

Why can the boy and his sister hear the bell while their parents cannot?
Why can the boy still hear the bell as an adult, while his sister and friends cannot?
What do you think Van Allsburg wants the bell to represent?

Would you have gotten on the train?

What do you think the ghost on the train represents (if anything)?

How do you think the train conductor got his “job”?

What is the train conductors ultimate role? Other than providing kiddos with hot chocolate!