From two-time Caldecott winner Chris Van Allsburg, creator of Jumanji and The Polar Express, comes a poignant story of one hamster's struggle with destiny. Being a pet store hamster isn't much fun for Sweetie Pie, but life in human homes proves downright perilous. As Sweetie Pie longingly gazes out of his cage at the squirrels frolicking in the trees, he wonders if he'll ever have the chance to feel the wind in his fur. Allsburg's expressive, soft-hued illustrations artfully capture a hamster's-eye view of the wide and wonderful world where maybe, just maybe, Sweetie Pie could someday run free.
Listen as two-time Caldecott medal winner Chris Van Allsburg talks about his new book Queen of the Falls, the story of the first woman to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
More than 25 years ago, a mysterious man named Harris Burdick visited a Boston publisher and delivered 14 fascinating drawings and captions, with the promise of more to come.
Awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1986, The Polar Express has sold more than 7 million copies, become a classic holiday movie, and been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season.
Visit http://www.polarexpress.com for the countdown calendar.