For twenty years, The Polar Express has been a worldwide bestseller and Christmas classic. To commemorate this special anniversary, this heirloom gift edition has been created. The slipcase holds a cloth copy of the book, which includes a distinctive bookplate designed by author Chris Van Allsburg exclusively for this edition. A perfect keepsake for any family, this beautiful edition can be handed down to each new generation of readers.In 1986 The Polar Express was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal and hit the New York Times bestseller list. Since that time, more than six and a half million copies have been sold, and every December it faithfully reappears on national bestseller lists. In 2004, The Polar Express became a blockbuster holiday movie. The DVD release in 2005 assures, that like the book, the movie will become a holiday classic.