Bringing Your Child's Book to Life: The Polar Express

I remember reading a post from one of my favorite bloggers, A Cup of Jo on brining your child's favorite book to life. At that time, Andres was only a baby, but I thought how cute would this idea be once Andres gets a little older. Now that Andres is almost turning 3 years old (next month!) we've been reading The Polar Express almost every night. He's so into trains and with Christmas right around the corner he absolutely loves it.

Well, imagine my excitement when I found out The Gold Coast Railroad Museum was brining the Polar Express to life. I told Andres we were going on the Polar Express and he was so excited.

Just like the book, he got dressed up in his pajamas and I also invited my sister-in-law and niece to come along. As soon as Andres saw the train his eyes lit up. It was so adorable.

It was a 60 minute ride (the train actually moves!) and during the ride they played christmas carols while the chefs danced and the kids also got to listen to the book.

And doesn't my little niece, Isabella, look so cute with her doll.

The "conductor" also passed by to stamp the tickets while Andy enjoyed hot cocoa (like the book).

Finally, the trip wouldn't be complete without the visit to the North Pole. Andy got to meet Santa Clause and as a little souvenir at the end of the trip he got a sleigh bell, like the one the boy received in the book.  As soon as we got home, Andy insisted we put it up on the Christmas Tree.

Now, every time we read the book at night (and they show the sleigh bell) he tells me "Mama, I have that one!) He hasn't stopped talking about his trip on the Polar Express.


Would you guys do this? What book would you recreate? I'd love to know.