Elf
What is the name of the main character who was raised by elves at the North Pole?
Buddy
What color is the Grinch?
Green
What type of vehicle takes the children to the North Pole in the story?
A train (the Polar Express)
Who is the main character that feels depressed about the commercialism of Christmas?
Charlie Brown
In this story, why does Santa decide to take a year off from delivering presents?
Santa feels people have become selfish or unappreciative, and he is tired/feels unneeded — so he considers taking a year off.
What city does the main character travel to in search of his father?
New York City
What holiday tradition in Whoville makes the Grinch especially upset?
The Whos' joyful Christmas celebrations (trees, presents, feasting, singing)
On the train, passengers are encouraged to do something to keep the spirit of Christmas. What is it?
To believe in Christmas / have faith / to keep believing
Charlie Brown’s friend Lucy offers a service for a small fee. What is that service?
Lucy offers psychiatric help / advice for five cents
Name one of the two elves or helpers (for example: a character who helps show Santa why he should deliver gifts again).
Examples: Mrs. Claus (and sometimes characters like Jingle and Jangle or other helpers depending on version) help persuade him.
The main character discovers he is much taller than the other elves. Why is this important to the story? (Short answer)
Because Buddy is human and not an elf, his size shows he doesn’t fit in the elf world and motivates his search for family.
Who is the young character that shows kindness to the Grinch and helps change him?
Cindy-Lou Who
The main child in the story struggles with believing in something. What is it?
Belief in Santa Claus (or belief in magic/Christmas)
What type of tree does Charlie Brown choose for the school play?
A small, scrawny real pine tree (the “Charlie Brown Christmas tree”)
The Jolly Green Giant–like character in the story is sometimes called “Snow Miser” or “Heat Miser.” Which one causes cold weather, and which one causes warm weather?
Snow Miser causes cold weather; Heat Miser causes warm weather.
Name one way the main character tries to spread Christmas cheer in the big city.
Decorating the department store, spreading cheer at his dad’s office, organizing holiday activities, helping people laugh.
What does the Grinch do on Christmas Eve before the Whos wake up?
He steals the Whos' presents, decorations, and roast beast from their homes
What is the significance of the bell that only believers can hear? (Short answer)
The bell represents faith; only those who believe can hear it, symbolizing innocence and belief in wonder.
What lesson does the group learn from the small, real tree Charlie Brown picks?
The lesson: the true meaning of Christmas is not about fancy decorations but about love and togetherness; the group decorates the small tree to show care.
How do the actions of townspeople or children influence Santa’s decision by the end of the story?
The caring actions of children and communities (songs, kindness, efforts to save Christmas) remind Santa of his importance, persuading him to return.
Explain how the theme of “belonging” is shown through the main character’s relationships.
The theme of belonging is shown when Buddy searches for his father and is eventually accepted by his family and friends; his kindness helps others accept him.
Explain what ultimately causes the Grinch's heart to "grow" and how the town reacts afterward.
He hears the Whos singing despite the theft, realizes Christmas isn't about gifts, his heart grows, and he returns the items and celebrates with them
How does the journey on the Polar Express help the children grow or change by the end of the story?
The journey helps children regain or confirm belief and maturity; they learn to trust and appreciate the spirit of giving.
Explain how the play shows the difference between the true meaning of Christmas and commercialism. Give one detail from the special.
Example: The special contrasts the flashy commercial show with the simple nativity message; Linus reads the nativity story, reminding everyone of Christmas’s meaning.
Describe a theme from the story about why people need celebrations like Christmas. Use an example from the plot.
Celebrations like Christmas bring people together and inspire kindness; for instance, characters work together to restore Santa’s spirit and save the holiday.