The Polar Express is a 1985 children's book (ISBN 0-86264-143-8) written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, a former professor at the Rhode Island School of Design. The popularity of the book has spawned several holiday trains around the United States that offer a themed experience replicating, to varying degrees, the storyline in "The Polar Express." No other place in Southern Alabama or Northwest Florida can match the glory and fun filled setting as right here in the Derailed Diner, Robertsdale AL!