Testimonials

Below are some of the comments we’ve received from poets, writers, students, parents, and educators:

"I am writing to offer praise concerning your publishing company. I have been writing for most of my life and was given the opportunity in 2009 to be published with your company; this excelled my passion and I have since had my stories published with Polar Expressions and also with other companies. I would like to say that Polar Expressions is an incredible place for both new and established authors to submit their work. The contests are great and are a joy to be a part of and I also am very appreciative of the fact that there is no entry fee. I hope you can continue to offer your services in the future."
—Chad Durling, Writer, Nova Scotia

"I wanted to take the time to thank you all . . . and to let you know what an honour it is to have been selected. As you know, this is my fourth time being published in your short-story anthologies, but the first time I've received an Honourable Mention from you and I couldn't be happier. It was such a surprise (a very pleasant one!) to open the packages you sent and discover the letter congratulating me. I am excited and can't wait to enter next year's competition. Once again, thank you to all of you for your hard work . . . the book looks amazing!"
—Sonia S., Writer, British Columbia

"Thanks ever so much for the copy of the The Calling and the Honourable Mention on your latest contest for my bit. . . . I am reading with great interest many of the other selections and feel fortunate indeed you considered my poem worthy of such distinction."
—Richard G., Poet, Ontario

"I am absolutely thrilled to have made your honourable mention list for this year's contest. This was the first fiction I have ever written. I found it harder than magazine writing but really enjoyed it. Hopefully it will inspire me to try more. Thank you."
—Margaret M., Writer, British Columbia

"I wish to thank you so much for the publishing of my brother's poem as it has given him hope and strength. He is now a survivor of cancer and is doing great."
—Catherine M., Poet, British Columbia

"I am so grateful to have the wonderful opportunity to be published for the second time. I have heard wonderful things about your company as well as my personal experience has been great. I continue to write, but also have gained a greater passion for writing as well as a deeper interest in literature in general because of Polar Expressions. I still enjoy last year's poetry book, The Journey, and feel so driven and have a greater joy in the written word. To see fellow Canadians' poetry is splendid, I am happy to have this in my home."
—Julie S., Poet, British Columbia

"Thanks to you and everyone at Polar Expressions for initiating the writing contests and showcasing the multitude of talent our citizens have to offer!"
—Jessica F., Poet, Ontario

"Thank you . . . for giving aspiring writers and poets an opportunity to publicly show their creations to the world. Your contests are certainly ideal vehicles for doing so."
—Alfred F., Poet and Writer, Ontario

"Today I received the letter indicating that I had been successful in progressing to the finals . . . and that my story would be published. It's difficult to express the feeling of satisfaction this gave me. As an aspiring writer, in what sometimes appears to be an impossible field to break into, this gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my goal to be a successful author . . . the fact that I will see some of my work in print is an amazing feeling. I want to thank you for holding this contest and giving hopeful writers, like myself, the chance of realizing their dream."
— Jason H., Writer, Ontario

"Wow! I was truly elated to read that my story has been chosen for publishing . . . having mine selected has been an enormous boost to my confidence as I contemplate venturing down a brand new path. Thank you for the gift . . . and for the opportunity that you offer to all Canadians to share their stories, share their hearts, and grow in every way."
—Anne K., Writer, British Columbia

"Words escape me in trying to describe to you how elated I felt when I received your letter telling me that my short story was selected to be published. . . . Once again thank you from the bottom of my heart, your kind words of encouragement mean the world to me."
—Louise L., Writer, Manitoba

"There's something about having a peer's work published in print for all to see that is very empowering for the individual, but for the school community as a whole. Thanks for continuing to support student writing, creativity, and artistic endeavours."
—Jeff Y., Educator, British Columbia

"It is this kind of exercise that encourages children and shows them that if they work hard they will be rewarded."
—Karla F., Parent, Ontario

"Thank you so much for all you do for these kids. It is great to see them light up when they hear their story will be published."
—Blair H., Educator, Alberta

"Thank you for all the work. You are doing such a great thing for our children."
—Michael L., Parent, Ontario

"Thanks for giving this opportunity to me! It means a lot to be able to enter my writing into these competitions."
—Sarah K., Participant, Saskatchewan

"Thank you again for making this a great opportunity for the students to have their work published. I will continue to spread the word."
—Sheran B., Educator, Ontario

"I thank you for your time and encouragement you have given me and to the many writers across the country."
—Gemma T., Writer, British Columbia

"I don't think I can possibly express how thankful I am that you chose my story; so these two words will have to cover it: Thank You. . . . I am very grateful to you for providing the opportunity."
—Shannon G., Writer, Manitoba

"Thank you for your letter informing me that my entry . . . has been short-listed. . . . I am so excited!."
—Marion I., Writer, British Columbia

"Thanks again for all you do. Writing has become such an important part of these children's lives thanks a lot to your competition."
—Jan J., Educator, Ontario

"Your contest certainly motivated many of my students. Thank you for taking the time to celebrate children's writing."
—Shauna C., Educator, Ontario

"The students love to see their words in print and share the books around. Thank you for the opportunity."
—Betty W., Educator, Alberta

"Thank you for the copy of Harbour. It is another great collection of poetry by young Canadian students. I hope to continue promoting this opportunity for students in the schools where I work. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase their literary talents and share the work of peers from coast to coast. Thank you."
—Sheran B., Educator, Ontario

"I would like to thank you for offering this contest to the students. It has made a difference here. . . . Once again I thank you."
—Betty P., Educator, Ontario

"Thank you for the wonderful opportunity that you provide to our young writers."
—Lily R., Parent, Alberta

"Thank you for organizing this contest. . . . One never knows how one small 'win' or 'word of praise' or accomplishment might change a path for a young person."
—Denise M., Parent, Ontario

"I am glad that my writing has been so well received and am extremely grateful for the generous reward you have given me. Thank you, sincerely, for this opportunity."
—Kaleb W., Writer, Saskatchewan

"The Solitude book arrived today, and it's perfect! As a fan of herons and solitude, the cover truly appeals to me. It's graceful, warm, and welcoming. I'm also impressed with the spacious layout of the poems, the biographical information, and the index listing. . . . The book size is perfect too—very comfortable to hold and to read. It's truly thrilling to see a poem of mine in print. I'm honoured to have my work included in this collection. Many thanks to you, and all the other creative caring souls at Polar Expressions, for presenting this opportunity and for making the end result so special."
—Anne K., Poet, British Columbia.

“What a great way to have Canadian writers published. Kudos to you."
—Sheila G., Writer, Ontario

"Thank you so much for listening! I appreciate having an opportunity to express myself! Quite unexpected, really!"
—Debbie P., Poet, Ontario

"Thank you so much. . . . It is a true honour and I cannot stop thanking my lucky stars to have ended up in Canada. It is a beautiful culture and country too."
—Theresa H., Poet, Ontario

"Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity being part of the competition."
—Lynda B., Poet, Ontario

"I want to express to you how grateful I am to have the opportunity you have given me, and many other budding Canadian writers, to have my writing acknowledged and published. . . . I am thrilled and very encouraged."
—Sharon B., Poet and Writer, Ontario

"Many of the students in my class are very excited about the contest. They . . . recently discovered that they can write, and even enjoy it. They have worked hard . . . and are delighted at the idea of being published. We look forward to entering this contest again next year as well. Thank you for encouraging my students to shine, because now they do."
—Denine L., Educator, Manitoba

"Thank you again for holding this competition. They were so proud, they could hardly contain themselves. It was also great for them to read other children's writing in order to expand their style and thought. The books were terrific. Thanks again."
—Jan. J., Educator, Ontario

"I would like to thank you for the opportunity. . . . It is important that students have an outlet outside of class where their work may be recognized."
—Candice N., Educator, Ontario

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank you again. . . . Your contest is a great way to encourage today's youth to write and has inspired my students to show off their writing skills."
—Emese G., Educator, Québec

"I just want to take this opportunity to thank Polar Expressions for giving all the students this amazing chance. Keep up the good work."
—Catherine S., Parent, Ontario

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm so thrilled to win first prize and honourable mention in your 2008 contests. You made my day, my week, my month. And what a great time of year to get any extra $$. Now I feel like a writer for the first time."
—Bernice B., Writer and Poet, Nova Scotia

"Last year I entered your free poetry competition by submitting some genuine slush poetry and it was promptly rejected. But because of PE [Polar Expressions], I started writing more and more poems. I am happy to report that I have finally succeeded in getting one of my poems published. . . . Thank you, PE, for challenging me, for giving me an opportunity to free the poet that was trapped inside my head all these years. I am now a published poet and part of that credit goes to PE."
—Stephen J., Poet

"Thank you . . . for providing such wonderful opportunities for children."
—Bonnie B.G., Parent, British Columbia

"Thanks for listening."
—Sharon B., Poet, British Columbia

"I am sincerely appreciative to you for considering my poem worthy of recognition. Thank you. It really means a lot to me."
—Katherine K., Poet, Nova Scotia

"Thank you for the encouragement this gives me to continue writing."
—Teresa S., Poet, British Columbia.

“This is everything to me. I am truly honoured."
—Tabitha N., Poet, British Columbia

"Thank you for reading my poem and taking the time with it. This really pleased me."
—Bernie M., Poet, Ontario

"Thanks for another reason to keep writing."
—Ken A., Writer, Ontario

"Thank you for considering my story. It means the world."
—Laura T., Writer, Alberta

"I would like to thank you for everything you’ve done for young authors across Canada. This contest means a lot to me and to think that I’m finally a published author is almost too exciting to bear. Last year when I received the letter that I was to be published I got so excited that I couldn’t stop talking about it! And just to add to the excitement, I got a letter a few months later describing that I had received third prize in the contest. . . .”
—Hannah Z., Student, Ontario

“Kudos to your company for giving students the opportunity to express themselves.”
—Geraldine H., Grandparent, Ontario

“I would like to thank you for this amazing chance for our students to feel that their words have not fallen on deaf ears. You have no idea how much this means to them.”
—Jan J., Educator, Ontario

“With opportunities like Polar Expressions, our students are able to improve their literacy skills while gaining an appreciation for Canadian literature.”
—Dave G., Principal, Ontario

“Thank you for making this contest available. It was an excellent opportunity for my students to polish some writing skills and exercise some creativity.”
—Wilma V., Educator, British Columbia

“Thank you for all you do! Please continue!”
—Pam G., Educator, Saskatchewan

"Thank you for the honour . . . ! It is a fun opportunity to be a part of this!”
—Deanna L., Student, British Columbia

“Thanks for the wonderful opportunity for students to write, be judged and published. These two girls are thrilled! And have been honoured at being chosen.”
—Brenda, Educator, Saskatchewan

“Thank-you. It is all very exciting. It is very nice to see that some of my students were selected . . . I think it is a terrific opportunity and learning experience.”
—Jocelyn B., Educator, Alberta

“I am just writing, to thank you for choosing it [a poem], I greatly appreciate it and am very excited that it will be published. Thank you very very much.”
—W.T., Student, Quebec

“Thanks for supporting and encouraging young authors.”
—Tom S.A., Educator, Ontario

“Thanks so much for offering this program. The children are very excited.”
—Debbie B., Educator, Ontario

“Thank you for this opportunity to enter your contest. . . . It was interesting to hear the colourful language emerging in their stories and how different stories they heard influenced their imaginations. Your contest also gives a purpose to compose. Thanks!”
—Nancy R., Educator, Alberta

“Thank you so much for what you are doing for our youth.”
—Steve B., Parent, Ontario