What are some similes and metaphors used in the story the polar express?

First, define simile and metaphor as a class. (simile= a comparison between two unlike things, using the words like or as, i.e. “lights flickered in the distance. they looked like the lights of a strange ocean liner sailing on a frozen sea.” metaphor= a comparison between two unlike things that does not use the words like or as, i.e. “[the train] was wrapped in an apron of steam.”come up with your own examples as a class. [the sun is like a large, yellow beach ball suspended in the sky (simile). or: the tree’s branches were arms lifted toward the clouds (metaphor).]then, tell the class you’re going to read  the polar express  by chris van allsburg. every time they hear a simile, they should wave one hand at you. every time they hear a metaphor, they should wave two hands.as you read and they wave, stop to write the similes and metaphors on the board, while students record them in their notebooks (or on paper). a two-columned chart (t-chart) works great for this, with similes in one column and metaphors in the other (there will be quite a few more similes than metaphors).once you’re done with the book, discuss as a class why chris van allsburg included similes and metaphors: how did they you visualize the scenes? give each student a piece of white construction paper, and have them choose one simile or metaphor from the book to illustrate. they can write the simile or metaphor at the bottom as a caption.hang up their simile illustrations around the room…and then congratulate yourself on capitalizing on the holiday merriment with a teachable moment!