
A parent might reach for this book when their child is captivated by the power of a thunderstorm and asks, 'Where does it come from?' This beautiful retelling of a Plains Indian legend follows a young boy named Scarface on a quest to find the great Storm Maker and ask for rain for his people. It's a tale filled with wonder, reverence for nature, and quiet courage. Perfect for ages 5 to 9, it offers a spiritual, mythological answer to questions about weather, wrapped in stunning, culturally significant artwork.
The story is a creation myth rooted in Plains Indian spirituality (specifically Blackfoot and Cheyenne traditions). It is presented directly and respectfully as a belief system. There are no other sensitive topics like death or violence. The resolution is hopeful and empowering.
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Sign in to write a reviewA child aged 6 to 8 who is curious about weather, loves mythology, and appreciates detailed, stylized artwork. This book is for the child who asks big 'why' questions about the natural world and is satisfied by stories that are more spiritual than scientific. Also excellent for children interested in Native American cultures.
Parents should read the author's note at the beginning of the book. It provides essential context about the story's origins in Plains Indian culture and the meaning behind the illustrations. The book can be read cold, but this context enriches the experience and helps frame the story as a cultural belief, not just a fantasy tale. A child watches a thunderstorm with fascination (or a little fear) and asks, "How is thunder made?" or "Who makes it rain?" The parent is looking for a story that captures the magic and power of nature, rather than a purely scientific explanation.
A younger child (5-6) will be enchanted by the visuals: the thunder-bird, the lightning-serpent, and the idea of a tipi that makes storms. An older child (7-9) will better grasp the deeper themes of balance, respect for nature's power, and the cultural significance of the story as a sacred legend.
Paul Goble's Caldecott-winning illustration style, based on Plains Indian ledger art, is wholly unique. It transforms the book from a simple folktale into an immersive cultural artifact. Unlike many weather books that focus on science, this one offers a deeply spiritual and mythological perspective with authenticity and respect.
During a great drought, a young man named Scarface is chosen to journey to the home of the Storm Maker to ask for rain. He finds the sacred tipi where the Storm Maker lives with his family. Inside, Scarface is shown the powerful beings and objects that create weather: a great bird for thunder, a serpent for lightning, and bags of wind. He learns about the balance of nature and is gifted a replica of the tipi, giving him the power to call the rain and help his people.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.