About This Book
Ashley Bryan's 'The Story of Lightning and Thunder' is a delightful retelling of a Nigerian folktale that explains the origins of these powerful weather phenomena. It follows Ma Sheep Thunder and her rambunctious son, Ram Lightning, whose playful but destructive nature leads to their banishment from Earth to the sky. The book is praised for its lyrical language, incorporating rhyme and wordplay, making it an excellent read-aloud. Bryan's distinctive, energetic illustrations bring the story to life, capturing the vibrant spirit of the tale. This book offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to diverse cultural stories and spark conversations about natural science and the consequences of one's actions.
In this retelling of a West African tale, Ma Sheep Thunder and her impetuous son Ram Lightning are forced to leave their home on Earth because of the trouble Ram causes.
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Discussion Prompts
1
What kind of trouble did Ram Lightning cause? How do you think his actions made others feel?
2
Why do you think Ma Sheep Thunder stayed with her son, even when he caused problems?
3
What are some other stories or myths you know that explain natural things like the sun, moon, or stars?
4
If you could ask Lightning or Thunder a question, what would it be?
5
What does this story teach us about being responsible for our actions?
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