Fiction - African, Fairy Tales & Folklore - Regional, Fiction - Nature, Fiction - General & Miscellaneous
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Overview
A long time ago -- a very long time ago -- thunder and lightning didn't live in the sky. Uh-uh! They lived right in a village on the west coast of Alkebulan -- called Africa today. Thunder was a mother sheep and Lightning was her son.But Thunder and Lightning no longer live on the west coast of Africa -- or in any village, for that matter. Where they live now and how that came to be is what this story is all about, told in Ashley Bryan's rhythmic prose and vibrant, colorful illustrations.
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.
Editorials
Toniaka Thomas
The Story of Lightning and Thunder is one that any child between the ages of 4 to 8 will enjoy. Ashley Bryan creates loveable characters in this heartwarming story. Lightning manifests itself as a very rambunctious young ram and Thunder, his mother, is characterized as a mother sheep who struggles happily to keep her son in line. Children will enjoy this book because of its fluid writing style, colorful illu-strations, and satisfying conclusion.— Black Issue Book Review
Publishers Weekly -
"Joyful in both word and palette," said PW, "this African story tells why lightning and thunder reside in the sky and not on earth, as they once did." Ages 4-8. (Jan.)Publishers Weekly -
Joyful in both word and palette, this African story tells why lightning and thunder reside in the sky and not on earth, as they once did. Ma Sheep Thunder and Son Ram Lightning live in an African village, summoning Rain by racing through the mountains at the King's request. But Son Ram Lightning gets into mischief--butting people, munching on straw hats in the marketplace, and accidentally setting a fire. The exasperated King finally banishes mother and son to the sky, where they live today except for occasional earthly forays in which frisky Lightning strikes anything in his path and his mother runs after him, calling him back home. Bryan takes a highly conversational, genial tone, with frequent interjections of ``uh-huh'' and ``uh-uh,'' that quickly develops camaraderie between the reader, the narrator, the sprited ram, and his frazzled mother. Brilliantly colored and ingeniously patterned, Bryan's illustrations are a playful take on stained glass. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)Children's Literature -
Artist/author Ashley Bryan illustrates and tells this story as Southern Nigerian youngsters have heard it told for generations. Since it comes from an oral tradition, the story works particularly well as a read-aloud and Bryan's pictures filled with energy will also intrigue listeners.Book Details
Published
January 1, 1999
Publisher
New York, N.Y. : Aladdin Paperbacks, 1999.
Pages
32
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780689824500