1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bryan, Ashley. 1993. THE STORY OF LIGHTNING & THUNDER. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. ISBN 0-689-31836-7
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Set a long, long time ago on the coast of Alkebu-lan (today's Africa), Bryan tells the myth of origins of thunder and of lightning. Once the most honored inhabitants of their kingdom, Ma Sheep Thunder and her Son Ram Lightning live on Earth among the villagers. Ma Sheep loves to visit and talk with the people while Son Ram tends to get into mischief. When the villagers need their help during times of drought, the mother and son respond by calling their friend Rain. Like many young people though Son Ram wanted to grow up a little fast and not listen to the wise advice and guidance of his mother. After Son Ram stampeded in the village, the King sent mother and son to live on the outskirts of the village. Failing to heed his mother's caution again, Son Ram destroyed a marketplace shop leading the King to send them even further from the village. Finally, after causing a large and damaging fire in his impetuousness, Son Ram and Ma Sheep Thunder are told it is no longer safe for them to live on Earth among the people. The King sent them to the sky. And now Thunder and Lightning reside there signaling the coming of Rain, helping the village from afar. On occasion Lightning gets far ahead of his mother and touches the Earth, still causing mischief.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This classic tale explains how elements of storms came to be. With sharp illustrations of bold colors, Bryan retells a long standing oral tale of West Africa. A wide variety of colors are included in the palette of this book and reflect those associated with the African culture. This tale provides a rich fabric of African culture through reflections of art, musical instruments, period homes, and dress.
The illustrations of the lead characters convey unique emotions of the duo. Ma Sheep has a maternal appearance and is portrayed as enjoying social interactions with humans. She pursues her son to lend correction and appears frustrated with him at appropriate points in the story. Son Ram's illustrations convey whimsy and mischievous intentions. Even when he attempts to do helpful acts, Ram is not clear and thoughtful in his actions. His portrait is of a young boy trying to grow into his own person. Bryan vividly describes in word and depiction a mother and son chasing across the mountains and skies.
As with many examples of traditional children's literature, The Story of Lightning & Thunder carries strong messages for the reader. The timeless lessons of growing up and heeding a parent's words and instruction are clearly the primary theme. Yet, a more subtle message that can be taken from the tale is the potential consequence of trying to be something you aren't or something you aren't prepared to be. Ma enjoyed being with people but that was not her place. Son Ram like playing with children but physically shocked them because of his power. Without intent they caused trials for the villagers.
Ashley Bryan crafts another tale of celebration of African heritage with this story. His cultural presentation in art carries the story forward and fits perfectly with the age-old myth. The reader is drawn in with the subtle rhythm of the storytelling. Any student will enjoy this ride of color and magic.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Kirkus Reviews (1993)- "a delightful adaptation of a Nigerian folktale"
Publishers Weekly (1999) - "joyful in both word and palette"
5. CONNECTIONS
*have students conduct a web search of African folklore and traditional literature to find other stories like The Story of Lightning & Thunder
*have students create a photo collage of African art and other traditional African elements of culture
*read other works of Ashley Bryan, like Beautiful Blackbird, and compare the cultural messages in his works
*read works reflective of other cultures, like those from a Hispanic heritage, and have students identify differences in presentation and portrayals
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