A thunderstorm evokes a boy’s family traditions in this rainy-day story from award-winning
author Melanie Florence. Benjamin loves the rain. He loves splashing through puddles in his
bright yellow rain boots and watching the colors of a rainbow in the water as they ripple
around his feet. But most of all Benjamin loves thunder. To him thunder — piyêsiwak — sounds
like his grandfather’s drum. It calls to him like the songs his grandfather plays while his
father and other powwow dancers spin and step in time to the drumbeat. As Benjamin hears the
thunder rumble overhead he imagines himself as a powwow dancer. He spins he taps his feet and
he lifts his knees. Faster and faster he twirls delighted by and filled with the rhythm of
piyêsiwak. This artfully written story from award-winning author Melanie Florence celebrates
both the universal joys of playing in the rain and the connections to family traditions that
center and ground us. Elements of Cree powwow culture and Cree words for colors and weather are
interwoven into the story with a pronunciation guide in the back matter. The vibrant and
eye-catching art by Hawlii Pichette inspired by the scenery of northern Ontario adds drama to
the pages. This inviting picture book makes a perfect read-aloud for a rainy day as well as an
excellent introduction to Cree cultural traditions local communities and experiencing nature
firsthand.
