Thunder is a Cree boy who’s especially sensitive to sound, especially when it’s loud. The “noise storms,” as he calls them, are the worst at school: the noisy school bus, the bell ringing, the scraping and swishing of jackets, shoes and backpacks, the particular cacophony of the school gym. Thunder runs from the noises and hides outside, covering his ears. The principal calls his grandfather to help out, and Mosom takes him for a walk, all the while teaching him the traditional concept of mamaskasitawe—to listen with wonder. Mosom encourages Thunder to listen for the quiet things underneath the noise: the wind, tree branches creaking and swaying, the river water, and the whispers of the sweetgrass. Gradually Thunder begins to calm down as he is able to focus his listening, and when the two return to school, Mosom tells him to take some deep breaths and listen to his own heartbeat. The coping mechanisms his Mosom teaches him make it possible for Thunder to reenter the school, even though it’s still noisy, because he knows now to breathe deeply and listen to his heart. The distinctive cartoon-style art will appeal to many young readers, who may themselves benefit from Mosom’s lesson. (Ages 4-8)

When the world gets too loud and chaotic, a young boy’s grandfather helps him listen with wonder instead.

Kids laughing, sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing—for Thunder, the sounds of the school day often brew into overwhelming noise storms. But when Thunder’s mosom asks him what he hears on an urban nature walk, Thunder starts to understand how sounds like bird wings flapping and rushing water can help him feel calm and connected. Gentle, inviting illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley emphasize Mosom’s lessons about the healing power of the world around us.