Central Kansas Library System

"Benjamin loves the rain. He loves splashing in puddles and kicking the droplets. And most of all, he loves the sound of thunder because it reminds him of the drum his grandfather plays at powwow. There's nothing better than being outside in the rain, enjoying all the colors and sounds of the storm -- until the lightning comes. Benjamin doesn't like the lightning at all! But when he closes his eyes and listens to the sound of the thunder, he imagines...

None of her jungle friends can find Hilda Hippo a quieter, less disruptive replacement for dancing, her favorite hobby, until Water Buffalo suggests an activity that allows Hilda to express her dance creativity in a new way.

As a young First Nations, Cree Indian boy prepares for his first powwow, he learns from his grandmother that he has to create stories and songs to prepare for his own upcoming pow-wow. She guides him through the events of the day and helps him to understand that the stories, songs, and beating heart are his to own and are things unique to each individual. These are the kinds of things that hold value and importance beyond materialistic things.