Thunder and the Noise Storms

Thunder, a Cree boy, experiences loud sounds as “noise storms,” especially during the school day. Bus noise, bells, clothing, backpacks, and the gym leave him overwhelmed, and he runs outside to cover his ears. His grandfather, Mosom, takes him for a walk and introduces mamaskasitawe, a traditional idea of listening with wonder. Together they notice quieter sounds beneath the noise: wind, branches, river water, and sweetgrass. Thunder gradually calms and returns to school with advice to breathe deeply and listen to his heartbeat.