Lion Lights
Lion Lights : My Invention that Made Peace with Lions
Picture book / Kenya / Ages 7-10
August 2, 2022
32 pp.
""...story of ingenuity and perseverance, the author shows how, as a young Maasai boy growing up in Kenya, he invented a system of blinking lights that protects farm animals from predators"--Provided by publisher.." Publisher
Lion Lights is co-authored by Shelley Pollock and Richard Turere. The picture book provides a refreshing view of the often stereotyped Maasai of East Africa. Set in Kenya, the picture book focuses on a real person, Richard Turere, and his efforts to save his family’s cattle from marauding lions. At the age of 9, Richard (now 23) earns the privilege of guarding the family’s precious cattle. The Turere farm is close to Nairobi National Park where lions roam freely. At night when all is dark and quiet, the cattle are at most risk. Richard experiments with various methods to keep lions at bay. Like William Kamkwamba (The Boy who Harnessed the Wind), Richard doesn’t let failure and discouraging comments from others stop him. After many tries he devises a workable solution. Using wire, switchers, and solar-powered LED lights he creates flashing lights that blink Intermittently. The flashing lights trick the lions into thinking human protectors are nearby. Richard’s cattle are saved and so are those of other farmers. Richard calls his invention, Lion Lights. The device not only saves cattle, it saves lions whose numbers are dwindling from retaliatory attacks by angry farmers. Richard’s success lands him a spot on TED Talks. The exposure spreads awareness of Lion Lights and helps Richard win awards and scholarships to further his education. Sonia Possentini’s illustrations recreate dark star-studded nights, lurking lions and the illumination provided by Richard’s lights. Scenes of the savanna predominate but we also see a modern farm and airplanes. Possentini is also careful to show Richard not only wearing the traditional shuka garb of the Maasai but in school clothes as well.
Lion Lights is an excellent STEM choice for classrooms. Students can replicate Richard’s invention or devise other methods of protecting animals. A word of caution, the recommended websites in the book’s “Online Resources” repeat stereotypical information about the Maasai. Direct students instead, to websites on electronics, scientific experimentation and Richard’s Ted Talk. Students could also learn about the different cattle breeds in Kenya and other parts of Africa. Boran cattle, Richard’s favorite, are featured in the book. The breed was developed in Eastern Africa over hundreds of years. Boran cows are described as excellent mothers who feed their calves well and protect them from getting lost or attacked by predators. Like many pastoral people in Africa, the Maasai express their love for cattle with praise poems and songs. Introduce students to the concept of cattle poetry and invite them to compose poems and songs about the animals they love and protect.
Reviewed by Brenda Randolph, MA, MLS
Published in Africa Access Review (March 18, 2024)
Copyright 2024 Africa Access