Wrath of the Rain God
#1 of 4 in Legendarios Series
What’s inside...
Nine-year-old twins, Emma and Martín, reluctantly move from Cuernavaca, Mexico, to Illinois when their dad lands a dream job. To keep them connected to their roots, their abuela gifts them a magical book of Mexican legends, which transports them back in time. In their first adventure, they meet Tlaloc, the god of rain, who is furious because his lightning bolt has been stolen, causing a relentless downpour over Texcoco. The twins embark on a quest to retrieve the bolt and save the ancient city from Tlaloc's wrath.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the Rain God to be so wrathful in the story?
How did the characters' actions affect the outcome of the weather?
If you were in the story, how would you try to calm the Rain God's anger?
What do you think the rain symbolizes in the book?
How did the mood of the story change when the weather changed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions about the story, whether they found it exciting, scary, or confusing. This can help them connect more deeply with the narrative.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book depicting the Rain God or another key moment. Discuss their drawing, focusing on the colors and elements they chose to include.
Create a simple role-play scenario from the book. This can help your child put themselves in the characters' shoes and explore different resolutions.
Relate the story to any personal experiences or observations with weather, discussing any memories of rainy days and how it made them feel.
Praise your child’s responses to foster confidence and encourage more detailed thoughts about the story's themes and messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story illustrates the consequences of disrespecting nature through the chaotic weather brought upon by the Rain God when taken for granted.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and care for their natural surroundings, understanding that nature's balance is crucial for their own well-being and that of the planet.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The characters in the book collaborate and devise strategies to appease the Rain God, showcasing teamwork and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply collaborative problem-solving skills in group settings such as school projects, enhancing cooperation and collective goal achievement.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through the cultural context of the Rain God, the story exposes young readers to diverse beliefs and traditions, enriching their global understanding.
Real-World Application: Children become more open and appreciative of different cultural narratives and histories, which fosters empathy and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Consequences
Explanation: The narrative conveys how choices directly impact outcomes, as seen when the villagers' neglect angers the Rain God, leading to storms.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that their actions have consequences, encouraging them to make thoughtful decisions and take responsibility for their actions.