Lion Lights: My Invention That Made Peace with Lions

by Richard Turere, Shelly Pollock, Sonia Maria Luce Possentini (Illustrator)

Winner of the 2023 Children’s Africana Book Award (CABA), which is awarded by The Center for African Studies at Howard University. Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2022 by the National Science Teaching Association and the Children’s Book Council. California Eureka Silver Honoree 2022
A story of ingenuity and perseverance. Richard Turere’s own Richard grew up in Kenya as a Maasai boy, herding his family’s cattle, which represented their wealth and livelihood. Richard’s challenge was to protect their cattle from the lions who prowled the night just outside the barrier of acacia branches that surrounded the farm’s boma, or stockade. Though not well-educated, 12-year-old Richard loved tinkering with electronics. Using salvaged components, spending $10, he surrounded the boma with blinking lights, and the system works; it keeps lions away. His invention, Lion Lights, is now used in Africa, Asia, and South America to protect farm animals from predators.  color throughout

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Biography, Africa, Animals, Nature, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 2, 2022

Reviews

[Carolyn Watson-Dubisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated book will pull readers in, all the way to Africa. I love books that give children a window into another place and time. Learning about life for young Richard as he watches over the family's animals and fends off lions (actual lions)-is just incredible. His invention that changed everything for his family and his people is no small feat! Just a great book.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Turee with Shelly Pollock, tells his own story of his frustration at the constant problem of lions killing his family's cattle. At the age of nine, he was put in charge of the herd. During the years, he was first terrified, then angry, at the lions who wanted his cattle! His people, the Maasai tribe who now mostly live in Kenya and Tanzania, tried everything, and most worked only a while. Lions were smart! Richard was always curious and began learning about electronics, even taking apart his mother's new radio. He did notice that lions were afraid of light but soon learned that the ONE light was something they could avoid. People could not kill the lions because they were a protected species. Richard worked and invented a series of flashing flashlight lights attached to every pole in the cattle enclosure. It worked! He has won numerous awards for his invention, an amazing creation that at that time only cost him ten dollars. The book demonstrates that through persistence, every age is capable of solving important problems. It is illustrated beautifully by Sonia Possentini, showing Richard growing up in his work, persisting in doing his so important job, protecting the family's herd.
There are pieces at the back showing the Maasai vocabulary used, a brief history of the Maasai, and further resources. It's an inspiring story written about a young boy who figured out answers because of his family's dire need.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging narrative of a Masaai boy (based on a true story) near the Nairobi National Park in Kenya. Richard Turere in the story is a young boy in charge of his family's cows. He must protect them from the nearby lions, for the cow is everything to their family.

This book uses an engaging narrative to draw the reader into the experience of the Maasai. The illustrations are rich and honor the landscape and experience of Richard Turere. The story acknowledges the tensions the Masaai farmers face with all the practicalities and emotions.

It's lovely to see the invention process that Richard takes -- something kids will be fascinated by even without have a directly similar life experience. The invention he creates is called "Lion Lights" which effectively tricks the lions to stay away from their farm because they think the flashing lights Richard set up are the people walking around in the dark. It's so cool to see how a simple clever invention born out of need by a 12 year old Masaai boy can change the world.

The back of the book contains additional details about the Maasai, which is a wonderful way to further engage and connect children read this book with others around the world.

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.

[S.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to get my hands on this book for a long time, and I'm so glad I finally got to read it! This is the story of Richard Turere. At nine years old, his father granted him the great honor of herding and protecting their family's cattle in Kenya from what he feared most--the lions. The family's cattle constituted the family's wealth, and where wild animals roam, for a hungry lion, a cow is much easier to grab than other zippy animals. And no amount of hiding the cattle, fencing, or frightening worked to keep the lions away. The only thing that had ever worked for them was achieved by their ancestors, who turned into warriors and killed the lions. That is until Richard Turere used his powers of observation and his love for electronics to outsmart the lions. With the lightbulb of a smashed-up flashlight, bits of wiring, an old car battery, and lots and lots of tinkering, Richard's invention kept not only his cattle safe, but his family, his neighbors, and eventually, the cattle of entire villages across Africa. Told from an adult Richard's point of view, the story of how he went about making his discovery is truly inspiring, and I loved learning about the ancient Massai people and Massai terms shared in the back matter. If you're looking for a great example of how inspiration combines with perspiration to create an invention, this is the story for you.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This inspiring picture book, based on a true experience, is a 3.5 for me. Celebrating the imagination and innovation of Richard Turere, a Maasai boy living in Kenya, it highlights a problem that several countries and regions surely must grapple with--how to preserve both the animals on which the residents depend for survival and the predators that attract tourist dollars. In this particular case, Richard needed to protect the cattle herd belonging to his people from the lions that sought the animals for food. After building a fire and fashioning a scarecrow to intimidate the lions, techniques that weren't successful, Richard gathered together various parts to make lights that would flash on and off, an invention that frightened the lions away from the cattle. With his Lion Lights, he had solved a problem that had bewildered experts and herdsmen for years. With some close-ups of the area and the inventor, the luminous illustrations evoke a sense of place and Richard's determination to solve this problem. Back matter offers additional information about the Maasai as well as a glossary. Add this book to a collection devoted to inventors, boy power or how one person can make a difference. It sounds as though Richard is busily working to solve other problems.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Childrens nonfiction. Richard Turere writes about his childhood, growing up Maasai in Kenya. He was responsible for the family sheep and goats until he got promoted to cow duty. The main problem with keeping the cows was that there were often nocturnal lion attacks. After observing that the lions stayed away when people were out with lights, Richard worked to create a system of lights that would stay on while he slept.

There is always an audience for inspiring true stories, and this one is no exception. I looked into the author and the lion lights invention and was happy to find that the original invention has been streamlined and is on the market. A fascinating glimpse into another culture.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of Richard Turere. As a member of his Maasai tribe, he was a herder, helping to protect the village cows from lions. Often, lions killed cows and the herders killed the lions. Conservationists and herders struggled to protect both the lions and the cows. Richard tried to find a solution. One night he noticed that when he had his flashlight walking around the “boma” for the cows, the lions retreated.
Richard wished his flashlight could move by itself. Then he had an idea to trick the lions. Richard used an old car battery, bits of wire and small flashlight and old turn-signal bulbs and strung a circuit around the enclosure where the cows were put each night.
It worked!
Richard is recognized as Kenya’s youngest inventor and has received multiple awards

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring true story for readers young and old! I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but LION LIGHTS is the story of Richard Turere’s invention that helped his family’s ranch. The illustrations by Sonia Possentini are stunning! The story, written by Richard Turere with Shelly Pollock, is a testament to how a child’s ingenuity and brilliance can help his family which in turn can help other families and have a positive ripple effect… This book too can inspire one child to create an invention which in turn helps the world! Kudos to Richard, Shelly, and Sonia on a beautiful book that deserves a place in your home or school library!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a young age Richard was responsible for protecting his Maasai family's herd of cows--which represented their way of life and their wealth. By his careful observations and persistent experiments he invented a simple and successful way to prevent hungry lions from breaking into the cows' enclosure.
The author's narrative memoir is an engaging story with an exciting plot that will be enjoyed by all elementary age readers.
The colorful illustrations enhance the text and bring the reader to the scene in Kenya.
Tie-in with
--social studies of the continent of Africa,
--animal food cycles, habitat,
--conservation and balance of nature with human activity,
--science/STEM studies of electricity and circuits.
Reading level Q.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating and a perfect example of the famous quote 'necessity is the mother of invention'. Richard Turere tells of an centuries old story of the hate that the Maasai people have felt for their natural neighbors, the lions, who eat their cattle. With a bit of ingenuity, Richard changed all of that and now the Maasai and many others can live in peace with the lions. Recommended for 2-4th grade

[Christina Furnival · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story of courage, persistence, grit, and beating the odds. My mama heart feels so proud of Richard, and I love that the story was written in such a way that it feels like he is speaking directly to the reader. My kids thought this book was great, and it was so educational for them to begin to understand how people live differently around the world.

[Melissa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lion Lights shares the message that anyone, at any age, can truly make a difference. The author, Shelly Pollock, has told Richard Turere’s story in a captivating and inspiring way. If you liked The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, you will love this book, too. Perhaps they will make a movie out of this book, too!

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of story our children (U.S.) need to be exposed to. Hearing how a young lad in Nairobi invented a way to keep lions at bay so he does not eat the boy's cows.

The art is delightful. Haunting, with muted tones of an impending veldtland storm, the grays blending into taupe blending in to sandy dusty tans, all beautifully presenting an eerie warning and warming of weather.

[Kristina Nearchou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired great conversations in the classroom today after I read the book. The students were impressed with Richard's inventiveness and his determination to find a better way to protect his cows. Beautifully written and illustrated. A great book for the classroom, highly recommended.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

an elementary biography of a boy in African describing his life and how important cows and keeping them safe from lions are to his family's existence. He creates a low-cost invention to keep lions away.

[Mariam Shapera · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story about a young boy that saves his cattle from the lions. It is unique and teaches determination and never giving up. Splendid illustrations accompany it!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for this delightful book

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm using this book to teach engineering to my students.

[Jill CD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the story and illustrations in this one. A great book for inspiration, creativity, and determination. A good read aloud too!

[Jennybeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cool story, and the picture book does a great job of telling it -- great for the lions, great for the humans, great for the empowerment of kids everywhere. Excellent.

[Billie Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspirational. A perilous problem solved by a child.

[Josie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to use this with students - demonstrates child as change maker, inventor, problem solver. The back pages are rich as well.

[Josephina · Rating 4 out of 5]

i like every thing exept the dead bull

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to go along with A Long Walk to Water and/or 14 Cows for America.

[Morie DuMont · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on a true story and is inspiring not only for a child but for all ages. In his limited facility, he creates Lion Lights that becomes so useful. I really recommend this book.