Anansi and the Box of Stories: A West African Folktale

Part of the On My Own Folklore series, in which folktales are presented in simplified text for beginning readers, Anansi and the Box of Stories features West Africa's iconic trickster hero.

Although commonly depicted as a spider, Anansi is seen in his human form in this tale, in which he must capture four very dangerous and elusive creatures in order to convince Nyame the Sky God to share his stories with the world.

I found Krensky's narrative engaging, and appreciated the role played by Anansi's clever wife Aso. With a brief author's note, and suggestions for further reading, this title will both entertain and educate young readers, allowing them a brief glimpse into another culture.

Great illustrations, with a retelling that is very faithful to the Ashanti tale from Africa. Interestingly, Anansi is pictured as a man, and his wife Aso plays an integral role in helping Anansi to fulfill four seemingly impossible tasks. Part of a 10-volume set of folktales from around the world aimed at beginning readers with an easy-reading format to help them master the text on their own.

This tale about Anansi the Spider from West Africa is about how the God of all the sky keeps all of the stories about the world locked up until Anansi tricks them into letting the stories out of the box and into the wide world. Anansi the Spider is a traditional figure in West African Folk Lore and is often used as a trickster spider in stories to show how different parts and aspects of the world came to be, somewhere between creation myth and folklore. This particular rendition includes artwork that is done in watercolor paint, a Western technique, but done in African styles. I always really enjoy every story that has to do with Anansi and I was excited to discover a new one to me on the shelf.

I really liked this book. The illustrations are colorful and while not specifically African they do have a culturally authentic feel to them. I liked that in this retelling Anansi is portrayed as a man. The story also integrates elements of different African folklore (e.g. Mmoatia has backward feet which is a characteristic of fairies in West African tales). I learned about this in the brief but informative afterword. I also liked that he collaborated so much with his wife.

This story of Anansi has him seeking a box of stories that are full of happiness, sadness, and the mysteries of the world. Anansi wanted to have the stories as no one on Earth ever told them. In order to obtain the stories that are kept in the sky kingdom of the sky god Nyame, he has to fulfill the four tasks Nyame has set before him. The tasks seem all to impossible to achieve until he consults his wife to get ideas of how to complete them (I find this ironic!). He is able to complete the tasks and receives the box of stories and shares them with all who will listen. The illustrations that accompany this story seem to depict the culture they are representing. They come across as simple, but when you really look at them they draw you in show more with their chisled details and shading. I enjoyed this story-something I never would have chosen on my own. show less

The story of how Anansi the spider (pictured in human form) wins all of the world's stories from the sky god by capturing four fierce animals. Following his wife's plans he manages to trick the dangerous animals and win the box of stories which he shares with humanity. Beautiful illustrations that respect West African traditional clothing and culture.

The illustrations help the reader learn about West African culture, from the clothing worn to the tools used. The story has some repetitive motifs, making it a great book for children to practice predictions.