Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti

I loved the art in this book, the illustrator used different types of shapes to create animals and scenary. For example, the spiders are all made of simple shapes such as, circle, squares, and triangles. I also loved the meaning of this book. In the story, there were six sons and they all had a different strength. Since the sons all had a different strength, the only way they were able to save their father is if they all worked together. I liked the message the story gave because I can show my future students how they need to work together if they want to help their community. I liked how the writing was scattered amongst the page. I also liked how there was barely any white on any of the pages until the last page. I also liked how the show more ending was very unexpected. At the end of the story we realized that this was the story behind how the moon ended up in the sky. I also liked how this book gave me insights into other cultures myths and folktales. Overall this book has eye-catching illustrations, a twist at the end, and a powerful message. show less

In this traditional Ashanti tale of african lore, author Gerald Mcdermott uses rich african design motifs, and authentic Ashanti language rhythms to tell the tale of Anansi. The spider nearly loses its life, but is saved by his six sons, each with a motif name of there own, such as 'Road Builder', or 'Stone Thrower'. The names directly connect to the actions needed that save Anansi from a variety of predicatements such as being eaten by a fish, or captured by a falcon. Th book would be perfect for a kindergartener or 1st grade student, as the pictures are bright, and borrow from Ghana african designs. I loved the fact that the author really sticks with both the culture aspects of the piece as well of the design motifs.

Anansi the spider gets lost one day in his travels, and each one of his 6 sons work together to use their special gifts to help bring their father home safely. Anansi wants to give one of his sons a prize for his rescue and cannot decide which son to give it to, so he asks for help from God, whom placed his gift (the moon) in the sky until Anansi decides which son deserved it most.

I thought the story was special how all the sons were able to use their gifts. It was a little dissapointing that Anansi only wanted to reward one son because they understood each others special gifts and worked together so well to use them, I did not want to see them turn against each other. The illustrations were beautiful and colorful, it was a great way show more to represent the African culture and share a folklore from the Ashanti people.

A great story to open up a discussion by asking if they think Anansi was right that only one son should get rewarded. And then talk about how the brothers used teamwork, and how they decided which gift would help solve each problem. show less

Follow Anansi as he gets into trouble and it saved by his six sons. But then, can he reward them all equally? This traditional Ashanti tale is set among big and bold colors with traditional African design motifs and authentic Ashanti language rhythms.

I was referred to the Anansi tales by a colleague, prompted by a virtual trivia event where we were in a group that chose the team name Arachnids of the Caribbean. Anansi is a folk hero spider character that originated in Ghana. This children's book is delightful story, told as much by the expressive pictures as by the minimal words. This part of Anansi's story includes elements of family, mutual support and individual purpose.

I was very intrigued when I saw that the book was an adaptation from a short film that Mcdermott shot. This being a Caldecott honor book I was interested in that connection? Film does not need words the way that books necessarily do because of actions but we see the characters in Anansi perform in a film like way. McDermott has his niche of literature within the folklore genre that perhaps are a little overly similar but he is doing a deed exposing young people to alternative art and culture that I definitely appreciate. The tale of Anansi was not one that I had heard before and it was so fascinating and odd. There are the raw elements of death, trickery, and spirituality without it becoming over bearing. Also how strange his sons names show more sound until you've heard the story. Graphically I was so impressed. Each arguably abstract design in the scenery is completely non abstract, characterizing a specific element of nature--mountains, streams, grasses. All of it so bright. The sentence structure is a bit odd. Kind of what I would imagine a Guyanese person learning english would talk which I find... questionable? It is highly rhythmic though so perhaps that was what he was going for. show less

Anansi the Spider is one of the great folk heroes of the world. He is a rogue, a mischief maker, and a wise, lovable creature who triumphs over larger foes. In this traditional Ashanti tale, Anansi sets out on a long, difficult journey. Threatened by Fish and Falcon, he is saved from terrible fates by his sons.