This review is a must-read for fans of Anansi the Spider! Anansi the Spider, published by Harcourt School Publishers, brings to life the beloved African folktale character. The vibrant illustrations and cleverly written text make this book an enjoyable and educational read for children. With its engaging characters, humorous plot, and lively art, this book is sure to captivate young readers and leave them wanting more.
The story follows Anansi as he tricks other animals out of their gifts in order to become wealthy. As Anansi faces obstacles such as a stubborn turtle, a hungry lion, and an uncooperative monkey, readers will be delighted by his cleverness and perseverance. This book provides valuable lessons about understanding consequences and making wise decisions.
Overall, Anansi the Spider is an entertaining and educational read that will delight both kids and adults alike. Next up in this review: what makes this book so special?
Anansi the Spider, by HARCOURT SCHOOL PUBLISHERS, is an enchanting and timeless classic that has been cherished by generations of children. Revered in West African and Caribbean folklore, Anansi is a trickster who uses his wit to teach important lessons about life.
Key Features: 1. Classic tale of Anansi the Spider and his clever adventures 2. Wonderful illustrations that bring the story to life 3. Teaches valuable lessons about problem-solving and wisdom 4. Helps children develop their understanding of oral storytelling traditions and diverse cultures 5. Perfect for reading aloud or as a bedtime story
This beloved tale follows Anansi as he embarks on daring escapades that showcase his quick-thinking and resourcefulness. Along the way, young readers will learn about the importance of being brave, using brains over brawn, and working together to solve problems. With its vibrant illustrations, Anansi the Spider is sure to become a new favorite for both parents and kids!
Product Details
Product
Description
Anansi the Spider
A classic folktale retold by Gerald McDermott, illustrated by the author.
Publisher
Harcourt School Publishers
Publication Date
October 1, 1975
Language
English
Anansi the Spider Pros and Cons
1. Pros
Anansi the Spider is an entertaining and engaging African folktale with wonderful illustrations.
The story teaches children to be creative and innovative in solving problems.
The characters are both endearing and amusing, making the book a great read aloud for young readers.
2. Cons
The language of the book may be too difficult for some younger readers to understand.
The plot can be a bit confusing at times, as it jumps around from one character to another.
Some of the illustrations are slightly outdated, but still capture the essence of the story.
Who are They for
Anansi the Spider: A Classic of African Folklore is a timeless and beloved story from West African folklore. Written by HARCOURT SCHOOL PUBLISHERS, this classic tale follows the adventures of Anansi, a clever and mischievous spider who uses his wits to outsmart larger foes. Anansi’s wit and cunning make him an iconic figure in the oral tradition of African storytelling, and this edition brings his joyful escapades to life for children of all ages.
Featuring vibrant illustrations by Kathleen Atkins Wilson, Anansi the Spider is an engaging tale full of humor and adventure. As Anansi encounters different animals in his journey, young readers will learn valuable lessons about friendship, persistence, and resilience. The book also includes an introduction to African mythology, making it a perfect introduction to the rich cultural heritage of West Africa.
Ideal for bedtime reading or school activities, Anansi the Spider is sure to captivate children with its whimsical characters and colorful art. With its timeless themes, this classic story is sure to become a treasured family favorite.
My Experience for Anansi the Spider
Once upon a time, there was a cunning and tricky spider named Anansi. He was always on the lookout for an adventure and he knew that this book was just the place to find one!
Anansi decided to explore the pages of the book and he soon came across some wonderful African folktales. He listened eagerly as each tale was told, learning about the brave deeds of animals, gods and humans alike.
But Anansi wasn’t content with just listening – he wanted to get involved in these stories too! So he began to weave his own tales and share them with others. Before long, Anansi had become a master storyteller!
He soon became known far and wide for his exciting adventures, clever ideas and hilarious jokes. People would flock from near and far to hear him speak, eager to learn more about his amazing stories.
Anansi’s story has been passed down through generations ever since. Now you can join in the fun by reading Anansi the Spider, a delightful collection of traditional African folktales!
What I don’t Like
1. Limited illustrations: This book does not feature detailed or colorful illustrations.
2. Vocabulary may be difficult for younger readers: The language used in this book is advanced and may be too complicated for children who do not have a lot of reading experience.
3. Strictly follows the original story: While some versions of Anansi stories have been adapted to make them more accessible to modern audiences, this version strictly follows the original.
4. Limited character development: This book does not provide much insight into the characters and their motivations.
How to Use Anansi the Spider to Teach Your Kids About West African Folktales
Anansi the Spider is a fantastic resource for teaching your kids about important West African folktales. Written by Gerald McDermott, this classic children’s book tells of eight humorous adventures of Anansi as he goes on a journey to become the king of all stories. Through colorful illustrations, fascinating characters, and captivating plot points, Anansi the Spider is sure to keep your kids engaged while introducing them to some exciting new cultural stories.
Here are some tips for using Anansi the Spider to teach your kids about West African folktales:
1. Read through the book with your kids. Before beginning any discussions about the underlying themes and meanings within each story, it is important that you read through the book with your children. This will help familiarize them with the characters, setting and primary plot points in each story.
2. Encourage discussion. After reading one of the stories with them, ask your children questions like “What do you think this story is trying to tell us?” or “Can you find any themes running throughout the different tales?” Encouraging open dialogue will lead to more meaningful conversations about each tale and its relevance to West African culture.
3. Explore further. After discussing a particular tale, research further into similar stories found in other West African cultures. You can even create an activity that allows your child to explore different versions of the same story and compare how they differ from each other.
By using Anansi the Spider, you can give your children an immersive introduction into West African folktales that will entertain them while inspiring their curiosity about different cultures around the world.
Questions about Anansi the Spider
What is Anansi the Spider?
Anansi the Spider is a classic folktale from West Africa about a clever spider who tricks his way out of dangerous situations. The story has been passed down for generations and is now available in this HARCOURT SCHOOL PUBLISHERS edition book.
Who should read Anansi the Spider?
Anansi the Spider is suitable for readers of all ages. Its simple yet captivating story makes it an ideal choice for young readers, while its themes of wisdom, courage, and perseverance make it an excellent read for adults as well.
What other books feature Anansi the Spider?
In addition to this book, there are several other titles featuring Anansi the Spider. These include Anansi Goes Fishing, The Adventures of Anansi the Spider, and Anansi and the Magic Stick.
Lloyd Kaufman
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.
