Product Description

Anancy was the biggest and strongest spider in the whole town. He had traveled far and wide, climbed the highest mountains, and, yes, scared the most famous people. He loved to boast about his adventures, which, according to him, were bigger and better than anyone else's.

...until the day he swaggers into the haunted house at midnight. Just as his friends warned him, inside Anancy encounters a large rooster that dances on the table. The rooster invites Anancy to show off his talents too, and with all his friends watching, Anancy can't refuse. Suddenly, the rooster pounces and Anancy is pinned to the table. But just before Anancy becomes the rooster's next juicy meal, he is saved by the heroic efforts of his little friends.

Anancy (Anansi) stories originate in the oral tradition of the Ashanti people of Ghana. The character became a symbol of survival when introduced to Caribbean folklore by African slaves. In this original tale Anancy is at times generous and greedy, foolish but wise, and both timid and brave. He teaches us that there is strength in numbers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2636426 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2-In this original tale, all of the little spiders admire Anancy, who is the biggest and the best. They invite him to join them for a party near the scary Haunted House inhabited by a dancing rooster with a fondness for spiders' legs. Anancy, true to form, swaggers through the door and promptly loses his nerve, his cool, and nearly his life. The little spiders come to his rescue, imprison the rooster in their silky strands, and free their friend. The author attempts to write in the style of cautionary "Anansi" stories but fails. The story line lacks cohesion, humor, and subtlety. The illustrations, rendered in watercolor and pencil, are unattractive and portray Anancy as a buffoon who needs makeup lessons. Skip this version.
Susan Pine, New York Public Library
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
Stéphane Jorisch's buoyant watercolor and pencil illustrations ... capture the essence of Anancy beautifully. -- Jeffrey Canton, Quill & Quire 11/2002

Review
Stéphane Jorisch's buoyant watercolor and pencil illustrations ... capture the essence of Anancy beautifully. (Jeffrey Canton Quill and Quire 200211)

Customer Reviews

Smug little spider...
What a geat lesson this story teaches. The artwork is fantastic. The setting is heavenly... And Anacy - well...if you are familiar with old Anacy - he gets himself in to a mess - and back out