Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti
by Gerald McDermott (Author) Gerald McDermott (Illustrator)
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. But which of his sons should Anansi reward? Calling upon Nyame, the God of All Things, Anansi solves his predicament in a touching and highly resourceful fashion.
In adapting this popular folktale, Gerald McDermott merges the old with the new, combining bold, rich color with traditional African design motifs and authentic Ashanti language rhythms.
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School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2- Bored Raven decides to visit Loon. As he babbles on and on, Loon continues with her sewing. While watching her work, Raven gets an idea. He suggests that they each create a coat for the other; it will make them unique, as they are both stark white. Raven goes first and paints intricate designs on Loon's feathers. However, he will not sit still long enough for her to do something as beautiful for him. They become angry and argue, and Raven turns black from the soot of the lamp Loon throws, and her feet become flat after getting hit with the same lamp. And even today, Raven has black feathers and Loon has flat feet. Beautiful, eye-catching illustrations are done in soft contrasting colors, and the text is uniquely centered on spare white pages. Children will relate to the actions and feelings of the cleverly depicted characters. A good choice for one-on-one sharing.-Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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Caldecott Medalist Gerald McDermott's illustrated books and animated films have brought him international recognition. He is highly regarded for his culturally diverse works inspired by traditional African and Japanese folktales, hero tales of the Pueblos, and the archetypal mythology of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was his fascination with the imagery of African folklore that led him to the story of Anansi the Spider. McDermott was born in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Cass Technical High School, where he was awarded a National Scholastic Scholarship to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Once in New York, he began to produce and direct a series of animated films on mythology in consultation with renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell. These films became the basis for McDermott's first picture books. Among his many honors and awards are the Caldecott Medal for Arrow to the Sun, a Pueblo myth, and Caldecott honors for Anansi the Spider: A Tale from Ashanti and Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest. In addition, McDermott is Primary Education Program Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation.
Africa
Ashanti (African people)
Anansi (Legendary character)
