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  • Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott book cover
  • Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott book cover
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Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti

by Gerald McDermott

An Ashanti folktale of danger, family, and resourcefulness

$13.59 USD
$22.65 USD $13.59 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    1973 Caldecott Honor Book

    The book is described as a 1973 Caldecott Honor Book.

AlbakiReads Editorial

An Ashanti folktale of danger, family, and resourcefulness

Anansi’s journey brings him into danger from Fish and Falcon, and his sons come to his aid. Once safe, he faces a different challenge: deciding which son deserves a reward. The tale’s conflict turns on both survival and fairness, with Anansi calling on Nyame, the God of All Things, to resolve the question. Gerald McDermott’s adaptation pairs this traditional Ashanti story with bold colors, African design motifs, and rhythms of Ashanti language, bringing its cultural context into the storytelling.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • A good fit for children ages 4–8 interested in folktales and folklore.
  • For families and educators seeking a story with themes of family, fairness, and resourcefulness.
  • May interest readers exploring Ashanti cultural traditions through children’s books.

Themes

Ashanti folkloreFamily and cooperationFairness and rewardResourcefulness

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A 1973 Caldecott Honor Book.

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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