Anansi Does The Impossible!: An Ashanti Tale (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Lisa Desimini (Illustrator) "Long, long ago, when the earth was set down and the sky was lifted up, all folktales were owned by the Sky God..." (more)
Key Phrases: Sky God

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3. Anansi the Spider is determined to buy back the stories taken from the people and kept by the Sky God. With the assistance of his clever wife, Aso, he takes the Sky God the live python, the real fairy, and the 47 stinging hornets required to regain the stories. Retold from Aardema's The Sky God Stories (Coward, 1960; o.p.), the tale rollicks along at a rhythmic merry pace, full of descriptive ideophones (sounds that express movement or emotion). The lively narrative is perfect for reading aloud, and the inclusion of Aso is a particularly nice touch. Desimini's textured collages portray the spider couple as cheeky and cherubic in their boldly patterned clothing. The extravagant, vibrant illustrations fill the pages and complement the text beautifully. The depictions of the defiant Anansi confronting the Sky God, a gigantic, disembodied head, are particularly effective. Gail Haley's A Story, A Story (Atheneum, 1970) tells the same tale, but to compare the two would be to compare apples and oranges. Both retellings have lively, evocative language, although Aardema's version may be more suited to preschool listeners, and both have compelling illustrations that extend and illuminate the narrative. Make room on the shelf for both.?Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Long ago, when the earth was set down and the sky was lifted up, all the folktales were owned by the Sky God. And Anansi, that cunning little spider, was determined to buy them back. The payment? A live python, one real fairy, and forty-seven stinging hornets. Not such a high price to pay for all the folktales on earth. But how will Anansi find these hard to come bgy items? It sounds impossible! There's only one way to find the help he needs -- Anansi must go to his clever wife, Aso. But will she be smart enough to outwit the Sky God and get the stories back? This humorous retelling of an Ashanti tale brings Anansi together with his better half in an ingenious scheme that will delight readers of all ages!

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689839332
• ISBN-13: 978-0689839337
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #217,125 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anansi Does the Impossible, June 6, 2000

By	Viola J. Griffin (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anansi Does The Impossible: An Ashanti Tale (Hardcover)

This book was such a delight. My first grade class could not wait to hear what Anansi would do next. For the first time, Anansi uses his trickery to help someone other than himself! It was refreshing to have the author show how Anani's wife, Aso, helped him to reach his goal. I think my readers learned a lot of valuable lessons from this story.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anansi does the impossible, June 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Anansi Does The Impossible: An Ashanti Tale (Hardcover)

The Anansi series are a great read. As usual the author keeps us in suspense as to who and how Anansi will trick. My first grade class loved it. They were at the edge of their seats. I can't wait to read more to them.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My preschoolers love it., June 23, 2002

By A Customer

Both of my children, ages 2 and 5, love this book. The two-year-old, normally wiggling and wandering around the room during story time, stays put for this one. They can't wait to see what tricks Anansi and Aso will be up to next!