Customer Reviews

Anansi and the Magic Stick

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I remember Anansi the Spider when I was a child, now I read about the spider with my son! Sheesh!
The little spider has dealings with all the animals in his neighborhood about his messy house. While everyone else cleans and works he sleeps. Finally he decides to do something about it, but with someone else's tool, not thinking of the result.
This book made us crack up. At the same time, it taught us a lesson about not being greedy, and doing your own work.
I recommend it highly.

This is a fantastic story about a lazy, messy spider whose home is the eye sore of an animal neighborhood. Anansi envies Hyena, who appears to do no work at all, and yet all his house work is completed. His yard is always beautiful; everything seems in perfect order. The mischievous spider shadows Hyena to discover his secret: a magic stick that does its owner's bidding when a special chant is uttered. Greedy Anansi schemes to obtain the magic stick and its power for himself. However, with great power comes great responsibility--as the sneaky spider soon discovers.

This beautifully illustrated book captures the fun of the Anansi tale while also teaching the importance of one's personal and social responsibilities. What is very nice in this story is the character of Anansi actually looks like a spider whereas in some children's books, he is shown in a more human-like form.

The tale is fun to read out-loud. It echoes the same universal themes as The Sorcerer's Apprentice, and some intriguing lessons might come from comparison / contrasts activities.

I've read this book to the preschoolers I teach, and it's certainly doable with four- and five-year-olds, but I had to pare down the text a bit. They enjoyed the tale of magic and trickery, but it's probably better for older kids, as recommended by the publisher.

Reading this book, I was reminded intensely of Strega Nona.

Of course, this sort of story - a "Sorcerer's Apprentice" or "Why the Sea is Salt" sort of tale, where a magical device gets out of hand and won't stop, is common throughout the world. And now that I've told you THAT you probably have the whole story in your mind already.

This version is better than some versions of that story I've seen, but not as good as others (for example, Strega Nona itself). Nor is it as good as other Anansi stories by this author (or possibly others, I'm lacking those right now). If you get it cheap, go for it, but I wouldn't buy it just to have it, this book is not a must-have for every library.

This book is as great as jumping in a pool on a hot summer day!! It is about a spider who likes playing tricks on animals. It takes place in Africa. This book is super silly and funny. I think anyone who likes adventures should read it!
By, Tucker