A Story, a Story (Paperback)

~ (Author, Illustrator) "Many African stories, whether or not they are about Kwaku Ananse the "spider man," are called "Spider Stories..." (more)
Key Phrases: gum baby, Sky God

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Caldecott Medal-winning African folktale of how Ananse took all the stories in the world from Nyame, the Sky God. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Winner of the Caldecott Medal

Once, all the stories in the world belonged to Nyame, the Sky God. He kept them in a box beside his throne. But Ananse, the Spider man, wanted them -- and caught three sly creatures to get them.

This story of how we got our own stories to tell is adapted from an African folktale.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 36 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (February 28, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689712014
• ISBN-13: 978-0689712012
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,981 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #15 in	Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > African
  #48 in	Books > Children's Books > Educational > Explore the World > Fiction > Africa

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Spider man, spider man. Does whatever a spider can., October 1, 2004

By	E. R. Bird "Ramseelbird" (Manhattan, NY) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

My husband grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and well remembers the Anase stories that were told to him and his companions in their youth. For myself, Anase was not a character I heard much about as a child. This is a pity when you consider that books like, "A Story A Story" were striving to teach children about the great African (I apologize for not knowing the exact region) folktales. Based on one of many spider stories, "A Story A Story" is a variation on the Prometheus tale. In this case, however, the desired gift of the gods isn't fire but that of stories themselves.

As the tale tells us, long ago all the stories in the world belonged to the Sky God. On behalf of mankind, Anase (presented here not as a spider but as a kind of old spider man) spins a web into the sky and requests the Sky God's stories. The big man upstairs is amused by the request and presents Anase with a series of three near impossible tasks. If the spider man is able to accomplish them, he will be granted the stories. Using his wits and some clever techniques, Anase accomplishes each trial and in the end the world receives a golden box of the Sky God's stories.

Just looking at this tale I realized that it was a perfect companion picture book to Marcia Brown's "Once a Mouse". In both cases woodcut illustrations decorate a well-known fable from a land other than America. In this particular book, children at all familiar with the Brer Rabbit tarbaby story will instantly recognize elements of it in "A Story A Story". Adults could then let their kids know that slaves from Africa would often bring their stories with them, changing them in their new land with some subtle variations. The book itself is illustrated beautifully with what looks to be a series of brightly colored woodcuts. Be sure to locate other fine Anase stories (they exist in abundance, doncha know) if this one suits your fancy. It reflects beautifully the cleverness and richness of a story not too new to our American ears.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful introduction to fables, November 11, 1999

By	"lowcarbgen" (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews

My daughter was not particularly interested in hearing a story the first time we opened this book, but within a few pages, the magic of the story, and the wonderful cadence of the words, captured her attention. She was spell bound to the end. The story was an opportunity to talk to her about another culture, teach her about the concepts of fables and oral traditions, and to just plainly entertain her.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An African tale of Anase's quest to get the world's stories., June 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Story, a Story (Story a Story Lib) (Hardcover)

A Story A Story contains perhaps the most beautiful art in any children's book ever. But it's more than vibrant colorful pictures. This African folk tale captures the imagination of children of all ages. Anase the spider man uses his brains and wits to complete difficult tasks in order to release all of the world's stories, held by a powerful god. The story is timeless is exciting.