Other Sellers on Amazon
& FREE Shipping
89% positive over last 12 months
Usually ships within 3 to 4 days.
& FREE Shipping
85% positive over last 12 months
+ $3.90 shipping
97% positive over last 12 months
You’ve got a Kindle.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Enter your mobile phone or email address
By pressing "Send link," you agree to Amazon's Conditions of Use.
You consent to receive an automated text message from or on behalf of Amazon about the Kindle App at your mobile number above. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message & data rates may apply.
Follow the Author
OK
Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti Paperback – Picture Book, March 15, 1987
| Gerald McDermott (Author, Illustrator) Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author |
| Price | New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Hardcover, Picture Book
"Please retry" | $12.95 | $1.76 |
Enhance your purchase
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.
Anansi the Spider is a 1973 Caldecott Honor Book.
- Reading age4 - 7 years
- Print length48 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level3 and up
- Lexile measureAD430L
- Dimensions7.58 x 0.17 x 8.75 inches
- PublisherHenry Holt and Company
- Publication dateMarch 15, 1987
- ISBN-100805003118
- ISBN-13978-0805003116
Inspire a love of reading with Amazon Book Box for Kids
Discover delightful children's books with Amazon Book Box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1, 2, or 3 months — new Amazon Book Box Prime customers receive 15% off your first box. Learn more.
Buy it with
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
About the Author
I'd like to read this book on Kindle
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Product details
- Publisher : Henry Holt and Company; 1st edition (March 15, 1987)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 48 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0805003118
- ISBN-13 : 978-0805003116
- Reading age : 4 - 7 years
- Lexile measure : AD430L
- Grade level : 3 and up
- Item Weight : 4.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 7.58 x 0.17 x 8.75 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #30,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

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.
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
I bought it to supplement the European and Alaskan Native folk and fairy tales in my preschool classroom for our storytelling theme. The kids loved it and it was always in rotation during quiet time and free play. At Home my own children were glad to see it back after the theme, and my 6yo has taken to acting the story out with his stuffed animals.
I especially liked how each character has its own shape in the illustration, its own special skill, and the lesson that while we are all different we all have something special to contribute.
In Anansi The Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti, Gerald McDermott retells an Anansi story with warmth, cultural sensitivity, and bright, attention-seizing illustrations. Among the children's books about Anansi, McDermott's efforts stand in a unique place because the text is used sparingly and with great effect, conveying important events only and not burying key ideas in lavish descriptions or dialogues. In this book, the elaborate, geometric illustrations paint the "descriptions" that the text omits.
Features that I like...
The map in the opening that shows the continent of Africa and the country of Ghana. (I'm always happy to see a bit of geography dropped into stories, especially those designed for children.)
The Prologue, which describes the importance of folklore, mythology, and legends. I especially appreciate this statement: "Folklore prepares man for adult life. It places him within his culture."
Rather than beginning the story with the familiar "Once upon a time...," the author uses "Time was..." which is cool! :)
Each of the spider sons in the story is unique in design, appearance, and talent, which makes him easy (and fun) to identify as the tale unfolds. The six sons are See Trouble, Road Builder, River Drinker, Game Skinner, Stone Thrower, and Cushions.
The character of Anansi is rendered with an expressive personality and face while his sons' faces are not shown--just their designs, bodies, and talents. Anansi's face changes emotions based on his experiences, and this would be an excellent teaching element for very young children upon hearing / seeing the story.
Themes & Talking Points the book offers:
Counting, colors, shapes, animals, teamwork, family, intro to Africa [Very Young Children]
Reading; Cause & Effect; Critical Thinking & Response; African Culture. How does Anansi get into and out of trouble? // Each spider is an individual with a specific skill or trait; each spider has a place in the family. What does this suggest about the culture of the Ashanti? // The rescue of Anansi is really a team effort by the sons, but who should get the reward? Does the ending solve this problem? [For children 5-12]
Reading & Design; Symbolism; Critical Analysis; Author Intent; Culture. Why did the author / illustrator choose not to show the faces of the six sons in the story? How does this choice affect the story? How does Anansi's face tell his story? What is the relationship between a son's name and his unique design? In what instances is Anansi's face NOT shown and why? What lessons are taught in this tale? What universal themes are present? Does this book deserve its "honor" designation? [For tweens through college students]
By LFC8 on June 18, 2021
Top reviews from other countries
Most definitely one of our favourite books. I also found an animated version online of it with a more authentic narrator than me, which the children loved, as by then they knew the story inside and out.











