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Anansi the Spider

Anansi the Spider

A Tale from the Ashanti
Children's BooksFolklore
Pages
41
Published
1972
Language
English

Synopsis

Anansi the Spider faces a dilemma: which of his six sons deserves the ultimate reward for saving his life? As he ponders this important decision, Anansi inadvertently plays a role in placing the moon in the sky. This charming tale explores the clever spider's adventures and his family's contributions.

Prose complexity
1/10

Vibe

WhimsicalAdventurousLighthearted
Quest

Genres

Children's Books Folklore Mythology

About the author

G
Gerald McDermott

Gerald McDermott (January 31, 1941 – December 26, 2012) was an American filmmaker, creator of children's picture books, and expert on mythology. His creative works typically combine bright colors and styles with ancient imagery. His picture books feature folktales and cultures from all around the world.

Characters

AnansiProtagonist
All characters in Anansi the Spider

Frequently asked questions

  • What major awards or honors has this book received?

    This picture book was named a Caldecott Honor Book in 1973, recognizing its distinctive visual style and artistic contribution to children's literature.

  • Was this book adapted from another medium?

    The book was actually adapted from an animated short film of the same name that the author, Gerald McDermott, produced and released in 1969.

  • How does this book connect to the author's broader body of work?

    This title serves as the first entry in the author's acclaimed series of illustrated trickster tales, which explore global mythologies and folklore through vibrant, culturally inspired graphic designs.