Quick Take

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!

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Anansi Does the Impossible!: An Ashanti Tale

Introduction

"Anansi Does the Impossible!: An Ashanti Tale" is a captivating children's book written by Verna Aardema. This retelling of an Ashanti tale takes readers on a journey through the folklore of the Ashanti people, following the adventures of the cunning spider, Anansi. In this article, we will delve into the author's background, analyze the views of readers, and explore the reasons why this book is highly recommended.

About Verna Aardema

Verna Aardema, a prolific American children's author and teacher, was born in 1911 in New Era, Michigan. She was educated at Michigan State University and taught grade school from 1934-1973. Aardema also worked as a journalist for the Muskegon Chronicle from 1951-1972. In 1960 she published her first book, the collection of stories, "Tales from the Story Hat." With over thirty more books to her name, Aardema's picture-book, "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears," won co-illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon a Caldecott Medal. Aardema passed away in 2000 in Fort Myers, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of captivating children's literature.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Storytelling: Readers appreciate the engaging storytelling style of Verna Aardema. The retelling of the Anansi tale captivates readers of all ages, making it a delightful read for those who enjoy folktales.
Ideophones and Expressive Illustrations: The use of ideophones, words that mimic actual sounds, adds depth and richness to the storytelling. The collage illustrations by Lisa Desimini are marvelous, expressive, and full of wonderful details that bring the African setting to life. The illustrations complement the story well and enhance the overall reading experience.
Moral Interpretation: The story raises questions about the morality of capturing creatures to obtain something in exchange. While some readers find the "moral" open to interpretation, others appreciate the exploration of this theme within the context of folktales.
Connection to Related Stories: Readers who are familiar with stories such as "Just So Stories," "Brer Rabbit," and "Anansi Boys" find connections between these tales and appreciate the continuation of the Anansi narrative. This connection adds depth to their understanding of these stories and their cultural significance.
Educational Value: Parents and educators appreciate the educational value of this book. It provides an opportunity to introduce children to traditional folktales and fairy tales from Africa. The inclusion of a glossary at the beginning of the book aids comprehension and enhances the learning experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: Verna Aardema's storytelling skills captivate readers from start to finish. The retelling of Anansi's adventure is both entertaining and educational, making it a highly recommended read for children and adults alike.
Illustrations: The collage illustrations by Lisa Desimini bring the African setting to life, adding depth and richness to the storytelling experience. The illustrations complement the text well and enhance the overall reading experience.
Moral Reflection: The exploration of themes such as morality and fairness within the story allows readers to engage in critical thinking and reflection. This aspect adds depth to the reading experience and encourages readers to consider different perspectives on cultural narratives.
Connection to Related Stories: Fans of folktales will appreciate the connections between "Anansi Does the Impossible!" and other related stories, such as "Just So Stories" and "Brer Rabbit." This continuity adds depth to their understanding of these narratives and their cultural significance.
Educational Value: As an educational resource, this book provides an opportunity to introduce children to traditional folktales and fairy tales from Africa. It can be used in classroom settings or at home as part of a reading curriculum, enhancing children's understanding of diverse cultures and storytelling traditions.

Conclusion

"Anansi Does the Impossible!: An Ashanti Tale" by Verna Aardema is a delightful retelling of an Ashanti folktale that captivates readers with its engaging storytelling style, expressive illustrations, and exploration of moral themes. Whether you are a fan of folktales or seeking an educational resource for your children, this book offers a captivating journey through African folklore that will leave you enchanted. With its rich cultural significance and educational value, "Anansi Does the Impossible!" is a highly recommended read for both children and adults alike.