Anansi the Spider

Author: Gerald McDermott
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, LLC
Copyright: 1972
Genre: Traditional Literature/
Folktale
Pages: 48
Reading Level: Ages 5 to 8 (Barnes and Noble)
Summary: Anansi the spider has six sons. One day he goes on a journey far away but gets lost and falls into trouble. His first son, See Trouble, sees that his father is in trouble. The second son, Road Builder builds a road that the sons follow to their father to save him. They find that their father has been swallowed by a fish, so the next son, River Drinker drinks up the water and Game Skinner gets his father out of the fish. Just as they think they are out of trouble a falcon swoops down and picks up Anansi. The next son, Stone Thrower, throws a stone to make the falcon drop Anansi and Cushion, the last son, gives him a soft landing. That night, back at home, Anansi finds a glowing globe of light (the moon) and gives it to Nyame, the God of All Things, until he can decide which of his sons he should give it to. Since they all saved his life they argue over who should get it and Anansi can't decide. Nyame recognizing this problem, takes it into the sky and keeps it there.
Who would you recommend this book to? This is an interesting idea on how the moon came to be in the sky and I think it would be a fun story for any kids to read. I would recommend it to children of any age.
Potential problems or conflicts: I don't see any potential problems or conflicts with this book. However, it could spark some great discussion or lessons about the moon or the night sky!
My reaction: I really love these tales that give a unique explanation for why something is the way it is today. All of the "why tales" are really interesting to me and I think that this one is a really good one!