Traditional Literature Book Review - Folktale by Eric Kimmel

Book cover photo source: Barnes and Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Anansi-and-the-Moss-Covered-Rock/Eric-A-Kimmel/e/9780823406890/?itm=2, accessed September 30, 2008.

Bibliography
Kimmel, Eric A., Trans. 1990. ANANSI AND THE MOSS COVERED ROCK. Ill. by Janet Stevens. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823407985

Plot Summary
In this West African trickster tale, Anansi the spider happens upon a strange moss covered rock while walking in the forest. When he learns that saying the phrase “Isn’t this a strange moss covered rock?” will make you fall unconscious to the ground for an hour, he decides to trick all of the other animals in the forest. Because Anansi is too lazy to pick the food himself, he plays his trick again and again “making off” with Lion’s yams, Elephant’s bananas, and all of the other animals’ food that they worked so hard to get. What Anansi doesn’t know is that Little Bush Deer has been watching him and has a plan of her own to teach Anansi a lesson.

Critical Analysis
“Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock” is a great example of a classic trickster tale, revisited by Eric Kimmel. In this Anansi tale, the character is portrayed by a large black spider that shows his emotion through movement. The text is rhythmic and engaging for all ages of elementary school students. Many parts of the story are repetitious, “Isn’t this a strange moss-covered rock?” thus, making it easy for even the youngest children to comprehend this delightful tale of mischief.

Janet Stevens illustrations define each animal as an individual with different emotions portrayed in their unique facial expressions. These colorful drawings add humor and movement to the anticipatory text. When the children realize that Little Bush Deer has been watching, they will love going back in the story and finding her in the detailed images on each page.

Review Excerpt
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Anansi the Spider happens upon an unusual stone that magically puts him to sleep for an hour. The master trickster decides to use the rock to get the food stores from the rest of the local residents. Each animal is taken in turn to the strange moss-covered rock, says the magic phrase, and promptly falls asleep to have its food pilfered by Anansi. All the while, however, Little Bush Deer silently watches. Ultimately, it is small and shy Deer who outwits Anansi and returns the food to its rightful owners.”

Connections
This story would be an excellent choice for reader’s theater. There are a minimal amount of characters with each one having basically the same lines and movements. Students could make their own costumes using large paper bags and construction paper and even a child who is a little shy would do great as “Little Bush Deer”.
Other stories about Anansi the Spider:
Kimmel, Eric A. ANANSI AND THE MAGIC STICK. ISBN 0823417638
McDermott, Gerald. ANANSI THE SPIDER: A Tale from the Ashanti. ISBN 0805003118
Kimmel, Eric A. ANANSI AND THE TALKING MELON. ISBN 0823411672
Gleeson, Brian. ANANSI. ISBN 1596793422