LSSL 5360 Module 2, book review #1- Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock retold by Eric A Kimmel

Book Review #1- Module 2- Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock
retold by Eric A. Kimmel, Illustrated by Janet Stevens

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric A., & Stevens, Janet. (1988). Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock. New York, NY: Holiday House. ISBN 082340689X

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this old African folktale retold by Eric A. Kimmel, Anansi the spider discovers a “strange moss covered rock” in the forest, and soon after, realizes its magical powers to put observers to sleep for one hour. Anansi decides to use its magic to trick most of the animals in the forest, and stealing their bundles of food that he is too lazy to work for himself. Little Bush Deer will not be fooled, though, and uses the same moss covered rock to teach Anansi a lesson.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This folktale is multifaceted, and while it brings its readers humor, it also teaches a lesson: usually trickery and deception will come with consequences. Readers will enjoy Kimmel’s writing style and can join in on the fun repetition as Anansi goes “walking, walking, walking” through the forest. The repetition also builds suspense for the reader as we can start to predict that surely this moss-covered magic rock can’t be as good as it seems for Anansi the spider. Sure enough, the culmination of the story teaches us all that trickery will lead us nowhere and good always prevails!

I really loved the illustrations (and so did my 3 month old, who cooed every time I turned the page), although I’ve read mixed review from others. To me, the moss covered rock was indeed strange looking, and the characters were realistic but still done with a fun, cartoonish flair. I was drawn in by the colorful scenery and exaggerated texture. Anansi’s deceptive character was symbolized well by long, lanky, angular legs and cold, black color.

4.   REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review from Africa Access Review: “Repetition and a well-paced narrative make this picture book a hit with the younger set....Educators teaching the concept of the African diaspora will find this book quite useful.”

Review from CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices) “A marvelously paced Anansi tale.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*teaching lessons on trickery/consequences, honesty, integrity, etc
*repetition and predictability allows for participation during read-aloud story time
*could assign different students to different characters and have them act out dialogue
*could use cut-out of moss colored rock to have the students do a story book, character analysis, etc.