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-folktales-
ANANSI
by Christine Platt
illustrated by Evelt Yanait
An Imprint of Magic Wagon
abdobooks.com
About the Author
Christine A. Platt is an author and scholar of African and
African-American history. A beloved storyteller of the African
diaspora, Christine enjoys writing historical fiction and non-fiction
for people of all ages. You can learn more about her and her
work at christineaplatt.com.
For the storytellers who capture and
preserve histories--thank you! CP
To Ander and Ari, my beloved twinkle stars EY
abdobooks.com
Published by Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO, PO Box 398166, Minneapolis, Minnesota
55439. Copyright 2022 by Abdo Consulting Group, Inc. International copyrights reserved in
all countries. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission
from the publisher. Calico Kid is a trademark and logo of Magic Wagon.
Printed in the United States of America, North Mankato, Minnesota.
052021
092021
Written by Christine Platt
Illustrated by Evelt Yanait
Edited by Tyler Gieseke
Art Directed by Candice Keimig
Library of Congress Control Number: 2020948608
Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Platt, Christine, author. | Yanait, Evelt, illustrator.
Title: Anansi / by Christine Platt : illustrated by Evelt Yanait
Description: Minneapolis, Minnesota : Magic Wagon, 2022 | Series: Folktales
Summary: West African spider-god Anansi wants all of Sky Gods famous stories, but to earn
them, he has to outwit several of the animals in his village.
Identifiers: ISBN 9781098230227 (lib. bdg.) | ISBN 9781098230784 (ebook) | ISBN
9781098231064 (Read-to-Me ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Folk literature, African--Juvenile literature. | Anansi (Legendary character)--
Legends--Juvenile literature. | Spiders--Folklore--Juvenile literature. | Gods, African--Juvenile
literature. | Folktales--Juvenile literature.
Classification: DDC 398.2--dc23
Table of Contents
Chapter #1
WISE &
MISCHIEVOUS
Long ago, during a time that few
can remember, there existed a spider
named Anansi. He was so wise that he
was admired throughout West Africa.
Because Anansis father was the
sky god, many people believed Anansi
created the sun, moon, and stars.
Others believed he controlled the wind
and rain.
Anansi often used his wisdom to
help people in his village. When they
were hungry, Anansi taught them
to plant crops. When they needed
shelter, Anansi taught them how
to build houses.
And although Anansi was known
to be wise, he was also known to love
mischief.
In the morning, women often
shouted, Anansi, did you hide my
basket again?
At night, animals bellowed,
Someone took my blanket! Anansi,
I know it was you!
Because Anansi loved mischief, he
often found himself in trouble. Not
that it bothered him much he was
wise enough to get out of whatever
trouble it was!
Chapter #2
A VISIT WITH
SKY GOD
One day, Anansi went to visit his
father.
Why have you come to see me
today? Sky God was very busy
taking care of the world and was
surprised by his sons visit.
Well, Id like to buy all of your
stories, Anansi said proudly.
Everyone knew Sky God owned the
best stories. Some tales were funny,
while others were serious. Kings,
queens, and nobles came from near
and far to buy them. But Sky God
refused to sell. He guarded them,
because stories are very precious.
What makes you think you can
afford all of my stories?
Anansi showed Sky God his
substantial savings.
Sky God shook his head. Stories
are worth more than gold. He
reflected for a moment. You can
only have my stories if you bring me
Leopard, Hornet, Fairy, and Python.
Even though Leopard and Python
were big, Anansi was smart.
Its a deal, Anansi said. I will
bring you what you asked for. And
when I do, I shall own all of your
stories.
Sky God just grinned. Good luck,
Anansi!
I wish Father had asked for money,
Anansi thought as he returned to the
village. But I will find a way to bring
him what he wants.
The next day, Anansi set out at
sunrise to capture Leopard, Hornet,
Fairy, and Python.
Chapter #3
TRICKS &
TRAPS
First, Anansi went to Leopards
house. He dug a hole in the ground
in front of the door and covered it
with leaves. Then he cried, Leopard!
Leopard! Come quick!
When Leopard ran outside, he
tumbled into the hole. Help!
I will help you, Anansi said
dramatically. When I send down my
spider webs, grab them, and
I will pull you up.
Anansi knew Leopard would get
stuck to his webs. And as he hoisted
Leopard up, Anansi spun more webs
tightly around him. Proudly, Anansi
took Leopard to Sky God.
Next, Anansi set out to catch Hornet.
Hornet! Hornet! Anansi called out.
A great rainstorm is coming! Quick
fly into this jar, and I will protect you.
When Hornet flew into the jar,
Anansi put a lid on top and took
him to Sky God.
Then, Anansi crept into the village
garden to capture Fairy. He covered
a doll with sticky gum and gathered
a bowl of yams. He placed both near
Fairys house. Next, he hid among the
flowers and waited patiently.
When Fairy saw her favorite treat,
she giggled loudly. Yams! Yams! My
favorite!
Fairy quickly ate the yams and
thanked the doll, which she thought
was another fairy.
Are you OK? Fairy touched the
dolls forehead to see whether it had
a fever.
When Fairy did so, she stuck fast
to the gum. Then, Anansi took her
and the doll to Sky God.
But Anansi still needed to catch
Python. Python was also very smart,
which was why Anansi waited to trap
him last. I just hope my plan works!
Anansi worried.
Chapter #4
"BLESSINGS,
BLESSINGS!"
Python lived in a hut right outside
the village. When Anansi arrived, he
stood near the front window to make
sure Python could hear him.
I am telling you, Anansi shouted,
Python is twelve feet long!
Then, Anansi changed his voice so
that he sounded like a woman. And I
am telling you, Python is ten feet long!
Anansi went back and forth this
way for some time. Finally, Python
came outside to investigate.
