Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock

Bibliography

Kimmel, Eric A. (reteller) 1988. ANANSI AND THE MOSS-COVERED ROCK. Ill. by Janet Stevens. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823407985

Plot Summary

Anansi is a clever but lazy spider who discovers a magical moss-covered rock in the forest one day.  After exclaiming his disbelief at the sight of something so strange in the middle of the forest, Anansi abruptly faints and wakes up an hour later.  Although puzzled and curious at first, Anansi soon realizes that he can use the special powers of this mysterious rock to help him trick some of the other animals in the forest.  When Anansi notices the large pile of yams on Lion's porch, he invites Lion to walk with him in the forest to cool off on such a terribly hot day.  Inevitably, Anansi leads Lion to the moss-covered rock and tricks him into repeating the magical words.  Once Lion falls asleep, Anansi runs back to his house and collects all of Lion's delicious yams to keep for himself.  Delighted with how well his plan had worked, Anansi could hardly wait to play his trick again.  One by one, the animals of the forest continue to be deceived by Anansi - with the exception of Little Bush Deer, a shy deer who realizes what is happening and decides to teach Anansi an important lesson.  When Little Bush Deer and Anansi walk together in the forest, Anansi's plan backfires when he accidentally yells the magical words and causes himself to fall asleep.  While he is sleeping, Little Bush Deer helps all of the other animals retrieve their stolen food.  One would think that Anansi learned a valuable lesson, but the story ends with the claim that this beloved folklore character is "still playing tricks to this very day."

Critical Analysis

Although the story of Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock is originally a West African tale, it is brought to new life through the rhythmic language and vivid illustrations of animals and the forest they call their home.  Anansi is renowned for his cunning and deceptive personality, and he certainly does not disappoint in this retelling of the classic trickster tale.  Eric A. Kimmel's writing follows a natural sequence, and the suspense of Anansi's mischievous ways continues to build until Little Bush Deer cleverly outwits him in the end.  The magical powers of the moss-covered rock are characteristic of the traditional literature genre, and they will have young children everywhere anticipating which character will succumb to its powers next.  The delightful illustrations from Janet Stevens capture the individuality of each of the animals, as well as the disappointment they feel once they realize they have been tricked.  The beautiful storytelling quality of the writing makes this tale one that children will want to hear read aloud again and again.

Awards

• Association of Booksellers for Children Ten Best Books of the Year, 1989

Review Excerpts

“[This book] combines Stevens' knack for drawing funny animals with Kimmel's sense of rhythmic storytelling...Stevens has cleverly avoided cartooning the spider's face and opted instead for emphasizing his very expressive set of eight black legs.  The stylized exaggeration of words and pictures is just wry enough to avoid cuteness and maintain the mischief of a true trickster tale.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Although no specific source is given, Kimmel has retold a West African tale (said to be known in Caribbean culture).  The text is rhythmic, nicely building suspense to the inevitable conclusion.  Stevens' complementary, colorful illustrations add detail, humor, and movement to the text...this new picture book Anansi tale will be welcomed by all trickster fans." – School Library Journal

Connections

After reading this story aloud, children may want to learn more about African culture since Anansi stories originate from West Africa.  They can study the continent of Africa on a globe or map and identify which countries are located in West Africa.  They can then take this information and research interesting facts about these countries, including cultural features such as traditions, dress, music, etc.  Children can extend this activity even further by taking one of the West African countries and comparing it to the United States.  How are the foods, animals, natural resources, and population found within these two countries alike?  How are they different?


After reading a variety of trickster tales that contain many different kinds of characters, have children make a venn diagram and compare the personality traits of the main characters (for example, compare Anansi from Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock to Zomo in Zomo the Rabbit by Gerald McDermott).  Children can also write their own trickster tales by creating an original character who is similar to Anansi.  These tales can be taken throughout the entire writing process and published for others to enjoy.  Another idea would be to have children rewrite the story from Little Bush Deer's point of view and notice how the folktale changes.


This trickster tale would make a perfect Reader's Theatre.  Assign children specific characters from the story, including Anansi, Little Bush Deer, Lion, Elephant, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, and Zebra.  The rest of the class can participate as narrators, and once you've found a rock and decorated it to look as though it's covered in moss, you're ready to perform!