TRADITIONAL REVIEW: ANANSI GOES FISHING

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
ANANSI GOES FISHING. Retold by Eric A. Kimmel. 1992. Ill. by Janet Stevens. New York, NY: Holiday House. ISBN 082340918X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In Kimmel's retelling of the African folktale based on Anansi the spider, Turtle plays the part of the trickster who cajoles Anansi into making a net for catching fish. When Anansi realizes what Turtle has done, he wants justice and goes to Warthog, the mediator. Warthog doesn't believe Anansi, who is left with no fish of his own.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kimmel's simple and direct dialogue between Turtle and Anansi is easy to follow and easy to listen to. This traditional African folktale tells why spiders weave their webs all over the world--typical of pour quoi tales. Kimmel keeps the flow of this tricky tale short and illustrative, which is sure to capture the attention of all ages.

Janet Stevens' initial portrayal of Turtle carrying a fish along a stream is not to be overlooked. It leads the reader into the first pages of the story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "humorous details and lively dialogue"
BOOKLIST: "children able to comprehend the wordplay will be delighted"

5. CONNECTIONS
*other Anansi readings and sound recordings by Eric Kimmel, plus make a spider out of pipe cleaners and craft pompoms. ANANSI GOES FISHING could also be a skit with three players.
ANANSI AND THE MAGIC STICK. ISBN 0823414434
ANANSI AND THE MOSS-COVERED ROCK. ISBN 082340689X
ANANSI AND THE TALKING MELON. ISBN 0823411044