Summary
Our friend the very clever monkey is up to his old tricks in this humorous African folktale. The Clever Monkey Rides Again, as told by Rob Cleveland, takes place long ago in the African jungle where a terrible bully lion roamed. The lion played all sorts of mean tricks and childish pranks on all of the animals. They were too afraid of the lion to stand up to his bullying. That is, until our friend the clever monkey hears the nuisance and starts to laugh. He uses his trickery to embarrass the lion and his humiliation leads him to run away, never to return to that part of the jungle again.
Analysis
Although this whimsical folktale comes from Africa, many variations can be found in the Br’er Rabbit tales from the American South as well as in Native American stories. Instead of the trickster monkey, other cultures substitute the trickster rabbit as the main character. Rob Cleveland uses this story to share valuable life lessons in character values about how to be resourceful in meeting a challenge, how to be courageous in the face of a threatening bully, and how to stand up and be a good citizen when others are too frightened to act.
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Summary
Did you ever wonder why spiders have no hair? After reading Anansí and the Pot of Beans, you too will know the answer. This classic folktale from Africa, written by Bobby and Sherry Norfolk, tells the story of when Anansí goes to help his grandmother. Upon arrival he finds her steaming, hot pot of beans, which he can't resist. This is where the fun begins. Anansí and the Pot of Beans is a charming story that is entertaining while also teaching important life lessons in character values about responsibility and trust.
Analysis
The Anansi stories are always entertaining for kids of all ages because the spider trickster keeps landing in some kind of adventure. His troubles are typically due to his own greed or an impulsive decision. Anansí and the Pot of Beans is a great story for children with a vivid imagination and a good sense of humor. It is also a good example of a cause and effect story that can be helpful to use as a teaching point. Educationally, this folktale presents themes about listening, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness. Finally, Anansí and the Pot of Beans is a book that is worth reading out-loud and discussing with children from preschool through 2nd grade.
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Summary
This story provides another classic African folktale about the trickster spider Anansí. First off, it is a custom that whenever a guest arrives at mealtime that the host share his or her food with the guest, whether the visitor is invited or shows up uninvited. In this folktale, Anansí learns that Turtle is coming over and that he must share his dinner with Turtle. Being the trickster that he is, Anansí figures out a way to trick Turtle so that he can keep all of the food for himself. Of course, when Turtle realizes what Anansí has done, he is determined to teach Anansí a lesson.
Analysis
In this trickster tale from Africa, Bobby and Sherry Norfolk retell the story of how Anansí learns the value of being a good host. He also learns a lesson from the old saying, "What goes around, comes around. “ Anansí believes that he is tricking Turtle and keeping all of the dinner for himself but instead finds that the tables have turned on him. The story demonstrates valuable life lessons in character values about being fair and sharing with others while also showing respect to our guests.
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Summary
The Well of Truth is a humorous Egyptian folktale told by Mitch Weiss and Martha Hamilton about three great friends, Goat, Rooster, and Donkey. All three friends love the sweet taste of clover. One day, they decide to try their hand at farming, and they plant an entire field of clover. They patiently tend to the field and wait for the crop to grow large enough to harvest. Unfortunately, Donkey becomes impatient and one night sneaks out into the field to taste the clover. However, he can't stop at just a taste and eventually eats the entire field. The friends wake up to find the field wiped out and accuse Donkey, who of course denies eating the clover. They all agree to go to the Well of Truth to find out who actually ate the clover, and the Donkey’s guilt is exposed.
Analysis
In this cautionary tale, Donkey learns the price of being greedy and violating the trust of his friends. He discovers that in the end, the truth will always come out, even if it is from the bottom of a well. This classic Egyptian folktale teaches valuable life lessons in character values about sharing good fortune, taking responsibility for our actions, as well as being fair and trustworthy with others.
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Summary
Anansí and the Sky Kingdom is another folktale from West Africa about the trickster spider Anansí. This timeless story is written by the award-winning creative team of Bobby and Sherry Norfolk. In this folktale, the world is dark and King Lion asks for someone to go to the King of the Sky to ask for light. Many animals try but all of them fail to bring light to the world. Finally, Anansí offers to take on the task after all of the other animals have failed. He uses his wits and trickster skills to successfully bring light to the world and all of the animals rejoice.
Analysis
Bobby and Sherry Norfolk share this classic folktale about the brave and clever spider, Anansí. Just like other folktales from the oral tradition, there is an underlying lesson to be learned from the story and Anansí and the Sky Kingdom provides valuable life lessons in character values. The story also highlights the attributes of courage and resourcefulness that Anansí the spider displays through his efforts to bring light to the world. Anansí might be a trickster but he puts his skills to good use to help others in the animal kingdom.
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