Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric A. Kimmel and Illustrated by Janet Stevens

Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric A. Kimmel and Illustrated by Janet Stevens

Bibliography: 

Kimmel, E. A., & Stevens, J. (2019). Anansi and the magic stick. Holiday House.

Plot Summary: 

When the other animals laugh at his messy house, Anansi the Spider is embarrassed. He wants to fix the problem . . . as long as he doesn't have to work too hard. Stomping off in a huff, Anansi stumbles into an amazing secret--Hyena has a magic stick that follows his orders. If he steals it, the spider thinks, he'll have the neatest home in town and he'll never have to work again. But the magic might be more than Anansi bargained for... Based on tales originating in West Africa and familiar in Caribbean culture, the five-book Anansi the Trickster series is full of slapstick humor and mischief. Eric A. Kimmel's imaginative retellings combined with Janet Stevens' expressive illustrations create the perfect silly stories for fun-loving kids.

Critical Analysis:

The plot would be familiar to many as "the sorcerer's apprentice". I think many kids would identify with Anansi. He means no harm, but is impulsive, overconfident and not good at considering the outcomes of his actions. There are silly moments that make my son giggle. The bright, colorful illustrations make a giant flood not-so-scary. There is no moralizing or preaching in this book. But does give adults/teachers/parents plenty of opportunity to discuss relevant topics: taking what doesn't belong to you, thinking about how your choices impact others, finishing what you start and telling the truth. This would be a great book to use for SEL in the classroom. 

Review Excerpt: 

School Library Journal

An enjoyable offering that is clever, funny, surprising, and traditional all at once.

Booklist

The slapstick of the trickster out-tricked is a lot of fun, and preschoolers will want to join in the rhythmic chant, "Hocus pocus, Magic Stick…"

Connections:

Folklore - Stories passed down through generations

Great options to pair with other books to do a African folklore & folktale unit. To look at the different characteristics that make up that particular genre.

You could do an author unit for Eric Kimmel

Book options to include:

• Cactus Soup
• Anansi and the Talking Melon
• The Three Little Tamales
• The Red Hot