A West African Folktale
Anansi, the Spider trickster, is one of the oldest and most important figures in African folklore. Tricksters appear in all folklore and they challenge the powerful forces around them. They usually win by doing something clever. In this early tale Anansi bargains with Nyame, the Sky God. Anansi must capture the four most dangerous creatures on earth for Nyame and in exchange he will be given a box containing all the stories Nyame knows. Anansi will bring these stories to the world so that all creatures will know them, too. If he is clever enough.
Anansi
and the Box of Stories
A West African Folktale
By Stephen Krensky
Illustrated by Jeni Reeves
Millbrook Press © 2008
Hardcover: 978-0-8225-6741-7
