Ananse and Other Short Stories

Stories for kids

Children - Fable
31 Pages
Reviewed on 09/21/2019
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

In the spirit of the Akan tradition of storytelling, author Abena DelAlma brings Ananse and Other Short Stories. This slim volume hopes to introduce today’s young generation to that age-old story of Ananse, a trickster assuming the form of a spider. This storybook incorporates five selected stories: two Ananse tales, a story between two brothers in There is Gold in the Land, a story on procrastination in Some Other Time, and a story about selfishness in Tortoise and the Birds of the Sky. DelAlma captures the voice and essence of these tales in a manner consistent with the oral tradition of storytelling.

Ananse and Other Short Stories is a great book to introduce children to the role of folktales in contemporary society. The sad fact is that many of today’s children are unaware of the rich, diverse stories that our ancestors have passed on from generation to generation. By presenting these five short folktales, the author may well spark a renewed interest among her target audience. These stories are among the fantastic narratives that reflect culture, values, and beliefs. This book deserves space in every school and library. With its easy to follow structure and twists, this little collection is certain to ignite the curiosity and interest of young readers. The important messages these stories carry and the embodiment of pride that DelAlma puts into this volume make this book worthy of an audience.