Review — Anansi and the Pot of Beans

By Martha Shogren
BayViews — 10/1/2006

In this variation of the well-known “Hat-shaking Dance,” Anansi is shamed into hiding in the tall grass after burning his head with steaming beans and being ridiculed. It is his grandmother’s beans that are the enticement in this version, and the neighbors who help chase away birds who enjoy his new “dance,” inspired by the hot beans. The illustrations are bold and comical, suiting the trickster and his ways. The spiders walk on two feet and have six well-coordinated arms. The African setting is evident in the clothing and houses. The Norfolks have done many folktales centering on character building for young people.

Ratings:
OUTSTANDING: Outstanding in its presentation of the genre, including style, consistency, design, accuracy, and consideration of audience. Books receiving this rating will be considered for the annual Distinguished Book List.

ADDITIONAL: Competent, but may be excelled in its field by other books. A useful addition to most library collections. Reviewers who wish to distinguish books at the high or low range of the broad ADDITIONAL category may use the terms HIGH ADDITIONAL or LOW ADDITIONAL to do so.

UNSATISFACTORY: Contains so many weaknesses in style, content, and/or book design that it is not recommended for general library purchase.

Title Details: Anansi and the Pot of Beans
Author: Bobby Norfolk
Author: Sherry Norfolk
Illustrator: Baird Hoffmire
Interest Level: GR PreK-3

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