Bobby Norfolk

The moral of this story is that what goes around comes around. Anansi tried to outsmart or outwit Turtle, but was taught a lesson when Turtle outsmarted him. Advice given to children would be to always be kind and share. You never know yourself, when you may need a favor in return. I believe that the art does portray the African culture in an authentic manner. First of all the colors are bright and vibrant, which is representative of a jungle and the warm sun of Africa. The hut that Anansi lives in is very similar to huts that particular African tribesman or women would live in. Also, the colors and designs in the houses and on clothing is very representative of traditional African culture.

This would be a great book not only to teach a moral lesson but also to begin to teach a little bit about African culture. Children should be exposed to various types of culture in order to learn new ideas.… (meer)

Noted storytellers Bobby and Sherry Norfolk's updated version of Anansi and the Hat-Shaking Dance (made famous by Harold Courlander's collection of the same name)is updated for western children has a teenage Anansi shirking his duties and burning his head with Grandma Spider's spicy beans. While the illustrations are vibrant and and colorful, the story is made for vigorous telling--nose twitching, hat lifting and bean tasting-- and a good vehicle to practise your animal voices! And everyone loves Anansi--always a winner at storytime and family programs.… (meer)