---
product_id: 7172662
title: "Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti"
price: "$35"
currency: NZD
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/7172662-anansi-the-spider-a-tale-from-the-ashanti
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# Vibrant illustrations Classic tale Cultural icon Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti

**Price:** $35
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🕸️ Weaving tales that connect generations!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti
- **How much does it cost?** $35 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/7172662-anansi-the-spider-a-tale-from-the-ashanti)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Stunning Visuals:** Experience captivating illustrations that bring the tale to life.
- • **Cultural Education:** A perfect blend of entertainment and learning for young minds.
- • **Collectible Edition:** A must-have addition to any bookshelf or classroom library.
- • **Engaging for All Ages:** A delightful read for both children and adults alike.
- • **Timeless Storytelling:** Dive into the rich folklore of the Ashanti culture.

## Overview

Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti is a beautifully illustrated picture book that introduces readers to the beloved trickster figure from West African folklore. Published in 1987, this classic tale not only entertains but also educates about the rich cultural heritage of the Ashanti people.

## Description

Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti [McDermott, Gerald, McDermott, Gerald] on desertcart.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti

Review: Anansi Makes Me Laugh... - I am a big fan of the Anansi tales, and the spider's adventures are delightful as well as thought-provoking. For edutainment (educational entertainment) and discussion, I include them in my high school / college level introduction to mythology / humanities survey courses. All ages can enjoy a clever trickster hero who possesses many human qualities, the good and bad--who makes us think about our own deeds and behavior. In Anansi The Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti, Gerald McDermott retells an Anansi story with warmth, cultural sensitivity, and bright, attention-seizing illustrations. Among the children's books about Anansi, McDermott's efforts stand in a unique place because the text is used sparingly and with great effect, conveying important events only and not burying key ideas in lavish descriptions or dialogues. In this book, the elaborate, geometric illustrations paint the "descriptions" that the text omits. Features that I like... The map in the opening that shows the continent of Africa and the country of Ghana. (I'm always happy to see a bit of geography dropped into stories, especially those designed for children.) The Prologue, which describes the importance of folklore, mythology, and legends. I especially appreciate this statement: "Folklore prepares man for adult life. It places him within his culture." Rather than beginning the story with the familiar "Once upon a time...," the author uses "Time was..." which is cool! :) Each of the spider sons in the story is unique in design, appearance, and talent, which makes him easy (and fun) to identify as the tale unfolds. The six sons are See Trouble, Road Builder, River Drinker, Game Skinner, Stone Thrower, and Cushions. The character of Anansi is rendered with an expressive personality and face while his sons' faces are not shown--just their designs, bodies, and talents. Anansi's face changes emotions based on his experiences, and this would be an excellent teaching element for very young children upon hearing / seeing the story. Themes & Talking Points the book offers: Counting, colors, shapes, animals, teamwork, family, intro to Africa [Very Young Children] Reading; Cause & Effect; Critical Thinking & Response; African Culture. How does Anansi get into and out of trouble? // Each spider is an individual with a specific skill or trait; each spider has a place in the family. What does this suggest about the culture of the Ashanti? // The rescue of Anansi is really a team effort by the sons, but who should get the reward? Does the ending solve this problem? [For children 5-12] Reading & Design; Symbolism; Critical Analysis; Author Intent; Culture. Why did the author / illustrator choose not to show the faces of the six sons in the story? How does this choice affect the story? How does Anansi's face tell his story? What is the relationship between a son's name and his unique design? In what instances is Anansi's face NOT shown and why? What lessons are taught in this tale? What universal themes are present? Does this book deserve its "honor" designation? [For tweens through college students]
Review: Beautifully illustrated, fun story. - A simple yet engaging book with beautiful and bright illustrations. The story is about how a “Spider” was rescued by his sons. My daughter is 22 months old and she jumped on this book when I opened it. I wish there was a board book option though.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #21,369 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #8 in Children's Africa Books #11 in Children's Multicultural Tales & Myths #60 in Children's Bug & Spider Books (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,184 Reviews |

## Images

![Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-fdmYvTzS.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Anansi Makes Me Laugh...
*by A***0 on June 1, 2008*

I am a big fan of the Anansi tales, and the spider's adventures are delightful as well as thought-provoking. For edutainment (educational entertainment) and discussion, I include them in my high school / college level introduction to mythology / humanities survey courses. All ages can enjoy a clever trickster hero who possesses many human qualities, the good and bad--who makes us think about our own deeds and behavior. In Anansi The Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti, Gerald McDermott retells an Anansi story with warmth, cultural sensitivity, and bright, attention-seizing illustrations. Among the children's books about Anansi, McDermott's efforts stand in a unique place because the text is used sparingly and with great effect, conveying important events only and not burying key ideas in lavish descriptions or dialogues. In this book, the elaborate, geometric illustrations paint the "descriptions" that the text omits. Features that I like... The map in the opening that shows the continent of Africa and the country of Ghana. (I'm always happy to see a bit of geography dropped into stories, especially those designed for children.) The Prologue, which describes the importance of folklore, mythology, and legends. I especially appreciate this statement: "Folklore prepares man for adult life. It places him within his culture." Rather than beginning the story with the familiar "Once upon a time...," the author uses "Time was..." which is cool! :) Each of the spider sons in the story is unique in design, appearance, and talent, which makes him easy (and fun) to identify as the tale unfolds. The six sons are See Trouble, Road Builder, River Drinker, Game Skinner, Stone Thrower, and Cushions. The character of Anansi is rendered with an expressive personality and face while his sons' faces are not shown--just their designs, bodies, and talents. Anansi's face changes emotions based on his experiences, and this would be an excellent teaching element for very young children upon hearing / seeing the story. Themes & Talking Points the book offers: Counting, colors, shapes, animals, teamwork, family, intro to Africa [Very Young Children] Reading; Cause & Effect; Critical Thinking & Response; African Culture. How does Anansi get into and out of trouble? // Each spider is an individual with a specific skill or trait; each spider has a place in the family. What does this suggest about the culture of the Ashanti? // The rescue of Anansi is really a team effort by the sons, but who should get the reward? Does the ending solve this problem? [For children 5-12] Reading & Design; Symbolism; Critical Analysis; Author Intent; Culture. Why did the author / illustrator choose not to show the faces of the six sons in the story? How does this choice affect the story? How does Anansi's face tell his story? What is the relationship between a son's name and his unique design? In what instances is Anansi's face NOT shown and why? What lessons are taught in this tale? What universal themes are present? Does this book deserve its "honor" designation? [For tweens through college students]

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beautifully illustrated, fun story.
*by O***E on November 24, 2024*

A simple yet engaging book with beautiful and bright illustrations. The story is about how a “Spider” was rescued by his sons. My daughter is 22 months old and she jumped on this book when I opened it. I wish there was a board book option though.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bright colors and a fun story!
*by T***L on January 14, 2026*

This was a book my Mom would read to my brothers and I growing up. I remember the bright colors and it was fun story. I recently bought for clients who just had a baby and I can't wait to share it with them!

## Frequently Bought Together

- Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti
- Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner
- Zomo the Rabbit: A Trickster Tale from West Africa

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-02-22*