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Anansi and the Golden Pot - A Review

 

Taiye Selasi and illus. Tinuke Fagborun

Written by Taiye Selasi and illustrated by Tinuke Fagborun, Anansi and the Golden Pot is a vibrant story of the joy of generosity.

When Kweku, aka Anansi travels with his family to his father's hometown, he is received by his Nana (paternal grandmother) with open arms. Spoiled rotten with Nana's love, Anansi enjoys his vacation. 

He spends his day hauling nets, cooking with Nana, and sipping coconut water, Anansi has the time of his life.

However, he is taken on an adventure when he meets Anansi, the spider! 

Anansi, the boy is gifted a magical golden pot by the spider, which can make his heart's desire come true, on the condition that he share it with his loved ones. He gives his word to the spider.

However, Anansi forgets to keep the word he has given to the spider. He shrouds himself in isolation, lest his treasured golden pot be discovered and he has to share the spoils with this family.

He grows weary with loneliness surviving by eating his favorite red-red, which the pot magically whips up. 

When his Nana finds out she says "Greed brings grief. Generosity brings joy."

Anansi shares the magical pot with his siblings who are delighted when the golden pot overflows with kelewele and ice-cream.

Anansi realizes that the more you give, the more you will receive.

Based on a Ghanaian folk-lore, Anansi and the golden pot is a delightful story of the joy of generosity. A generous heart is a joyous heart.

The illustration is gorgeous. The elements of cultural diversity abound in this book. The hauling of fishing nets, climbing coconut trees, sipping tender coconut water, basking in the dusky sunshine, watching fishermen return with their catch, pulsate throughout the book.

I loved the red-red that Anansi loved to eat. I felt I could eat it too, it was so evocative.

I am so glad to see diverse books in my local library, reflecting the cultural diversity that we are part of.

Image source:www.amazon.com | Publisher: DK Penguin Random House