SPIDERMAN ANANCY

by James Berry ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 23, 1989

Twenty stories from the West Indian/Jamaican traditions. Poet Berry's standard English renditions, in a cadenced, staccato style, have subtle layers and twists of meaning that suit them to the mature readers who will best be able to appreciate their artistry and power; they will also be effective for storytelling with younger children. Sources are acknowledged in a very good introduction--in which Berry describes how this West Indian hero originated in Ghana as the Ashanti Spider God, and how he has ""deepened, clarified and expanded"" the stories he learned in his childhood and other oral versions. The vigorous b&w illustrations are by a Nigerian-born artist. Excellent for storytellers or for large folk-tale collections.

Pub Date: Oct. 23, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 119

Publisher: Henry Holt

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S