Anansi and the Talking Melon - (Anansi the Trickster) by Eric A Kimmel (Paperback)

About the Book

A clever spider tricks Elephant and some other animals into thinking the melon in which he is hiding can talk.

Book Synopsis

When Anansi the Spider gets stuck in a melon, he decides to pass his time by doing what he's best at--tricking the other animals around him.

When his melon begins talking, Elephant is so impressed he decides to take it to show the king. But Anansi can't resist the opportunity to make jokes at the expense of everyone they meet. Even the King loses his temper over Anansi's bold remarks--but how will the Spider free himself?

Anansi's quick thinking will delight readers who love to watch a master trickster at work, and the bold illustrations of the animals' frustrated faces are sure to make kids laugh.

Based on tales originating in West Africa and familiar in Caribbean culture, the five-book Anansi the Trickster series is full of slapstick humor and mischief. Eric A. Kimmel's imaginative retellings combined with Janet Stevens' expressive illustrations create the perfect silly stories for fun-loving kids.

Review Quotes

"A surefire hit."--School Library Journal (Starred Review)

"Stevens's funny animals are delightfully expressive, while Anansi's spider-level perspectives provide generous close-ups of melons, a hippo, a warthog, et al. Good-spirited tomfoolery, with storytelling that reels along with the ease of a seasoned prankster."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Eric A. Kimmel, having loved traditional stories since he was a child, has written, retold, and adapted folktales and legends from around the world. Along with Anansi and the Talking Melon, Kimmel has written four other Anansi titles, including Anansi's Party Time, which was awarded Bank Street College's Best Children's Book of the Year in 2008. Dr. Kimmel lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Doris.

Janet Stevens has written and illustrated popular books for over 30 years. Some of her titles include Coyote Steals the Blanket: A Ute Tale and Tops & Bottoms. Her books include New York Times Bestsellers, Time Magazine Best Books of the Year, ALA Notable books, and a Caldecott Honor. She is most proud of her numerous state book awards that were voted on by young readers. She has two children and lives in Boulder, Colorado.