Anansi's Party Time

K-Gr 2—Anansi the spider still remembers the trick Turtle played on him when they went fishing together, so he decides it's payback time. First, Anansi sends Turtle an invitation to a party with circuitous directions that result in a late arrival. Then, he sends Turtle back home for so many items that everyone has gone home and Turtle completely misses the party. Seeking revenge, Turtle plans a party at the bottom of the river, so Anansi has to grab tightly onto Crab so he doesn't float to the surface and he can't eat or drink. Anansi starts having fun when he wins a guessing game, but the prize is a bunch of balloons. Crab and Anansi shoot up out of the river holding onto the balloons and don't stop until they are on the moon, which is why you can sometimes see the shape of a spider or a crab on the moon. Jerry Terheyden narrates Eric Kimmels' tale (Holiday House, 2008) with different comical voices for each character. The pace of the narration is slow, which fits Turtle's personality, but is not as suitable for the other characters. Janet Stevens's humorous artwork is endearing. Fans of Anansi and his clever tricks will enjoy this fun story.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA