Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock

As a kid I learned how to read with Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock. I had my parents read it to me until I had memorized it, then I read it, associating the words I knew were there with what was there. It was hands down my favorite book as a child and I believe that the moral in it helped build a moral character into me. I never saw any violence in the story, just thought that when you said the magic words you fell asleep - magically. I am 21 now and still have a soft spot for the story, and will likely read it to my own children someday.

This story is about a phrase that if said near a magical rock makes animals fall to the ground and then wake up shortly after. No one gets hit, they just have to say the phrase for the rock to make the faint. It is a great illustration of one of the many great tales from the Ashanti people about the mischevious Anansi. KIDS LOVE IT! I don't know how to explain it, but they think it is so, so funny. If you want to make your kids LOVE a book, get this one. And don't worry there is absolutely no violence.

Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock is a staple in my storytelling repetoire. Small children appreciate the repetition; older children appreciate the humor; adults enjoy the pure playfulness of the tale. In short, this is another example of folktales being excellent (or not surviving).The book is well written and well illustrated - I hope it becomes a children's classic as it deserves to be

I find this book useful in teaching teachers about the folk lore of Africa. It also is useful in showing teachers an interesting way to introduce and discuss values with young children.

My second graders loved it! Kimmel is an expert storyteller. His Anansi tale is humorous and utterly delightful! It also teaches children a valuable lesson, as do all tales of this type! This is definitely a book for which children of all ages will sit still.The illustrations are colorful and eyecatching. It adds the perfect touch to this wonderful little book. I can only hope that the author, Eric Kimmel, continues producing stories of such high quality.