Anancy and Mr. Dry-Bone
What’s inside...
Poor Anancy and rich Mr Dry-Bone both want to marry Miss Louise, but she wants to marry the man who can make her laugh. She does not laugh at Mr Dry-Bone's conjuring tricks and acrobatics so Anancy decides to ask the animals for help in winning her over. A delightful story, based on characters from traditional Caribbean and West African folk-tales, with vibrant illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Anancy learned by the end of the story?
How did Mr. Dry-Bone's actions affect the other characters?
Why do you think Anancy wanted to win the competition?
How do you feel about the way the story ended?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions about Anancy's tricks and ask how they would feel if they were in the other character's shoes.
Discuss the importance of honesty and fairness, drawing parallels from the story's events.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the story and discuss what could have happened if characters made different choices.
Highlight the cultural aspects and setting of the story, asking your child what they found interesting or different.
Use expressive facial expressions and voices when discussing the characters and their actions to make the conversation more engaging and fun.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of wit and intelligence
Explanation: In the story, Anancy uses his cleverness to outsmart Mr. Dry-Bone and win the heart of the village's most beautiful girl. This showcases how intelligence can prevail over other attributes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and apply their intellect and creativity in problem-solving and in achieving their goals, whether in academics or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The book is filled with rich Caribbean folklore and illustrations inspired by traditional art, helping to convey the importance of cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to learn about and respect various cultures, enhancing their global awareness and promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: Anancy's story in the book exemplifies the traditional role of storytelling in passing down cultural values and moral lessons.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to engage in and appreciate storytelling, improving their communication skills and reinforcing moral lessons through narratives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Anancy's persistent efforts, despite challenges posed by Mr. Dry-Bone, ultimately lead to his success, illustrating the rewards of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of persistence in the face of obstacles, whether in school tasks, hobbies, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Respect and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters who exhibit respect and kindness are portrayed positively, emphasizing these values.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice respect and kindness in daily interactions, fostering a positive social environment.