Anansi and the Golden Pot
on Goodreads (223)
What’s inside...
In this charming retelling of a West African story by award-winning author Taiye Selasi, a boy named Kweku, nicknamed Anansi like the mischievous spider from traditional tales, discovers a magical pot while visiting his Grandma in Ghana. Anansi the spider and Anansi the boy explore the dangers of greed as they learn to share the pot that can be filled with whatever they want. The story is brought to life with colorful illustrations by Tinuke Fagborun and teaches the importance of kindness. This beautiful storybook includes more information about the origins of Anansi folktales and is one that children will treasure forever.
Discussion points
What do you think Anansi could do differently to solve his problem?
Why do you think sharing is important in the story?
How did you feel when Anansi made his choice at the end of the story?
What would you have done if you were in Anansi's situation?
How do you think the other characters felt because of Anansi's actions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of Anansi’s actions by asking them how they would feel if they were the other characters.
Discuss the theme of sharing and ask your child to recall a moment when they shared something important with someone else.
Use expressions and voice modulation to make the reading more engaging and help your child understand the emotional undertones of the story.
Relate the story to real-life situations to help your child connect with and learn from Anansi's experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In the story, Anansi learns the hard way that being deceitful can lead to trouble and ultimately doesn’t pay off.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of being truthful in their everyday interactions and see how honesty builds trust in relationships.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Anansi’s insatiable desire for the golden pot leads to problems, showcasing that greed can have negative outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children recognize the importance of being content with what they have and discourages selfishness.
Example Lesson: The power of humility
Explanation: Throughout the tale, Anansi’s experiences teach him to be humble, a quality that eventually brings him peace.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to embrace humility, understanding that it's a virtue that can lead to more harmonious interactions both at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and the impact of choices
Explanation: Anansi’s story is a classic tale of actions and consequences, highlighting how choices can impact oneself and others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about the consequences of their actions and the responsibility they hold for them.