Anansi and the Talking Melon
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994 · Est. 8 min read-aloud

Anansi and the Talking Melon

Written by Eric A. Kimmel · Illustrated by Janet Stevens

Part of the Anansi the Trickster series

A trapped spider tricks animals with a talking melon. Can he escape?

4.1 Goodreads · 786 ratings
32 pages· 1,017 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud· 500L
$7.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Anansi the Spider finds himself stuck inside a melon, but his mischievous nature turns the situation into a game of wits. As the melon talks, Elephant is amazed and takes it to the king. Anansi seizes the chance to mock everyone they encounter, even angering the king. Will Anansi's cleverness be enough to free him from his fruity prison? Dive into this tale of humor and trickery, where every animal's frustration is a source of laughter and every twist keeps you guessing.

From the publisher

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.

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
32
Words
1,017
Reading age
4–8
Audience
Picture
Lexile
500L
The author

More from Eric A. Kimmel

Explore Eric's bookshelf
The illustrator

More from Janet Stevens

Explore Janet's bookshelf
The series

The Anansi the Trickster series

See the whole series
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
2.6
F&P level
~N
Scholastic level
M
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
13943
Publication
Published
January 1, 1994
First published
March 1, 1994
Publisher
Holiday House
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780823411672

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.