(4) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Paschkis. In this Anansi story (which previously appeared in the retellers' Why Leopard Has Spots), Spider refuses to help his neighbors with the work on their communal farm. Later, when he tries to help himself to the ripened crops, the vegetables won't allow it: "You didn't help make the farm. Go away!" This retelling ends anticlimactically, but Paschkis's folk-art-like gouache illustrations are dynamic.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Paschkis. Storytellers will find plenty to work with in this lighthearted folktale from the Dan people of Liberia. Quick-thinking Mrs. Chicken convinces Crocodile that the two are sisters, and therefore Crocodile can't possibly eat her. The well-paced narrative follows a familiar folkloric arc (smaller, cleverer animal outsmarts stronger, pointy-toothed predator). The gouache paintings extend the story's humor and give the characters personality.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2003

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Paschkis. With no arms or legs, Head can eat only things on the ground. While dreaming of out-of-reach cherries, he meets up with two Arms who can't see. Other body parts come along, and after they sort themselves out, the newly whole person stands up and picks mangoes. This simple fable about working together is told in a straightforward text; humor is inherent in the situation. Enticing illustrations in ripe fruit colors enhance the strange, silly tale.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2002

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Ashley Bryan. Featuring strong repetition, lively dialogue, and morals pithily wrought, these six Liberian animal tales will be a boon for story hour. Audiences will enjoy the humor (try "Why Spider Has a Big Butt"), and storytellers will appreciate the good notes and illuminating glossary. Bib.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton