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AGES 5-6 • 10 pages • about 3 min to read together
Kweku makes Turtle unable to reach a meal, then learns fairness when Turtle’s pond feast is just out of Kweku’s reach.
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PAGE 1 OF 10
One sunny afternoon, Kweku Anansi cooked a pot of sweet pepper stew. The smell floated past the mango tree, across the path, and all the way to the stream.
PAGE 2 OF 10
Turtle smelled the stew and slowly came to Kweku’s yard. “Good afternoon, Kweku,” Turtle said. “That smells wonderful. May I share your meal?”
PAGE 3 OF 10
Kweku smiled quickly. “Of course, Turtle. Come and sit with me.” But Kweku set the bowls on a tall table and climbed onto his high stool.
PAGE 4 OF 10
Turtle stretched his neck. He stood on his toes. He even leaned his shell against the table leg. Still, the stew was too high to reach.
PAGE 5 OF 10
Kweku saw Turtle trying, but he kept eating spoonful after spoonful. Soon only a few crumbs and drops of stew were left in the bowls.
PAGE 6 OF 10
“Oh, Turtle,” Kweku said, pretending to be surprised. “Why did you not eat?” Turtle lowered his head, then answered gently, “Perhaps you can visit my home tomorrow.”
PAGE 7 OF 10
The next day, Kweku hurried to Turtle’s pond. He wore his orange scarf wrapped warmly around his neck and dreamed of another delicious meal.
PAGE 8 OF 10
Turtle had set a beautiful feast on wide lily pads in the clear shallow water. There were mango slices, plantains, greens, and little cakes made from cassava.
PAGE 9 OF 10
Kweku stood on the bank and reached for the food, but the lily pads floated just beyond his fingers. Turtle nibbled slowly and kindly watched him try.
PAGE 10 OF 10
Kweku’s smile became small. “Now I know how you felt,” he said. “I am sorry, Turtle.” Turtle nodded. “A meal is sweeter when everyone can reach it.” Together they carried the feast to a low mat under the mango tree. Turtle could reach, Kweku could reach, and they shared every bite with happy hearts.
Talk about it together
- What was your favourite part of the story?
- What do you think Anansi learned?
- What would you have done differently?
ABOUT THIS TALE
Anansi (Kwaku Ananse) is the clever spider of Ashanti folklore from Ghana. These tales were told aloud for generations and travelled the world with the Akan people. This is an original retelling that keeps the wit and warmth of the tradition alive for young readers.
More Anansi stories
Explore more Anansi
- Who is Anansi? — meet the clever trickster spider of Ghana.
- See Anansi in 360° — his spider and human forms.
- More free stories for ages 5–6
