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AGES 7-8 • 12 pages • about 3 min to read together
Kweku uses a shiny pebble to trick trusting Mosi the Mongoose, but honesty turns an unfair bargain into a genuine friendship.
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PAGE 1 OF 12
Kweku Anansi loved riddles, quick plans, and stories that made people lean closer. But sometimes he forgot that cleverness should also be kind.
PAGE 2 OF 12
One sunny morning, Kweku sat beside a clear stream and polished a smooth little pebble. It caught the sunlight and flashed like a tiny star.
PAGE 3 OF 12
Two birds chirped above him. “Mosi the Mongoose is very trusting,” said one. “He thinks every shiny thing must be special,” said the other. Kweku listened with curious mischief.
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“A mongoose who loves shiny things?” Kweku whispered. “That sounds like someone I should meet.” He tucked the pebble into his palm and followed the forest path.
PAGE 5 OF 12
Mosi came out from a burrow beneath tree roots. “Good morning,” Kweku said. “Would you like to see something special?” He opened his hand, and the pebble glittered softly.
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“Is it magic?” Mosi asked. Kweku made his most serious storyteller face. “Some say this pebble grants a wonderful wish to the one who earns it.” Mosi’s hopeful eyes grew wide.
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Kweku pointed to a broad, low lookout branch. “Guide me there and watch my lunch basket, and I might trade you the pebble.” Mosi agreed at once.
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Kweku climbed the sturdy branch by himself, placing his hands and feet carefully. Mosi stayed close, guarded the basket, and showed him the safest way.
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From the lookout, Kweku saw village roofs, gardens, and the shining river. “What a view!” he cried. Below, Mosi waited hopefully beside the basket.
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Kweku turned the pebble in his hand. It held only sunlight, not magic. “Mosi, I made it sound magical so you would help me. I am sorry.” Mosi’s ears drooped.
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“I like shiny things,” Mosi said, “but I like honest friends better.” Kweku shared his lunch and gave Mosi the pebble as a gift, not as payment for a trick.
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At sunset, Kweku and Mosi walked back along the village path together. Kweku still loved clever ideas, but he learned that a trusting friend is someone to protect, not someone to fool.
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
Anansi and Sefu’s Hidden Spring →
Anansi and Allo’s Secret Well →
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 7–8
