Showing posts with label Anansi Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anansi Stories. Show all posts

October 17, 2012

Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories @ Madie Ives Elementary



Over the next few days, I’ll be visiting Madie Ives Elementary to read from Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories. I hope the children will fall in love with Jimmy, Grandpa Sydney, and Anancy as much as I have.

The Language Arts/Reading/ESOL teachers have chosen The Trickster Tricked (Creek/MusocqeeTribe) retold by S.E. Schlosser; Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens, and Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy stories to meet the Common Core State Standards Initiative within Miami Dade County Public Schools:


RL.2.1 – Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why and how, to demonstrated understanding of key details in a text.
RL.2.2 – Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, or moral.
RL.2.3 – Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
RL.2.4 – Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.
RL.2.5- Describe the overall structure of the story, including describing how the beginning introduces the story and the ending concludes the action.
RL.2.6 – Acknowledge differences in the points of view of characters, including by speaking in a different voice for each character when reading dialogue aloud.
RL.2.7 – Use information gained from the illustration and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.
RL.2.10-By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories and poetry, in the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

My presentation, Trickster Tales from the Caribbean, will cover literal, inferential, and analytical readings of Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories, and Question Answer Relationships (QARs) within the text.





In addition, we’ll discuss the origins of Anancy stories and the counterparts in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the American South.

We’ll also examine the following elements of a Trickster tale and their relationship to “Anancy, Snake, and Tiger’:

A clever animal or person who plays a trick on other characters.
One of the characters has a problem to solve.
The trickster has one or two main characteristics such as greediness or boastfulness.
There is a moral or lesson to learn.






Of course, Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories is a story within a story, so the children will also have another level of complexity when they compare Jimmy's serious need--to outsmart a bully-- and Anancy's in the story, “Anancy, Snake, and Tiger.” They’ll also compare the methods that Jimmy and Anancy used to achieve their goals and the lessons to be learned from their actions.

I think it’s going to be a lot of fun!


October 4, 2012

Using Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories to Discuss Bullying


Saying "No" to a Bully: Using Stories to Discuss Bullying


By Geoffrey Philp
Mabrak Books, 2012

Stories are one of the most effective ways of talking about sensitive topics such as bullying because they engage the moral imagination of children. 

Through the skillful use of narrative, children are able to grasp the consequences of actions and empathize with characters. This is a key element in the conversation because bullies quite often are unable to understand the consequences of their actions. Empathy and compassion even when directed at fictional characters are first steps.

Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories, which uses Caribbean folklore to illustrate valuable lessons about conflict resolution, teaches children that problems can be resolved by using their wits instead of their fists.

Synopsis:
Jimmy Harrison loves school and his favorite subject is snack time! But when a new boy, Kevin, joins his class, he begins to bully Jimmy and the rest of the children. What's worse, he begins to take away Jimmy's snacks. Using the wisdom from his Grandpa Sydney's story about "Anancy, Snake, and Tiger," Jimmy overcomes the class bully. And for one Sunday, he reunites his family for dinner.

Set in the multicultural environment of South Florida, Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories draws on the rich oral tradition of Anancy stories that are told and re-told in Jamaica and the Caribbean. These Anancy stories, which originated in West Africa, are rich sources of wisdom that have been passed down from generation to generation.

At the end of the presentation, the students will be able to:
  • Define bullying
  • Recognize forms of bullying
  • Seek help if they are "targets" of bullies
Geoffrey Philp is the author of the children's books, Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories and Marcus and the Amazons, which was a featured book on the Kart Foundation's Reading List. A critically acclaimed author of thirteen books, Geoffrey's work been published in the Oxford Book of Caribbean Short Stories and the Oxford Book of Caribbean Verse. He has also won many awards for his poetry and fiction, including a Florida Individual Artist Fellowship, Sauza "Stay Pure" Award, James Michener Fellowships from the University of Miami, and in 2008, he won the coveted "Outstanding Writer" prize from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. As a former English and drama teacher at West Miami Middle Schools, Geoffrey has conducted writing workshops such as "How to Write Your Own Caribbean Folktale" and "Love Doesn't Have to Hurt (Domestic Violence).” He now teaches English and creative writing at Miami Dade College, where he is the chairperson of the College Prep Department.













Free for the Next 3 Days!




Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories is now available on the Kindle, and it's FREE for the next 3 days. You read right, folks. FREE

Starting today, Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories will be free until 10/6/21012.

Here’s a summary:

Jimmy Harrison loves school and his favorite subject is snack time! But when a new boy, Kevin, joins his class, he begins to pick on Jimmy and the rest of the children. What’s worse, he begins to take away Jimmy’s snacks. Jimmy doesn't want to be a tattletale, but he also doesn’t want to be bullied.

When Grandpa Sydney finds out that Jimmy is being bullied, he reads an Anancy story to Jimmy. Will the story help Jimmy to overcome Kevin's bullying?

And remember, you don't need a Kindle to be able to read the story. You can download any one of these apps for your Smartphone, computer, or table

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=sv_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771

So, head on over to Amazon get yourself a free copy of Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009JYLDZO





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Blog Disclosure Policy


Geoffrey Philp’s Blog Spot receives a percentage of the purchase price on anything you buy through links to Amazon, Shambala Books, Hay House, or any of the Google ads or Google Custom Search.


***

Disclaimer of Endorsement


The documents posted on this Web site may contain hypertext links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links and pointers are provided for visitors' convenience. I do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any linked information. Further, the inclusion of links or pointers to other Web sites or agencies is not intended to assign importance to those sites and the information contained therein, nor is it intended to endorse, recommend, or favor any views expressed, or commercial products or services offered on these outside sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites, by trade name, trademark, manufacture, or otherwise.

Reference in this Web site to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the site's visitors, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by this blog.

October 1, 2012

Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories on Kindle!




Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories is now available on the Kindle, and for regular readers of my blog, here’s a heads up!

Starting tomorrow, Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories will be free until 10/6/21012.

Here’s a summary:

Jimmy Harrison loves school and his favorite subject is snack time! But when a new boy, Kevin, joins his class, he begins to pick on Jimmy and the rest of the children. What’s worse, he begins to take away Jimmy’s snacks. Jimmy doesn't want to be a tattletale, but he also doesn’t want to be bullied.

When Grandpa Sydney finds out that Jimmy is being bullied, he reads an Anancy story to Jimmy. Will the story help Jimmy to overcome Kevin's bullying?

My advice is to get up as early as possible, say 1:00 a.m. (EST), and head on over to Amazon get yourself a free copy of Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories





***

Blog Disclosure Policy


Geoffrey Philp’s Blog Spot receives a percentage of the purchase price on anything you buy through links to Amazon, Shambala Books, Hay House, or any of the Google ads or Google Custom Search.


***

Disclaimer of Endorsement


The documents posted on this Web site may contain hypertext links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links and pointers are provided for visitors' convenience. I do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any linked information. Further, the inclusion of links or pointers to other Web sites or agencies is not intended to assign importance to those sites and the information contained therein, nor is it intended to endorse, recommend, or favor any views expressed, or commercial products or services offered on these outside sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites, by trade name, trademark, manufacture, or otherwise.

Reference in this Web site to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the site's visitors, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by this blog.

June 8, 2012

Characters in Caribbean Folk Tales; Anancy Festival 2012





For the children's writing workshop, "How to Write Your Own Caribbean Folktale," that I'll be conducting at the Anancy Festival in Pembroke Pines tomorrow, I'll be introducing some of the characters that live in our dreams, fears, and hopes.


"Anancy" by Christina Philp

Anancy or Anansi, the Trickster/ spider man can change into a man or spider at will. A rugged survivor, who uses his wits to over come any obstacle, Anancy is rarely a victim.



"Papa Bois" by Christina Philp

"Papa Bois." An old man ragged clothes, sometimes hairy and though very old, extremely strong and muscular, with cloven hoofs and leaves growing out of his beard.



"La Sirene" by Christina Philp

"La Sirene," "River Mumma," "Mama Dlo," "Mama Dglo" or "Mammy Wata". A female water spirit who guards the source of many of our rivers. She can sometimes be seen sitting in the river, combing her hair with a golden comb. She sometimes leaves her comb on a rock, to entice victims whom she then draws into the water


"Soucouyant" by Christina Philp 

"Ole Hig" or "Soucouyant." A woman, often old, who sheds her skin at night and flies through the skies, sometimes as a ball of flame, to suck blood from her victims.


"Loup Garou": bit.ly/LbqnJM

The "Ligahoo" or "Loup Garou." A shape shifter, who can change form (to a werewolf) so that at night he could go around to kill without ever being caught.



"Rolling Calf" : bit.ly/MKgTLi

Rolling Calf. A huge, calf-like creature, which rolls along the road, blocking the way of nighttime travelers, and chasing them with a wicked intention. It has blazing red eyes that gash fire, and a chain that it drags behind it, making an unnerving clanking noise.



"La Diablesse": bit.ly/MKfK6p
"La Diablesse." An old woman who steps forth with her cloven hoof from behind a tree on a lonely road, the sound of chains mingling with the rustle of her petticoat. Sometimes she takes the form of a beautiful woman, to lure some unsuspecting passerby to his death or perhaps to madness. 



"Headless Horseman" by Christina Philp

The Headless Horseman. An evil spirit riding a black horse and carrying his head under one arm (or holding it high to see at great distance). He wields a whip made from a human corpse's spine. When the headless horseman stops riding, death occurs. He usually calls out a name, at which point the named person dies immediately. In another version, he is the headless driver of a black carriage. 

It will be interesting to see how the kids react to and change these characters for their stories.


See you tomorrow!

***

Blog Disclosure Policy



Geoffrey Philp’s Blog Spot receives a percentage of the purchase price on anything you buy through links to Amazon, Shambala Books, Hay House, or any of the Google ads or Google Custom Search.




***

Disclaimer of Endorsement



The documents posted on this Web site may contain hypertext links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links and pointers are provided for visitors' convenience. I do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any linked information. Further, the inclusion of links or pointers to other Web sites or agencies is not intended to assign importance to those sites and the information contained therein, nor is it intended to endorse, recommend, or favor any views expressed, or commercial products or services offered on these outside sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites, by trade name, trademark, manufacture, or otherwise.


Reference in this Web site to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the site's visitors, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by this blog.

May 17, 2011

Anancy Festival: June 11, 2011


Ft. Lauderdale
June 11, 2pm-6pm

Southwest Broward Regional Library, 
7300 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Admission: Free

·         Live simulcast from the Anancy Festival in Kingston, Jamaica
·         Storytelling by Geoffrey Philp and Father Easton Lee
·         Short films on Anancy by Andrew Davies and Ananse Animation Project
·         Dance performance and workshop by Afua Hall
·         Musical performance by the Jamaica Folk Revue
·         Anancy books and other Caribbean books on sale
·         Sampling of Caribbean food

Kingston
June 11, 2pm-6pm
Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library,
 2 Tom Redcam Drive, Kingston 3
Admission: Free

·         Live simulcast from the Anancy Festival in Pembroke Pines, Florida
·         Anancy storytelling by Amina Blackwood Meeks, Adziko Simba and Kellie Magnus
·         Short films on Anancy by Laura Tanna, Lukkee Chong, and Rachel Moss
·         Exhibit on Jamaican spiders from the Natural History Division of the Institute of Jamaica
·         Exhibit of Anancy illustrations by young Jamaican artists: Rachel Moss, Roxanne Richardson, Andre McLean and Nick Shelton
·         Anancy face-painting, arts and crafts and spider snacks
·         Anancy books and other Caribbean children’s books on sale

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July 2, 2010

Anancy Festival: Roundup



If the response of our audience to a show that ran for approximately three hours was any indication of the appeal (especially when we competing against the World Cup), then the Anancy Festival was a resounding success. There was dancing, singing, and, of course, storytelling about the hero of Caribbean-American Heritage Month in South Florida, Anancy.


Anancy was on tablecloths, caps, books, and pamphlets. He was everywhere. Anancy was also the star in the premiere showing of an animated series from the Ananse Animation Project, “Ananse and Bald Head Chicky.” It was one more step in making Anancy a part of the lives of our children and I was proud to be associated with this annual celebration.


The organizers, Dr. Andrea Shaw and Xavier Murphy, are to be congratulated for putting together this stellar line-up of performers:

The Ananse Animation Project is a joint partnership between Steadyimage Multimedia, Inc. and Frame by Frame Productions, Inc., namely, the principals, Adrian Allen, Vivienne Chance and Lukkee Chong. The project’s objective is to entertain and to assist with the re-socialization of the Afro Caribbean Diaspora through animated cartoons. These cartoons are developed to attract an audience through stories with a moral, while acquainting the viewer with their ancestry, culture, and history: www.anansespider.com

Beryl Johnson has played piano professionally for several years in musical theatre (including Jamaican pantomimes), rhythm and blues cover bands, and various settings as a soloist. She recently graduated with a Master of Music degree in ethnomusicology from the Butler School of Music at UT Austin.

Cherry Three is delighted to participate in this years’ Anancy Festival and to showcase the work of Afua Hall, Asha Darbeau, Melinda Desire and Katherine Alvarado. Movement is Cherry Three’s primary medium of communication, occasionally along with the aid of music, theater, the spoken word and the visual arts. The movement vocabulary is based largely on contemporary modern dance with West African, European, and Caribbean influences. Cherry Three is rooted in its commitment to service and excellence.


An enthusiastic lover of the worlds of theatre and music, Dawn Forrester Price is author of the novel Run to Freedom, as well as an award-winning actress, singer and writer. She teaches English in her hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.


Father Easton Lee is a playwright and poet as well as an amazing performer and storyteller. He is also an ordained priest in the Anglican Church. One of his numerous publications is Heritage Call: Ballad for Children of the Dragon.


The Jamaica Folk Revue was started over 30 years ago in the South Florida community. Over the years, this group of Jamaicans—men and women, from all walks of life—has done outstanding performances promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage through song, dance, oral history and drama. Through this effort, the group has showcased the historical interconnections between the various art forms, dating from early forms of Jamaican music to the internationally acclaimed music genre, reggae.

Please follow this link, for more photos: http://www.anancyfestival.com/?p=67&nggpage=2&pageid=67



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May 25, 2010

Launch of Anansesem

Anansesem


Anansesem is a one-of-its-kind online magazine of Caribbean and related writing and illustration for children, by adults and children. Founded by Summer Edward, a budding Caribbean children’s literature scholar, the magazine seeks to provide a space to highlight the unique flavor of children's writing and illustration by Caribbean people, and to thereby recognize and stimulate the children's publishing industry in the Caribbean. Edward is also the magazine’s Managing Editor.


She says, “I am really trying with the Anansesem magazine to depart from the idea that Caribbean literature for adults is somehow more valid and more worthy of recognition than Caribbean children's literature. I am convinced that Caribbean children's literature needs to take itself seriously and that the world needs to take its writers and illustrators seriously, just like Walcott, Naipaul and Brathwaite have been taken seriously by the world. But we here in the Caribbean have to take it seriously first.”


Anansesem will be launched online on Monday, May 24, 2010. Submissions will be reviewed by prominent Caribbean literature advocates, Anouska Kock, Carol Mitchell, Sandra Sealy and June South-Robinson. Interested contributors can visit the Anansesem website at www.anansesem.com for submission guidelines and more information. “I want the people who submit to and visit the magazine to sense that children's literature is a whole other world of possibilities, and that it is just as intellectual, just as prestigious, just as rigorous as Caribbean literature for adults,” says Edward. 


Press Contact:

Summer K. Edward

anansesemonline@anansesem.com



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April 23, 2010

"Anancy Song" by Geoffrey Philp

Best Anancy


Anancy Song


Me name Anancy, watch me dance and sing,
With my words, I make something out of nothing.
When me laugh, “Kya, kya,” is not for no reason
I will survive no matter what the season.

From before time, I see the beginning of earth,
Call me father of all mysteries, creator of mirth.
I measure the oceans, know every man’s worth,
I live at the crossroads between death and birth.

Some people say I only live for me pleasure,
But every Jack man must look in him heart for treasure.
Only when you have you own, you can pull up a chair,
Then call those who you love to your table to share.

I will spin my song to my children who are afar
Living in all kind of trouble, sickness, and war.
Mark my words; know how to touch a strand,
and make the universe tremble with your hands.

Tell all the giants in the world, Massa day done!
Anancy is here and him going have some fun.
Him nah bring no knife, him nah bring nuh gun
Only him brains—Jack Mandora me no choose none!

***

June 25, 2008

Anancy @ The Caribbean Book and Art Fair 2008

Caribbean Book and Art Fair 2008The Caribbean Book and Art Fair 2008 was a wonderful opportunity to read with old friends Donna Weir-Soley, Joan Cartwright, Eunice Tate, Malachi, and Carole Boyce-Davis. It was also good to meet Jeanine Agant and Marcia Douglas.Jeanine and I read during the children's section, and I was pleased and surprised that many of the children knew about Anancy. The parents who attended the book fair have obviously done a good job with educating their children, and I didn't have to give the history of Anancy. All I had to do was read and enjoy being with the children.I began with the second chapter of Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories where Kevin, the bully, confronts Jimmy in the playground. I could see and hear the children's reactions when Kevin took away Jimmy's snack and it was an affirmation that I'd captured their imagination.The Caribbean Book and Art Fair is off to an auspicious start. I'm already looking forward to next year's program and to be a part of their growth.
***
For photos of the Caribbean Book and Art Fair, please follow this link: Anancy in Miramar

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June 11, 2008

Anancy @ Madie Ives Elementary School

Anancy

The children at Madie Ives Elementary School helped me to experience being the kind of artist I've always imagined myself to be: a writer working in the community for the community. And because Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories is set in our neighborhood of Ives Estates, they were delighted when I read about the trees, birds, people and things that they see (0r didn't see until we read about it in the book) every morning and evening when they walk to and from school. We talked about using the imagination to solve problems and conflict resolution. I made a special effort to emphasize that Anancy as the smallest, weakest animal in the forest was often the target of bullies. They were also full of questions:


Q. Does it take a lot of reading to write good stories?


A. Even if you are a born storyteller, reading other stories and learning what makes a story work is always helpful. (Everything comes down to form.) In this way I am very "old fashioned" because I believe that stories should have a beginning, middle, and end.

The more you read, the more you will discover new ways of telling stories and you will learn about other writers who faced similar situations and you will learn about the answers that they devised. You may not agree with them, but you have given yourself another alternative, another possibility, another choice.


Q. How many steps does it take to write a book?


A. These steps don't follow a 1, 2, 3 pattern. They all overlap. But, generally, these are the steps:

1. The "AHA" moment when an idea pops into your head either by sheer luck or the conscious effort of always reading, reflecting, and making connections with your life.

2. The "squirrel' stage. You begin to do research by reading, getting all the facts straight by asking who, what, why where, when, and how.

3. Planning. Figuring out how you are going to tell the story. First, second or third person? How to begin? Some writers skip this stage. They just begin and worry about this later. Because I'm usually involved with other projects other than teaching, I've always had to plan, so this has always been an invaluable step.

4. Writing. Firmly sitting in a chair/ desk with paper/ pen/ writing instrument and writing.

5. Proofreading. Checking for grammar, style, and spelling errors.

6. Simmer over a low heat for a few days, weeks, months, until the story is clear in my mind. Tweaking word choice, style, and voice. Structuring the sentences to say what I mean or sometimes holding back information so that the reader will put the pieces together: Do I need to say more or less?

7. Sending the story out to my friends and asking for their opinion about the overall story and minor revisions.

8. Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite.

9. Sending out for publication. Saying a prayer. Lighting a candle.

10. Conferring with an editor about changes via phone or e-mail.

11. Publication and helping with publicity via my blog or web site.

12. Back to work: See Step 1.


Q. Do you get frustrated when you can't get your ideas on paper?


A. All the time. Some days are better than some. Some days are just awful. Some days I can walk on water. On the days when nothing seems to go right, I work on other things. I read more. I study more. And then I get back to the writing. These are the two big lessons of writing: persistence and perseverance.


Q. What inspires you as a writer?

A. My inspiration has changed over the years. When I started writing, it was all about seeing my name in print, trying to impress people (some of whom I didn't know or didn't even like) and to be recognized. Now that I've written a few books, I've realized that writing is what Charles Deemer calls "a way of being in the world."

Also, because I grew up in Jamaica listening to Reggae and when I was old enough to see the inequality and injustice around me and realized that I could put two sentences together that could have some influence about how others viewed the world, I livicated myself to the idea of InI. That was why I wrote Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories. I found out that many children, who grew up in Jamaica and the Caribbean and now living in Miami, had never heard of Anancy or the value of Anancy stories. Somehow, I think, their parents thought that Anancy stories were no longer relevant. Something had to be done and I could do it.

I wanted the children to experience something that was very important to my self-esteem: seeing myself or someone who looked like me in a book. It's a feeling that never leaves you.


I would like to thank Dr. Tanya Brown-Major, the principal of Madie Ives Elementary School for inviting me to speak to the children during Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

I would also like to thank Ms. Ferro-Philp, Ms. Debose, Ms. Hope Murray, who presented me with this Golden Apple Award, and the children for their interesting responses (PDF file) to the reading: Ms. Murray's and Ms. Ferro-Philp's Second Grade Class. I really liked the one that said, "Jimmy is just like me."

Best compliment, ever!!!


I had a wonderful time reading at Madie Ives Elementary School and I look forward to more events like this.

***

For more photos of the reading, please follow this link: Anancy @ Madie Ives Elementary School.

***



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June 9, 2008

Anancy and Bullying: Reader Question

AnancyDear Geoffrey,

I just read your book
Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories, and found myself a little disturbed by the message. Could you explain what you intended that your readers should learn about bullying from this book? I am hoping that your explanation will help me understand your book better and appreciate the application of Anancy to everyday life.
Thanks.
***




Dear______,

Greetings!


I am hoping that Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories will be read by a parent and child together. I am also hoping that the parent and child will think about Kevin's bullying and ask questions like these:
How else could Jimmy have avoided/solved the conflict?

Was Jimmy "right" in doing what he did?

Anancy stories are about a smaller, weaker individual outsmarting a bigger/stronger individual and they typically fall within the area of Trickster tales in folk mythology. This is why I would like the book to be read by parents with children because the character of Anancy is basically amoral.

In other words, if Anancy stories are misread, they are dynamite. Within the West African tradition Anancy stories would have been told by an elder or a griot to school the untrained in the values of the community. The story would have been used to show the consequences of actions and in Jamaica (it's not included in the Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories), Anancy stories end with the disclaimer, "Jack Mandora me no choose none!" By repeating this refrain, the storyteller would remove herself from the actions within the story and claim a morally disinterested perspective. The claim was often far from the truth.
Anancy, as part of the cosmogony of the Akan people, represents the archetypal creative impulse that thrives on momentary chaos, drama, and disorder in the lives of the actors (sometimes he creates it), in order to achieve a resolution to a dialectical conflict and take the conversation to a higher level. Anancy's message is always clear:

Always outsmart/outwit the bully or overcome the situation that threatens you. You are greater than any situation or circumstance.


I want the children (and perhaps the grownups) to understand that there isn't any situation that our imagination cannot overcome and to every problem, there is a solution. We just have to use our mind, and this is why Anancy stories are always relevant.

We will also need intergenerational conversations so that the children will be able to figure out when it is appropriate to use their "Anancy powers." For like any other archetypal figure, Anancy does have a shadow, and just as Caregiver can become a "suffering martyr" and a Ruler can become a Tyrant, so too can Anancy become a "Shadow Fool."
So, Anancy's application to real life involves creative thinking and realizing that conflicts can be solved if we think "outside the box" and NOT locking ourselves into EITHER/OR mindsets. These are just a few of the values of Anancy stories.

Anancy as a creative problem solver and a figure in conflict resolution offers what Edward de Bono calls Alternatives, Possibilities, and Choices.

For the grownups, they could also think about Snake's role as the Ego that always wants "more, more, more" and Tiger as the archetypal Ruler who despite the fact that he appears "weak" still manages to keep his kingdom in order by "using" Anancy to bring about a resolution without resorting to violence.
Indeed, both Jimmy's story and Anancy's story could be read allegorically with Kevin, as the cause of the karmic disorder, who is removed from the setting, and Jimmy as the hero who restores order.


Take care and thank you for this great question!



Blessings,

Geoffrey
***

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February 29, 2008

Anancy @ Lemon City Library

Grandpa Sydney's Anancy StoriesThe children at the Lemon City Library were fantastic! I was privileged to be a part of the Black History Month celebration hosted by the Miami Dade Public Library System and I read from Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories on February 26, 2008.

The children asked questions about Jamaica, the books I had published, and my reasons for writing Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories. They also asked me about the mountains in Jamaica, and why at the end of the first chapter Grandpa Sydney was sad. I explained to them that like Grandpa Sydney, I missed the mountains of Jamaica where I grew up.

Give thanks to the Miami Dade Public Library System and the Lemon City Branch for inviting me to be a part of this year’s celebration. It really was a pleasure.

For more photos of this event, please follow this link: Anancy @ Lemon City Library-Flickr


***

BTW, Happy Leap Day!



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February 25, 2008

Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories: Review in the Gleaner.

Geoffrey PhilpGrandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories received a very good review in The Daily Gleaner (Sunday, February 17, 2008). The reviewer, Siobhan Morrison, praised the book’s “literary richness,” and the realism of the main characters: “The reality of the struggle most Jamaicans face trying to eke out a life in America and the important role the extended family plays in raising children come out in the book.”

I was especially pleased that the reviewer discerned one the main themes of the book: “Rather than resorting to a physical confrontation and unwilling to be seen as a 'tattletale', Jimmy turns to the cunning sheer ingenuity found in the Anancy stories, which his Grandpa Sydney reads to him every night.”

But I really liked this part:

There is richness to Philp's writing, and a literary mastery that allows him to fluidly interweave three stories within the confines of this rather thin book. In addition to the central story of Jimmy and the bully, Philp inserts the story of Anancy, Snake, and Tiger, which takes up all of chapter five. The character of Anancy is a key figure in Jamaican folklore and culture that can be traced back to our West African roots. The stories are usually passed on orally from generation to generation, very much in the same way Grandpa Sydney tells Jimmy the stories just as he had done with Jimmy's father. Known as a trickster, Anancy is not always a good character who does the right thing for children to emulate. However, in this case '... he did and that's what matters'. Children who read this book will be as entertained by Anancy as they are by Jimmy.

To read the entire review, please follow this link: Full of Lessons and Laughs

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