ECR - Anansi (copy)

1 Many years ago a spider named Anansi had six sons. Each one had a special talent, so Anansi gave each son a name that identified that son's unique gift. Anansi called his sons: River Drinker, See Far, Stone Thrower; Road Builder, Bubble Blower, and Puffy Pillow. 2 One morning Anansi told his sons, "There's a treasure that glows behind the mountain. I am going to search for it." 3 "Good luck, Father," the six sons said. 4 That evening See Far was peering into the distance from a tall tree. Suddenly he shouted to his brothers, "Father has fallen into a lake, and a fish has swallowed him! He needs our help." 5 Instantly Road Builder built a silky trail that zigzagged like a lightning bolt through the trees. Then, the brothers charged down the path to the lakeshore. 6 "But how will we capture the fish?" cried See Far. "It's hiding beneath the waves." 7 "That's no problem," announced River Drinker. He leaned over and water. Soon the fish was flapping on the dry, sandy bottom. gulped down the 8 "But how will we get Father out?" asked See Far. "He's trapped inside."

9 "Watch me!" declared Bubble Blower. He took a deep breath and blew into the fish. Seconds later a huge bubble floated out with Anansi screaming for help inside it! 10 However, before the six sons could catch the bubble, it floated into the sky. 11 ”Oh, no!" gasped See Far. "Father and the bubble have drifted into that thundercloud."

12 "I'll rescue him," proclaimed Stone Thrower. Carefully he aimed a tiny pebble at the thundercloud and then threw the rock into the cloud. Pop! Anansi plunged from the sky back toward the earth. 13 "Father is falling!" yelled See Far frantically. 14 "Oh, no!" said Puffy Pillow. In a flash, he lay beneath Anansi. 15 Plop! Anansi landed with a gentle bounce on Puffy Pillow's soft, springy back. 16 "Thank you, my talented sons," Anansi praised. "I wish I could reward you all with the treasure I discovered, but I only found one glowing white ball. How will I decide which son deserves it most?" 17 As Anansi considered his dilemma, he began to smile. Finally, with one toss, he hurled the ball into the darkening night sky. 18 "Look, my sons," Anansi laughed tremendous with delight. "I've placed the moon in the sky so you can share the reward."