ANANSI AND THE TALKING CLOTH, by Caroline Brewer, Kwasi Asare, Ekua Holmes, Charlesbridge, Aug. 25, 2026, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 5-8)
When kente-cloth weavers stop weaving, Anansi the Spider must save the city in Anansi and the Talking Cloth, by Caroline Brewer, Kwasi Asare and Ekua Holmes.
One day the sun stops shining because the kente-cloth making spiders stop weaving in protest against mass-produced cloth. Handmade kente cloth has made Africa famous and the spider city wealthy. Without it, the city is doomed.
Anansi faces the biggest challenge of his spider life, and his clever trickster past, coupled with help from his wife, will restore harmony. —Synopsis provided by Charlesbridge
Anansi and the Talking Cloth is an original fable featuring the African trickster Anansi the Spider.
Anansi is a mythological creature who is often depicted as half man, half spider. Anansi’s job is to tell stories for the good of society, but he often strays, playing games and using tricks to achieve his goals.
In Anansi and the Talking Cloth, author Caroline Brewer and master kente-cloth weaver Kwasi Asare, along with illustrator Ekua Holmes, explore traditional kente-cloth making in true Anansi fashion.
The story is told through rhythmic text that has a lovely cadence and is fun to read aloud. Holmes’s collage illustrations are full of texture and exciting movement. Her use of color and patterns is exceptional.
Strong backmatter includes more on the legend and history of Anansi and kente cloth.
Anansi and the Talking Cloth is a celebration of creativity and the art of handcrafting.
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