Outstanding point. I really never thought of it that way, so thank you for this.
I don’t suffer under the illusion that Bettelheim’s thesis (or the man himself) was perfect — there is plenty in his book that I’m not entirely sure I agree with — but I think for people who are reluctant to read folk and fairy tales to children because of their inherent darkness, it can be a helpful reframing of the genre as a whole.
Outstanding point. I really never thought of it that way, so thank you for this.
I don’t suffer under the illusion that Bettelheim’s thesis (or the man himself) was perfect — there is plenty in his book that I’m not entirely sure I agree with — but I think for people who are reluctant to read folk and fairy tales to children because of their inherent darkness, it can be a helpful reframing of the genre as a whole.
The Talking Eggs was one of my absolute favorites when I was in school! I need to share it with my daughter.
It’s so good!
I am a sucker for all things Anansi so I will definitely be looking for the one you’ve recommended here. Thank you for such a thoughtful list!
Do you know The Adventures of Spider by Joyce Cooper Arkhurst?
Wow, you’ve jogged my memory. That was one of my first Anansi books! Damn, I’m going to have to get my hands on it again.
It’s my favorite Anansi of them all, and I always recommend it as a first read-aloud for kiddos who are transitioning to not having any pictures.