Anansi the Spider

I'm curious about how Gerald McDermott decided to bring this story from Ghana to an international audience. Did he incorporate traditional storytelling techniques?

The artwork was so expressive and colorful — it made the characters feel so real. How do illustrations influence the way stories like this are received by kids?

I've read a few different versions, and this one felt especially playful yet meaningful. Are there common themes that stand out across retellings?