Anancy and the Haunted House — Richardo Keens-Douglas

Anancy was the biggest and strongest spider in the whole town. He had traveled far and wide, climbed the highest mountains, and, yes, scared the most famous people. He loved to boast about his adventures, which, according to him, were bigger and better than anyone else's.

...until the day he swaggers into the haunted house at midnight. Just as his friends warned him, inside Anancy encounters a large rooster that dances on the table. The rooster invites Anancy to show off his talents too, and with all his friends watching, Anancy can't refuse. Suddenly, the rooster pounces and Anancy is pinned to the table. But just before Anancy becomes the rooster's next juicy meal, he is saved by the heroic efforts of his little friends.

Anancy (Anansi) stories originate in the oral tradition of the Ashanti people of Ghana. The character became a symbol of survival when introduced to Caribbean folklore by African slaves. In this original tale Anancy is at times generous and greedy, foolish but wise, and both timid and brave. He teaches us that there is strength in numbers.