Tales of Ashanti Fathe

These 22 tales from Ghana have a striking, unusual style, but display many of the themes common to all folk tales. ``Why the Lizard Stretches His Neck'' may remind readers of Rudyard Kipling, while several tales feature the trickster spider of the region, here named Kwaku Ananse, as well as an array of small creatures who outsmart those larger than themselves. A blending of the tales of Aesop with Ashanti lore comes through in ``The Tortoise and the Hare,'' where the familiar race is introduced through the dialogues of bickering animals. Long, formal sentences characterize these debates, which are sometimes longer than the action being discussed and provide a wealth of material about the animals. The tales move quickly in this sparkling, varied collection, well told and beautifully designed. Ages 7-10. (Jan.)