Anansi Grows Too Big Jolly Phonics · Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed

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Anansi Grows Too Big

Practice Words

crowd grows low road howls now show slow crow frown frowns glows load rows throws town wow yellow dozes hole home hopes slowly
Page 1
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: Anansi (match attached reference) slips into Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference) in the dry field of Farmer Kofi (match attached reference), who works unaware in the background. Show cracked red earth, a painted cement house beyond the rows, and the big leaf shading the melon. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed toward the RIGHT. Keep the LEFT 50% text area genuinely open inside a smooth, low-detail gradient blur covering the LEFT 60% of the image. Use only a plain, continuous continuation of the scene background there, with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations. Keep all important characters and detailed scene content in the RIGHT 40%, with only a soft natural fade into the blurred left text area. That LEFT 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the LEFT 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

No rain has come for two weeks. Just one thing still glows on Kofi's dry land: his prize melon, big and round and yellow-green, in the shade under a big leaf. Anansi smells it from far off. When Kofi turns his back, Anansi bites a small hole in the skin and slips inside. It is dark and sweet and cool. Anansi eats, and eats, and eats, and dozes off before he sees the problem.

Page 2
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: Anansi (match attached reference; enlarged to the size of a small yam, with a greatly swollen belly) is trapped inside Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference), wedged tightly with his belly pressing against the flesh and his legs folded awkwardly. Sticky seeds surround his belly, with the entry hole far out of reach. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed toward the LEFT. Keep the RIGHT 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That RIGHT 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the RIGHT 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

Now Anansi is in a bad, bad fix. He is not small any more. He is as fat as a yam! His belly presses the melon skin on all sides, and the hole he came in by is far too small. He pushes. He twists. He tries to go out legs first. No luck. Then Kofi comes back down the path. Anansi pulls his legs in and holds very, very still.

Page 3
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: Farmer Kofi (match attached reference) stands in his field, proudly patting Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference) while his hoe rests nearby. Behind a rough fence, Elephant's huge gray legs pass on the raised road, and a small thought bubble rises from the smug melon under its leaf. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed in the lower part of the frame. Keep the TOP 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That TOP 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the TOP 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

Kofi reaches the melon and pats it, proud. Anansi is stuck, but he is safe. He can still eat sweet melon in the cool shade, so he is not upset at all. Then Elephant goes past on the road up high, and Anansi makes his best bad plan yet.

Page 4
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: Elephant flees along the road above Kofi's field, trunk raised in panic. Below the fence, Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference) sits quietly while dusty footprints mark Elephant's retreat. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed toward the RIGHT. Keep the LEFT 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That LEFT 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the LEFT 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

'Good day, Elephant!' Anansi calls in a deep melon voice. Elephant stops. She looks left. She looks right. No one is on the road. 'Down here,' says the melon. 'My, what a big, grand Elephant!' Elephant backs up one step, then two, then turns and runs, and the road goes thump, thump, thump.

Page 5
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: Anansi (match attached reference) enjoys the villagers' attention from inside Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference) beside Kofi's field fence, while Farmer Kofi (match attached reference) stands bewildered behind it and a skeptical elder folds her arms. The villagers lean toward the silent melon, wearing bright Western casual clothing and plastic sneakers in the dust. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed toward the LEFT. Keep the RIGHT 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That RIGHT 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the RIGHT 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

The tale grows fast. By night, all the town has the news: Kofi's melon can speak. The next day, a big crowd stands on Kofi's land. Anansi waits, then says in his best melon voice, 'The rain comes back in seven days.' The crowd gasps. 'Who can say a melon can chat?' says one elder with a frown. But she keeps her gaze on it, just in case.

Page 6
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: The King (match attached reference) sits on a carved stool in the palace court while four attendants lift Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference) on a carrying cloth. Farmer Kofi (match attached reference) watches unhappily nearby; carved palace posts, a polished cement floor, and kente patterns decorate the room. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed in the lower part of the frame. Keep the TOP 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That TOP 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the TOP 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

News reaches the King by day's end. The King calls for the melon to come to him. Anansi gulps. This is not the plan! But four strong helpers lift the melon onto a cloth and load it up.

Page 7
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: The King (match attached reference) leans forward on a carved stool, politely addressing Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference) on a low wooden table while Abena (match attached reference) sits among the advisors with folded arms, studying. The court is crowded at the doorways, illuminated by an LED flashlight beam. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed toward the RIGHT. Keep the LEFT 50% text area genuinely open inside a smooth, low-detail gradient blur covering the LEFT 60% of the image. Use only a plain, continuous continuation of the scene background there, with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations. Keep all important characters and detailed scene content in the RIGHT 40%, with only a soft natural fade into the blurred left text area. That LEFT 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the LEFT 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

The King's big room is full. The King sits on his stool in his fine gold and black cloth. His helpers, the wise men and women who help him rule, sit in rows. The crowd packs in tight at the back. The helpers set the melon on a low stand. The King leans in and says, 'We are told this melon speaks. Melon, please speak.' Inside, Anansi thinks fast. He could stay quiet. But quiet is not Anansi's way. He will put on a grand show.

Page 8
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: Anansi (match attached reference) performs lucky guesses from inside Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference) in the glittering court as The King (match attached reference) leans forward, impressed. A drummer gapes beside a water jar, an advisor's hat has fallen off, Abena (match attached reference) stares thoughtfully, and Farmer Kofi (match attached reference) stands tense at the back of the crowd. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed toward the LEFT. Keep the RIGHT 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That RIGHT 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the RIGHT 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

Anansi gives the crowd a grand show. The melon tells the King his gran's stew needs one more thing: hot pepper seeds. And it is right! The melon tells the drummer where his lost drumstick is: by the jar. Right again! The King is wowed. At the back, Kofi frowns. Is this good news or bad? He can not tell.

Page 9
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: Abena (match attached reference) stands with arms folded beside a low table holding Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference), calmly facing the frozen court. The King (match attached reference) sits behind her with one eyebrow raised, while rows of advisors sit motionless under LED lamps. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed in the lower part of the frame. Keep the TOP 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That TOP 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the TOP 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

Then Abena, a sharp and wise helper, steps up to the low stand. 'Melon,' she says, calm and slow, 'what am I thinking now?' All the crowd goes still. Anansi can not tell what Abena thinks! Any guess will miss. It is a trap. No one speaks. No sound comes at all. The long, bad wait grows and grows.

Page 10
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: The King (match attached reference) stands in the court with his arm extended after throwing Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference), which arcs above recoiling spectators. Abena (match attached reference) stands to one side, unsurprised, with carved stools pushed slightly askew below. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed toward the RIGHT. Keep the LEFT 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That LEFT 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the LEFT 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

'The melon,' says Anansi at last, 'thinks just what Abena thinks.' It is his best guess. The big room is still. Then the King stands up slowly. 'I am a good host to this melon,' says the King, 'and it makes us all look like fools.' His voice is low now, and a king's low voice is a bad, bad thing. 'Take this melon outside,' says the King. 'Quick!' A helper lifts the melon up. But the King takes it from her hands and throws it.

Page 11
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: Anansi (match attached reference; greatly enlarged and extremely fat, with a swollen round belly) lies orange-stained in the courtyard with his legs raised as Farmer Kofi (match attached reference), The King (match attached reference), and the court laugh. Farmer Kofi's prize melon (match attached reference; burst into broken yellow-green rind fragments with exposed flesh, seeds, and spilled juice) is scattered across the floor. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed toward the LEFT. Keep the RIGHT 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That RIGHT 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the RIGHT 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

The melon hits the yard with a crack! It bursts into bits and seeds and one very fat, very dizzy spider. Anansi bounces twice and rolls to hide by a bench. He lies very still. He hopes all will think he is a big seed. Kofi looks at the burst melon. Then at Anansi. 'Who can say a melon can chat?' says Kofi. Then the King grins and howls, and Kofi howls, and all the crowd howls too.

Page 12
Create a single full-page children's book illustration. Use the attached character reference images and match each named character exactly — same shapes, colors and clothing; do not redesign them. SCENE: Anansi (match attached reference) walks home along a village road, slightly orange-stained, picking a melon seed from one leg with a rueful expression. In the background, Farmer Kofi (match attached reference) watches carefully beside his melon field, where small protective fences surround the melons and a watchful crow perches on a post. COMPOSITION: Compose ONE full-bleed scene with a single continuous background that fills the whole image, characters at natural size placed in the lower part of the frame. Keep the TOP 50% text area genuinely open — plain, continuous background with NO characters, objects, props, hanging items, plants, patterns or decorations in it — while the rest of the scene fills the frame naturally. That TOP 50% text area must be the SAME continuous background color as the scene (not a flat panel, not a different shade, no dividing line). Do NOT shrink or squash the characters. Book text will be overlaid in the TOP 50% text area. Do not include any written text, letters, numbers, captions, speech bubbles, signs, labels, logos, or watermarks anywhere; the image must be purely illustrative.

The King is stern. But he sends Anansi home with a cloth and pepper seeds for Kofi's stew. Anansi goes down the road, still stained, picking seeds off his legs. He is clever. He can fool a big crowd. He can just about fool a king. But when it counts, he is far too fat to slip out. When the next crop grows, Kofi looks after his melons well, and a crow looks on too.

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