Three Tales Spun Well
Since the beginning of time, people have been fascinated and repulsed by the eight-legged ones who quietly share our world. Navajo myth tells of Grandmother Spider who spans the world waters with her wide legs and where her belly touches the rolling deeps, land is formed. Sioux stories of Inktomi the trickster spider/man abound, and a continent away, Anansi tales still are told.
In a powerful new retelling of the ancient Greek myth, poet Kate Hovey opens with Arachne rallying her fellow spiders to hear the tale of unjust punishment (sounds like a teenager?) and relentless questioning of authority (definitely a teen), all the while refusing to acknowledge Athena's power. Hovey's book, "Arachne Speaks" (McElderry Books, $17.95) is graced by Blair Drawson's angular paintings which carry much of the story of the confrontation between the young ambitious weaver and her immortal counterpart without a thread of cuteness. This is THE version you'll want to use to introduce kids to this tale of the vanity of the gods vs. the talent of mere mortals. In the end, Arachne's death at the hand of Athena and her subsequent transfiguration into an eternally unrepentant weaver is told and shown with powerful words and pictures.
"Sophie's Masterpiece: A Spider's Tale" by Eileen Spinelli (Simon and Schuster, $16) weaves a touching tale of old age's gifts and the inexhaustible power of love. Jane Dyer give the story a dreamlike simplicity; her inspired use of the nursery web spider as her "model" for Sophie gives the story enduring realism.
"Spinners" by Donna Jo Napoli and Richard Tchen (Puffin, $5.99) takes older readers inside another fairy tale--Rumplestiltskin--and reweaves it into a thoroughly believable encounter with love gone wrong. The magical transformation of the suitor who wants so much to please his bride with a gown of gold spun from straw turns into a surprising twisted tale of regret, longing, and disconnection. The "suitor/spinner" with his crippled legs (the price paid for turning straw to gold) longs for the child of the queen not out of perversion but because it is his grandchild. He gambles (and loses) in a desperate effort to win back love so long ago lost. The sad bloody ending (from Grimm) leaves the reader wishing Rumplestiltskin could have succeeded and lived, passing along his gifts of spinning straw into gold and tales into tomorrows.
Reviews
Aarrgghh! Spider!
Lydia Monks
In this hilarious picture book, a lonely spider watches a family having fun with their family pets and decides that she wants to join in. Excited by the prospect of becoming the newest family pet, she tries to impress the whole clan by showing them her fancy dance moves, jumping in the bath tub to prove her excellent hygiene practices, and weaving a web to catch her own dinner. Unfortunately, the family does not react kindly to her antics and scoots her outside every chance they get. After three unsuccessful attempts to garner their attention, she decides to go live by herself in the backyard. One evening, she weaves dozens of beautiful, sparkly webs around the yard, and the family quickly becomes enthralled by the awesome sight. They decide to welcome her into their household as the newest family pet. She loves her new role and everything runs smoothly, that is, until she decides to invite all of her spider friends over for a visit. Aaaarrgghh! This comical story and the accompanying artwork perfectly complement each other and create a winning picture book. Children will enjoy touching the sparkly silver webs, which appear on the book's cover, as well as on a spread inside. This book will make a great read-aloud selection. 2004, Houghton Mifflin Company, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 2006; Nominee; Picture Book; Nevada
ISBN: 0618432507
Amazing World of Spiders
Janet Craig
Illustrations by Jean Helmer
Start young readers with Ms. Gibbons' Spiders and they'll segue smoothly into Ms. Craig's. Both authors explain how the eight-legged arthropods differ from insects, describe their general characteristics, and focus on the unique ways in which different species spin their webs-Ms. Craig in more depth. 1990, Troll, Ages 3 to 10, $12.95 and $3.50. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin
ISBN: 0-8167-1751-6
ISBN: 0-8167-1752-4
Ananse's Feast: An Ashanti Tale
Tolowa M. Mollel
Illustrations by Andrew Glass
Ananse is of course familiar to many of today's young readers, and this is a trickster tale offering deftly sketched characters and a clever plot. You know when Akye the Turtle gives thanks and hopes he'll be able to repay Ananse, that the wily spider will get his comeuppance. He does, and the story makes us reflect on guests and hosts and the role of greed in breaking friendships. Brightly illustrated in oil and colored pencil. Author's note included. 1997, Clarion, Ages 6 to 9, $14.95. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami
ISBN: 0-395-67402-6
Anansi and the Box of Stories
Stephen Krensky
Illustrations by Jeni Reeves
Adapted from a West African folktale, this beginners' chapter book tells the story of Anansi, a personified spider who wishes to know all of his country's folk stories so as to learn the mysteries of life. But only Nyami, the sky god, knows the stories, and he will not tell them to the spider. Anansi tells Nyami that he will pay any price to know the stories, and so they strike a deal. Nyami agrees that if Ananzi brings him four of the fiercest animals in the jungle, and he will tell Ananzi the stories. He believes his demand is an impossible task for the spider. The four creatures Ananzi must retireve, in order, are: a python, hornets, a leopard, and the fairy, Mmoatia, who is unseen on the wind. The following four chapters of the book reveal the lengths to which Ananzi must go to fetch each creature that Nyami has requested. The beauty of the book is in the language that Ananzi uses to "trick" each creature into capture. The story, appropriately illustrated in bold, colorful and authentic drawings, has a happy ending. An afterward explains the importance of Anansi in the folklife of West African tribes. 2008, Millbrook Press, $25.26. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8225-6741-7
ISBN: 0-8225-6741-5
Anansi and the Talking Melon
Retold by Eric Kimmel
Illustrated by Janet Stevens
Readers follow Anansi, the tricky West African arachnid, as he wiggles his way, in and out of a juicy cantaloupe and a heap of trouble. Crafty but harmless, this tiny spider manages to pull the legs of his huge and hairy neighbors, Warthog, Hippo and Elephant. Well-written, humorous dialogue suggests this melon tale is ripe for a stage-play. 1994, Holiday House, Ages 4 to 8, $19.95 and $6.95. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino
ISBN: 0-8234-1104-4
ISBN: 0-8234-1167-2
Anansi Does The Impossible
Retold by Verna Aardema
Illustrations by Lisa Desimini
Anansi, a cunning little spider, is upset that the tales told by storytellers for generations now belong to the Sky God. He is determined to get the stories back. Anansi shares his dilemma with his wife, Aso, who works with him to regain possession of the tales. Anansi makes a deal with the Sky God. In order to buy back the folktales, he must bring the Sky God a live python, a real fairy, and forty-seven stinging hornets. Although it sounds impossible, Anansi and Aso join forces to meet the Sky God's requirements. They regain possession of the tales and celebrate by gathering the village people inside a circle of fires for storytelling. They also share with the villagers their exploits. The bright, colorful illustrations reflect the story's African roots. 1997 (orig. 1960), Coward McCann, Ages 3 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Tamara Hundley
ISBN: 0-689-81092-X
Anansi Goes to Lunch
Bobby Norfolk and Sherry Norfolk
Illustrated by Baird Hoffmire
Anansi is a greedy little spider. He is invited to eat lunch with Hippo and accepts. He is also invited to each lunch that day with elephant and zebra; he accepts their invitations, too. Anansi wants everything that is offered to him and concocts and plan to take advantage of all of it. Each friend has a string that he will pull when lunch is ready. Anansi ties the other end of these strings around his belly. When the string is pulled, Anansi will go to lunch. Of course, Anansi's plan backfires on him. All three lunches are ready at the same time. So, all three strings are pulled at the same time. Anansi gets pulled all over the place, and his waist takes the toll. After the strings break, Anansi's changed waist will be tiny forever. This folktale explains why spiders have big bodies but small waists. The pictures are colorful and the animals are beautifully drawn. 2007, August House Story Cove, $3.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Julie Hendrix (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-87483-852-7
ISBN: 0-87483-852-5
Arachne Speaks
Kate Hovey
Paintings by Blair Drawson
Arachne, the legendary weaver of Greek mythology, speaks to us across the centuries in verse. She gains our sympathy for her struggles to become a master weaver from her poor beginning. But her pride in her skill challenges the authority of Athena, the patron goddess of weaving. Arachne weaves a beautiful tapestry, but one that is insulting to the gods. She tries to escape Athena's wrath by hanging herself, but instead is turned into a spider. In the end, although Athena is no longer worshipped and "languishes alone," Arachne's descendents thrive and will survive. The stylized, rather than realistic, paintings include a few symbols from ancient Greece along with typical clothing. But the page layouts and the mix of close-ups and group scenes provide the harsh inevitability we associate with ancient legends. Athena's stern nobility is contrasted with Arachne's mocking portrayal of some gods, the esthetic triumph that guarantees her downfall. The depiction of her agony on the jacket/cover, complete with drops of blood, sets the tone. 2000, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $17.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-689-82901-9
Are You A Spider?
Judy Allen
Illustrations by Tudor Humphries
This delightful book introduces preschoolers to the fascinating world of spiders. The author discusses the spider's life cycle, physical characteristics, web-building skills and eating habits. Bright, eye-catching artwork perfectly complements the engaging text. In addition to informative descriptions, the author also includes a "Did You Know..." section in the back of the book, which includes interesting facts about spiders such as "The goliath tarantula has a leg span almost as wide as a dinner plate." This title will make an excellent read-aloud selection for story time in the classroom or library. After reading this book, youngsters will have a better understanding of these small, often misunderstood creatures. In fact, many of them will probably dash outside to look for spider webs in their own backyards. This is a wonderful book to jumpstart young scientists interests in the natural world. Part of the "Backyard Books" series. 2000, Kingfisher, Ages 4 to 7, $9.95. Reviewer: Debra Briatico
ISBN: 0-7534-5243-X
Bright-Eyed Athena: Stories from Ancient Greece
Richard Woof
Centered around Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, are eight stories from ancient mythology. The city of Athens was named after the goddess, and the Parthenon, which still dominates the city, was built in her honor. Athena was skilled and wise, although capricious in nature, coming to the aide of some while ignoring others. Athena took pity on the hero Perseus, advising him how to get the items he needed to slay the evil gorgon, Medusa. Snakes writhing in her hair, just glancing at Medusa would turn a mere mortal to stone. Athena was not as kind to Arachne who angered the goddess by challenging her to a weaving contest. Arachne continues to weave today in the form of a spider. Also included in the collection are tales of Demeter and Persephone and the story of Pandora's Box. Photographs of ancient statues and pottery, complete with excellent explanations, accompany the text. The stories could be shared orally or used in a social studies or literature program. A vocabulary page is included, but an index is not available, making this a difficult research source. 1999, J Paul Getty Museum Publishing, Ages 10 to 15, $12.95. Reviewer: Laura Hummel
ISBN: 0-89236-558-7
Care for a Pet Tarantula
Amie Jane Leavitt
This series gives readers the facts necessary to make an informed decision on whether an animal would be the right pet for them and suitable for their family. Each book describes how and where the animal lives in the wild and other information on the species such as how long it lives, how big it will get, and what food it eats. Readers learn how much care the animal will need as a pet including the space it needs, what to feed it, how to handle it, necessary health care, and other needs. Readers will learn that not all of these animals, such as the chimpanzee, make go. Grades 4-8od pets. Color photos and larger print make this series an attention grabber to those students who not only may be considering these animals as pets, but also to use as a resource for research projects. "Find out more" pages are included. Glossary. Index. Recommended. 2007, Mitchell Lane Publishers Inc, 32pp. ea, $25.70 ea. lb. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Susan Black (Library Media Connection, February 2008).
ISBN: 978-1-58415-603-1
Caring for Your Spider
Michelle Lomberg
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own a spider? What types of spiders make good pets? What do they eat? All of these questions and many more are answered in this comprehensive book about spiders. This book is organized with a table of contents, interesting facts, words to know, and where to get more information. It gives a brief description on what spiders eat and what types of cages are appropriate. For those thinking about buying a spider, the book explains the best types of spiders to own. It also encourages readers to find out if anyone in the household is afraid of spiders before making a purchase. In addition, it explains that people with allergies can be allergic to spiders. Things people need to know in order to take care of their spider are discussed, including how to make sure your spider is happy and how to hold your spider. The photographs give readers a glimpse of the different types of spiders, their habitats, and the food they eat. Educators looking to introduce children to spiders will find this book a helpful resource. Caring for Your Spider is part of the "Caring for your Pet" series. 2004, Weigl Publishers Incorporated, $24.25. Ages 7 to 8. Reviewer: Debbie Bohn (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1590361202
Charlotte's Web
E.B. White
Illustrated by Garth Williams
Wilbur the pig, is desolate when he discovers that he is destined to be the farmer's Christmas dinner, Then his spider friend, Charlotte, decides to help him. It is a wonderful story filled with humor and examples of what it really means to be a friend. The book will not dissapoint, even if kids have seen the movie version. 1953 Newbery Honor Book. 1952, HarperCollins, Ages 6 and up, $13.00, $12.89, $3.95 and $3.50. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-06-026385-7
ISBN: 0-06-026386-5
ISBN: 0-06-440055-7
ISBN: 0-06-107010-6
The Cobweb Christmas
Shirley Climo
Illustrated by Joe Lasker
In this story, Tante cleans her tiny cottage in preparation for the holiday and decorates a tree that brings pleasure to the children and animals of the village. The only creatures who can't participate are the spiders, who had been swept outside during Tante's cleaning frenzy. But it is the spiders-who inadvertently had been excluded from previous Christmases-that bring Tante the holiday magic she had always hoped for. Lasker's watercolor illustrations are a lovely accompaniment to Climo's story of generosity. 1982, Crowell/HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $14.89 and $4.50 Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
ISBN: 0-690-04216-7
ISBN: 0-06-443110-X
The Creepy Crawly Calypso
Tony Langham
Illustrated by Debbie Harter
Storybooks are often powerful ways to introduce young children to the world around them. In the guise of a simple rhyming counting book, this book introduces the music of the Caribbean to little ones. Calypso, indigenous to the islands of the Caribbean, has a unique sound that is due, in part, to the array of instruments used. Langham counts a variety of different insects as they are playing instruments as ordinary as the guitar and as extraordinary as the marimba. Illustrations by Debbie Harter are vibrant and the concept of counting is evident in every picture. Children can easily count the insects and the instruments as they read the rhyming text. The backmatter of this book includes information not only on the insects but the unusual instruments as well. A CD of the rhyme brought to life in song is included. This would make a terrific addition to any classroom but it most certainly belongs in a music teacher's classroom. Integrating language arts into music is often problematic, but this book and CD combo solve that problem handily. Children can sing the song as they read along in the book. The CD also features a useful introduction to the calypso instruments to help children identify what instrument is making which sound. This book will be useful in a variety of way from a home read aloud to a classroom resource. 2004, Barefoot Books, $16.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 184148699X
Daddy Longlegs
Heather L. Miller
Part of the "Bugs" series that includes books about such creepy critters as black widow spiders and cockroaches, this informative book designed for young children will help even late-primary students begin to do research. The book is written at approximately a 2nd- to 4th-grade reading level. It has short chapters with interesting subtitles, large photographs of actual daddy longlegs, and clear, simple prose. Information about the daddy longlegs is arranged in sections around its characteristics, life cycle, home and diet. Well-captioned and relevant photographs add interest and information. The magnified photographs, especially those showing the daddy longlegs at dinner, are particularly yucky, which should delight students. The regular research tools of a glossary, an index and additional resources are included but simplified to the level of a young researcher. Specialized words are printed in bold in the text and then explained in the glossary, making the book easy to follow. Teachers who teach a unit about bugs, or even those who just have students who love creepy-crawly things, will find this book a good addition to their classroom. 2005, Thomson Gale, $22.45. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Sheryl O'Sullivan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0737717696
First Palm Trees: An Anancy Spiderman Story
James Berry
Illustrated by Greg Couch
Richly illustrated and ingeniously told, this book makes a nice addition to the Anancy heritage. With some pages featuring patterned borders, Couch's complicated earth-colored art excellently portrays both the Spiderman and the God-characters with whom he spars this time around. Anancy wants the King's promised reward for creating palm trees, but he knows that he can't accomplish the task alone and will be forced to share his prize. He just doesn't plan on sharing with so many. A nice lesson in cooperation and inter-dependence, First Palm Trees offers another generation of readers a wonderful insight into one of mythology's most cunning and enduring characters. 1997, Simon and Schuster, Ages 5 to 10, $17.00. Reviewer: Donna T. Brumby
ISBN: 0-689-81060-1
Funnel Web Spiders
Eric Ethan
This book in the Garth Stevens "Imagination Library" series provides the reader with full color photographs and detailed information about the Funnel-Web spider's appearance, habitat, reproduction, food, and predators. Not a book for those who have a weak stomach or a dislike of spiders, Eric Ethan provides fascinating facts about this poisonous spider. The funnel-web spider, which can only be found within a hundred miles of Sydney, Australia, lives in burrows. Like their name suggests these spiders spin funnel shaped webs that lead into the burrow. Trip lines are found at the entrance to these burrows, which are usually found in moist and damp areas. Trip lines are long strands of silk, which alert the spiders as to when they have company. It is in these burrows that the hairy legged, dark colored, large fanged funnel-web spider sits waiting for its prey to arrive. With their fangs, these spiders inject their victims with deadly poison. Even though his spider is a predator, it too has enemies, namely lizards, birds, and humans. To learn more about this fascinating spider check out this beautifully illustrated book. It is a wonderful teaching resource as it provides other nonfiction and fiction books on spiders as well as videos and websites which can enhance any lesson or unit on spiders. The large print and colorful pictures makes it suitable for early readers. This text can easily be incorporated into content area lessons as well as language arts lessons. 2004, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $21.26. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Cara Mulcahy (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0836837673
Guess Who Spins
Sharon Gordon
Each spread gives clues in text and photographs that lead children to identify spiders. The text gives information about where spiders live and parts of their bodies. The photographs are a mixture of close-ups of body parts and odd angles, such that a child has to put the pieces together to determine that it is a spider. A small glossary in the back identifies words that are particular to spiders, like silk and feelers. The index seems unnecessary as the book is very short. The language used is appropriate for early readers, but this book is not for the squeamish. The photography is excellent, though creepy. Gordon has included more in-depth information on spiders than on some of the other creatures in the "Guess Who" series, making this book more appealing to an older audience than some of the other titles. 2005, Marshall Cavendish, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Helen Sheriff (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0761417680
Goliath Bird-eating Tarantula: the World's Biggest Spider
Meish Goldish
This super sized arachnid is as large as a Frisbee and is able to eat birds! It uses its hairs to protect itself, uses its deadly fangs as weapons, lives in burrows in the rain forests of South America, and is among the longest living spiders. Basic facts such as these are presented in an accessible, age-appropriate text that will engage children, as will the high quality photographs. Information is clearly presented, using many of the conventions of nonfiction to facilitate reading for meaning, including fact boxes, labels, habitat maps, size comparison diagrams, and a picture glossary. Three titles for recommended reading and three web sites with more information conclude the book. This high-quality nonfiction, another entry in Bearport's "SuperSized!" series, is just right for young researchers or browsers. 2007, Bearport, $21.28. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-59716-389-7
ISBN: 1-59716-389-9
Grandmother Spider Brings the Sun
Geri Keams
Illustrated by James Bernardin
In this Cherokee creation story, Keams, a Native American author and storyteller, relates how the whole world got to share the sun, why possum has a hairless tail, and why the buzzard is bald. Bernardin's full-page color illustrations bring the animals alive and imbue them with human characteristics. At the beginning, blues and browns effectively convey the dark half of the world, while vibrant yellow, orange and red reflect the power of the sun and the ending of the tale. The author's note at the beginning of the tale ties together Grandmother Spider's bowl in the story to the clay bowls in Native American cultures. 1995, Northland, Ages 8 and up, $14.95. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 0-87358-597-6
Halloween Snuggles: Spooky Spider
Mark Shulman
Illustrated by Patti Jennings
For those who like board books with plenty of tactile reinforcement then this title and its companion Batty Bat are perfect choices. The orange fuzzy cover has a big black spider across the cover. The eight legs all move and should stand up to some serious pulling. This spider is not too frightening because he has a big smile on his face. However, Spider's friends decide that they want to give him a fright. The Werewolf howls, Bat tries tickling, Ape doesn't have any luck scaring Spider either, but the biggest fright comes when Spider sees his reflection in a puddle of water. Parents may need to explain what a werewolf is and why an ape would be yellow in this "Snuggle Book." 2004, Pinwheel Books/Sterling, $7.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4027-1590-0
Hobo Spiders
Eric Ehtan
Children reading this book in the Garth Stevens "Imagination Library" series will be enthralled by the information about the hobo spider. Originally from Europe, hobo spiders probably traveled to North America by cargo ship. They were first identified in Seattle, Washington around 1930. From there they wandered throughout the North American continent. They are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders, but they are much more dangerous. Their bite, although not fatal to humans, is very painful and can take years to heal. Like other spiders in the "funnel-web" family, hobo spiders weave funnel shaped webs. These webs are usually found outdoors in cool, moist places, close to the ground. To learn more about how the hobo spider grows, how many years it can live, how it catches its prey, and how it eats its victims you will need to read this book. The pictures that accompany each page will amaze you. The photographs are often taken from unique angles and provide close up pictures that you might otherwise never have the opportunity to view. There is a glossary and an index, as well as a list of other resources for more information about spiders. A great resource for a language arts or content area classroom. This book is attractive for beginning readers due to its large print and the large, colorful photographs that compliment the text. 2004, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $21.26. Ages 7 up. Reviewers: Cara Mulcahy (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0836837681
I Wonder Why Spiders Spin Webs and Other Questions About Creepy Crawlies
Amanda O'Neill
This is must-reading (and seeing-the illustrations are splendid!) for any child who's every been intrigued, fascinated or scared by bugs. Did you know that female mosquitoes hum by beating their wings up to 1,000 times a second to attract a boyfriend? Which bug swims on its back in the water and does the backstroke? What insect listens with its legs? Which insect tastes with its toes? The book also does a grand job of capturing the stages of a butterfly's glorious transformation from a lowly caterpillar. 1995, Kingfisher, Ages 6 and up, $9.95 and $9.90. Reviewer: Marilyn Bagel
ISBN: 1-85697-581-9
ISBN: 1-85697-643-2
Insectlopedia
Douglas Florian
Short, clever, witty poems catalogued alphabetically provide details about 21 different spiders and insects. Poems like "The Caterpillar" are just one example of how well-written the selections are: "She eats eight leaves at least. . ./Which leaves her like a Faterpillar/Then rents a room inside/a pupa,/And checks out: Madame Butterfly." Unique, thought-provoking illustrations accompany the text. There are some difficult words used, like "aggrieved" and "parasitic," but they are few and provide yet another opportunity to learn. 1998, Harcourt Brace, Ages 6 to 10, $16.00. Reviewer: Sheree Van Vreede
ISBN: 0-15-201306-7
The Itsy-Bitsy Spider
Illustrated by Brenda Sexton
Two cute spiders wave at kids from the soft inset in the cover of this board book. Each of the spreads has a colorful ribbon tag to help young ones turn the pages of the book. The story of the spider who travels up the drain spout and then is washed out by a rain storm is illustrated in uncomplicated pictures. The tale has a happy ending, because after the sun dries out the rain, the spider sets off up the spout again. This time she is holding a life saving ring which will probably not be recognized by the kids, but should amuse the parents reading the book. Part of the "My First Taggies Book" series, it offers tactile and visual stimulation. 2007, Scholastic, $6.99. Ages 6 mo. to 2. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-439-85366-8
ISBN: 0-439-85366-4
Mighty Spiders!
Fay Robinson
Illustrated by Jean Day Zallinger
This is a new entry in the "Hello Science Reader" series that is designed to be a high-interest, independent reading book for young children. The author and illustrator do not condescend, however. The result is a highly informative, realistically illustrated book about spiders that also happens to conform to a pattern of simple vocabulary, short sentence structure, and uncluttered page layout. Young arachnid fans will be delighted! 1996, Scholastic, Ages 5 to 9, $3.50. Reviewer: Judy Katsh
ISBN: 0-590-26262-9
The Navajo: Weavers of the Southwest
Therese DeAngelis
The American Indians remain among our country's most forgotten peoples. Although they are true Native Americans, living here when European settlers first arrived, most of us know little about their history, customs and traditions. This book, one of the publisher's ten title series about Indians called "America's First Peoples," is an admirable attempt to address this knowledge gap. The book details the Navajo Indians, who today live primarily in the Four Corners area of the southwest, where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet. The author focuses on the Navajos' tradition of weaving, which is inextricably linked to the Navajos' expertise as sheep farmers. There is much here to interest young readers -- eye-catching graphics and sidebars, derivation of the name Navajo, and explanation of the legend of Spider Woman, who used her loom to teach Navajos how to weave. There is also an informative, short discussion of the Long Walk, when in 1863 the U.S. Army led by Kit Carson forced 8,000 Navajos to walk 300 miles from their ancestral homes to Redondo, New Mexico at gun point. Navajo Code Talkers, who used their language to create an unbreakable code during World War II, are also honored here. With obvious care for her subject, the author has crafted an excellent book that will be an ideal addition to any library. 2004, Blue Earth Books/Capstone Press, $23.93. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson, J.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0736821724
Nic Bishop Spiders
Nic Bishop
An up-close look at a few of the 38,000 species of spiders on the planet, this book mixes large full-page photographs of spiders with paragraph-style text. Bishop's photos are frighteningly detailed, but for the budding entomologist, the book captures the intriguing features of various spiders. By focusing on a wide variety of colors and sizes, the author gives a nice spectrum of details about the different hunting/capturing styles of spiders, as well as the life cycle of the diverse species. Although this is written in a picture book format, this title is definitely appropriate for middle readers; in fact, the text is a bit advanced for younger children. Overall, it is a good title for children already interested in learning more about arachnids, but I would not necessarily recommend it for the squeamish. The font is a large size but the fearsome visual impact of the spider images may outweigh the factual information within the text. 2007, Scholastic Inc, $16.99. Ages 8 to 10. Laura Ruttig (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-87756-3
ISBN: 978-0-439-87756-5
One Spinning Spider
Sally Crabtree
Illustrations by John Wallace
A spider finger puppet adds a novel twist to this book about addition. Young readers can move Sally Spider from page to page, adding up the spiders as they go. In addition to rhyming text and spiders to point to and count, each page features an equation (4+1=5) showing the numbers involved. The spider puppet has velcro to attach it to the cover. It would have been useful to place a bit of velcro on each page as well so that Sally Spider stays put while the reader pauses to count. The charming watercolor illustrations depict friendly, playful spiders. Ten Buzzy Bees by the same author and illustrator uses the same format, less effectively, for a book on subtraction. 1999, David & Charles Children's Books, Ages 4 to 6, $10.95. Reviewer: Eileen Hanning
ISBN: 1-86233-167-7
Scary Spiders
Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Many people find spiders rather loathsome, but in Small Apple Media's "Killer Nature" series, photographs show the truly delicate beauty of these arachnids. Combined with close-up photographs, the text presents a lot of different sides to these interesting animals. Some spiders, though not all, can be dangerous enough to cause painful bites that could lead to death. There are enough fascinating facts about these spiders to interest anyone. They mostly prey on flies and bugs that have been known to cause deadly diseases to humans. There are many unique and intriguing facts on every page, such as black widow spiders also being called hourglass spiders because of the red shape on the female's abdomen. A nice, large, clear photograph on this page displays the red hourglass on the stomach. The photos of actual spider bites weren't necessary in most cases, but the overall representation of these animals was well done. 2007, Smart Apple Media, $28.50. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Joan Elste (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-583-40935-0
ISBN: 1-583-40935-1
Sophie's Masterpiece: A Spider's Tale
Eileen Spinelli
Illustrations by Jane Dyer
Sophie, a spider with the heart of an artist, strikes off to find her place in the wide world. She ends up at Beekman's Boardinghouse, a shabby old house obviously in need of her talents. But her new parlor curtains are not appreciated, neither is her new suit of clothes for the gray old captain. In desperation Sophie climbs the stairs to the room of a destitute expecting mother. Sophie's age is beginning to tell on her, but she manages the strength for one final project~a lovely gift of herself that is finally accepted. Spinelli's tale is sweet and touching, and Dyer's delicate watercolors do more than just grace the words: they create a believable fairytale heroine. 2001, Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 7, $16.00. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr
ISBN: 0-689-80112-2
Spiders!
Editors of Time for Kids and Nicole Iorio
A "Science Scoops" book at Level 3 for competent readers, this title presents plenty of information in a variety of ways. Brilliant color photographs show various spider behaviors but each spider is also labeled with its proper name. This gives readers who want some sort of identification manual a little help but it is not the purpose of this text. Instead, it uses a chapter format to interest readers in how spiders grow, what they eat, different types of webs, food or prey, and predators. While report writers can find plenty of information here, there are no index or boxes to assist readers. Two very clear diagrams support the text in explaining the difference between arachnids and insects and the last pages picture four other arachnids to help children recognize this division of the animal kingdom. Photographs are marvelous, close-up, and action-packed. Most captions augment rather than repeat the text. All in all, this book suits interested readers and interests those who may not be "at ease with spiders," as the author mentions in her dedication. 2005, HarperCollins, $4.99 and $14.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0060576340
ISBN: 0060576359
Spiders
Toney Allman
This book is a great addition to the "Animals Attack" series. Even though many spiders are poisonous, this book only focuses on three spiders--The Black Widow, The Brown Recluse, and the Sydney Funnel Web spiders--with their venomous methods of attacking people. Most people think spiders are mean, but this book shows that they only bite when they feel threatened. Many real-life situations are noted, showing how antivenom has saved the lives of people who have been bitten by these mild but deadly animals. The process of obtaining antivenom is also discussed in detail, giving the reader a clear picture of the methods and time involved in getting this medicine to the hospitals where needed. Magnified pictures of the spiders and spider bites are shown in order to illustrate the importance of seeking medical help when someone has been bitten. A bibliography, a glossary, and resource listings are included, and important words have been printed in bold, enabling the reader to quickly find the word's meaning. This title has been well written and is an exciting book to read. Children will be more aware of the world around them and may take the time to look before reaching under beds or rocks where they could be bitten by a spider. 2005, Kidhaven Press, $23.70. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Debbie West (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0737726016
Spiders
Teresa Wimmer
For beginning readers who love creepy, crawly things, this book is a sure winner. The sentence structure is simple and the vocabulary is appropriate for young readers who are just beginning to gain proficiency, but the text is packed with information. Extremely high quality, close-up photos enhance each two-page spread. For kids who prefer nonfiction over the simple stories they find in most early readers, this is a book they will want to read again and again. A terrific "Hands-On" activity shows children how to preserve a spider web on a piece of black construction paper. Back matter includes an index, glossary and suggestions for further reading. This book is part of the "My First Look at Insects" series. 2007, Creative Education/The Creative Company, $22.80. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara Carroll Roberts (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-58341-456-9
ISBN: 1-58341-456-8
Spiders
Seymour Simon
From the front cover to the last page, Simon uses absolutely stunning visuals as he presents information about spiders in clearly-written, understandable prose without talking down to his reader. Each image appears to align with the information on its page; however, the lack of captions is a significant flaw in this otherwise excellent nonfiction book. Simon covers general and specific physical characteristics, as well as behavioral traits of many spiders, often with a sense of awe: "Jumping spiders can leap ...40 times the length of its own body," the equivalent of a person jumping the length of two basketball courts and sinking the ball! His use of relative examples like this helps make the information accessible. Scientific terms and their meanings are woven into the text to facilitate understanding. Simon wisely builds on the power of the book's images to draw the reader into the text. Those who take the time to read as well as to look will be richly rewarded. This Smithsonian/Collins edition is a slightly-repackaged version of the 2003 HarperCollins edition. There are small changes in layout, design, and size as well as more identified spiders. 2007 (orig. 2003), Smithsonian/HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-089104-6
ISBN: 0-06-089104-1
Spider
Barrie Watts
From egg sac to egg sac, the life cycle of a tarantula spider is presented in full-color detail and straightforward language. The text offers in depth information about how tarantula spiders make egg sacs and spin webs, but the most informative aspect of this introductory book is found in the photos and descriptions of spiders inside the egg sac and immediately after they leave the egg sac. A certain amount of morbid curiosity will be necessary for the text provided in the second half of the book. Descriptions of how the newly hatched spiders protect themselves and find food are interspersed with warnings of how they must avoid each other to avoid being eaten by their mother or their siblings. Watts offers an interesting first look at the life cycle of tarantula spiders, but the real gem of the book is in the color, close-up photographs of spiders throughout the text. This book is part of the "Watch it Grow" series. 2005, Smart Apple Media, $27.10. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58340-500-3
Spiders
Margaret Hall
I have two fangs, up to eight eyes, and don't have ears but feel sounds with my eight legs . . . what am I? In Hall's book, we find out what spiders are, how they look, and what they do, just as the table of contents promises. Geared to early readers, images support the text, and repetition gently helps readers learn new words. Shorter than this review, the book's word count totals 99. Close up, full color photographs make those eight legs, creepy fangs, and Twilight Zone eyes easily recognizable. Kids can enjoy seeing arachnids up close without an actual encounter. Twenty-four pages in length, this book includes a table of contents, an index, book and website references, and a glossary. The web reference is Capstone Press's own www.facthound.com--a "safe, fun way to find" related Internet sites. A note at the beginning of the book informs us that this series "supports national science standards related to the diversity of life and heredity." Other titles in the "Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!" series include Ants, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Ladybugs, and Praying Mantises. 2005, Capstone Press, $18.60. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Chris Gill (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0736825916
Spiders
Ann Heinrichs
If you want to learn about spiders, this book is a great place to start! Large and colorful close-up photographs on every page entice even the most staunch arachnophobe. Small and large spiders and their webs are highlighted within these photographs, allowing the reader to get a true understanding of the spiders' world. The cephalothorax and the abdomen (the two body parts of a spider) are easily identified along with the legs, eyes, mouth, and pedipalp. Different webs such as the funnel and the orb are presented, along with the trap-door that hides the ground tunnel of a hunting spider. Where the photographs leave questions, the text answers them. Readers will learn about the mating habits of spiders as well as their hunting techniques and life span. One page of the book discusses science and its interest in spider silk. This silk is many times stronger than steel thread and might be artificially reproduced to make fishing line, seat belts and even bulletproof clothing! Fears about a spider's bite are alleviated and wonder about its amazing spinning abilities is peaked. This book is a great addition to any classroom celebrating nature and its many amazing members. A glossary, index, and resource section is provided in the back of the book. It is part of the "Nature's Friends" series. 2004, Compass Point Books, $21.26. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Books for Children, 2004; Science Books & Films
ISBN: 0756505909
Spiders and Their Webs
Darlyne A. Murawski
In an interesting author's note, Murawski tells how she photographs webs by dusting them with cornstarch and even shows the reader how to do it in this fascinating book about different kinds of webs and how spiders use their silk. The text covers nine types of spiders, some representing larger families, in the over thirteen thousand species of web-making spiders. The left pages include close-up photographs of the spider within its unique and interesting web: some are formed of zigzags, others of rays, and still others are on a sort of spring that collapses at a spider's touch. In addition, scientific name, common names, body size, habitats, and food are explained. A small key shows the scale or size of the arachnid. Most of the spiders live in Central and South America, but readers can find many of these web types in their fields, yards, and basements. In addition to the cornstarch activity, the author includes five more ways spiders use spider silk. It's a compelling introduction to the topic and one to pair with Sandra Markle's Spiders and Their Websites (2001) or to challenge readers of this book with Sy Montgomery's more lengthy and difficult book, The Tarantula Scientist (2004). As a companion book, one slightly easier, see also Sandra Markle's Spiders: Biggest! Littlest! (2004). 2004, National Geographic, $16.95. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2004; National Science Teachers Association/CBC; United States
ISBN: 0-7922-6979-9
ISBN: 0-7922-6994-2
Spiders: Biggest! Littlest!
Sandra Markle
Photographs by Simon Pollard
Did you know the female Golden Orb Web spider builds the world's biggest web? Her silk trap may be as wide as two cars parked side by side! Golden Orb Spiders may also hook their webs together. This may make a trap that is two stories tall! The Golden Orb Web Spider's silk is so strong that the web can last for years. Local fisherman used to take the spider's web to use as a fishing net Readers will love the detailed and intense photographs that combine with this non-fiction picture book text. Young readers will also find a map of each spider's location, and a small glossary. Students studying spiders in a science curriculum will find this book to be an exciting addition to their studies. 2004, Boyds Mills Press, $15.95. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Mindy Hardwick (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 1590781902
Spin, Spider, Spin! = Teje, araña, teje!
Dana Meachen Rau
The "Go, Critter, Go!" series, part of the "Bookworms" leveled reading program, is designed for emergent readers. It contains six books, each of them illustrating the characteristics and behaviors of a variety of small animals such as earthworms, butterflies, and spiders. The information is presented in short, predictable sentences that highlight the name of each animal and its attributes. Brightly colored photographs provide eye-catching and detailed views of the animal under study. Each book has 21 pages of text, with the last spread providing a summary picture gallery for the key words in the book. A simple index follows, and information about the author and the consultants bring the books to a close. This book presents important facts about spiders. Children can confirm their previous experiences and observations of spiders, or learn about them for the first time, by reading simple sentences such as "Spiders have eight eyes," and viewing the close-up photograph, where all eight eyes can be viewed and counted. Another page states "Spiders spin webs," and is accompanied by a web-filled page with a spider in the very middle, allowing children a close-up view of this amazing feat. Pair with Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin for a fine read-aloud and comparison. Part of the "Go, Critter, Go!" series. 2007, Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, $15.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Melissa J. Rickey (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-2818-3
ISBN: 978-0-7614-2794-0
ISBN: 978-0-7614-2653-0
ISBN: 0-76142-818-6
ISBN: 0-7614-2794-5
ISBN: 0-7614-2653-1
Spinners
Donna Jo Napoli
Following her success with Zel, a retelling of Rapunzel, Donna Jo Napoli now provides readers with a marvelous retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin story in Spinners. Readers meet Rumpelstiltskin in his youth, a talented spinner who is deeply in love with a beautiful fellow spinner, and who must spin his betrothed a gown of gold if he is to marry her. To achieve this goal he is driven to seek out a darker force, and as a result becomes a crippled man and is robbed of his child as his true love marries another and passes the child off as her husband's own kin. The story continues farther in the future where the crippled man spins the finest thread in the land to stay alive, and meanwhile a young, beautiful girl is slowly gaining fame for her own skill at spinning, using her mother's old spinning wheel. How the paths of these two very different Spinners intertwine makes for an exciting and enchanting tale. Readers will enjoy this fresh 'spin' on a classic fairy tale. 1999, Dutton, Ages 13 and up, $15.99. Reviewer: Katie Preissner
ISBN: 0-525-46065-9
The Tarantula Scientist
Sy Montgomery
Photographs by Nic Bishop
Montgomery's lively prose shows readers what a passion for a topic can turn into. Sam Marshall, a college biology teacher and researcher, is followed by Montgomery and photographer Nic Bishop as he studies Goliath bird-eater tarantulas on the forest floor in Tresor Reserve, French Guiana. It is along way from Hiram, Ohio to South America. Without the emphasis of sidebars or headings, the text simply tells what Marshall does but the reader learns plenty about scientific procedure, patience, preparedness and the right tool (even if it is a stick or cottage cheese container), comparison by quadrant, measurement and its uses, and careful notes. Montgomery works readers through the way science classifies spiders, types of spiders, the Goliath's qualities, and what Marshall is learning. Bishop's pristine photos show close-up, and well-lit, the spider part under investigation and the way scientists sometimes look as a somewhat worn and sweaty Marshall lies in the dirt, making notes, teasing spiders out of their holes or weighing them. Invitations to readers are sprinkled through the book in the form of direct address, posing of unanswered questions, interesting speculations as to why certain spiders behave the way they do, listing other spiders that no one has studied yet, and fittingly, the book ends with one of Marshall's college students who is seen back in Ohio using the computer in her own spider studies. As in other books in the series, this one introduces us to animals, habitat, a career in the sciences, and ecology with a thoughtful note on why we would wish to preserve the habitat of these animals. End matter includes cautionary notes about handling tarantulas (preferably not at all), spider stats, spider vocabulary, "how this book was researched," bibliography, websites, how to contact spider watching sites in French Guiana, and an index. This excellent entry in the series shows just how good Montgomery and Bishop have become in the hard work of conveying information by seeming effortlessness. It is a wonderful nonfiction book, in every sense of the word. This is a volume in the "Scientists in the Field" series. 2004, Houghton Mifflin, $18.00. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, February 15, 2004; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2005; American Library Association ALSC; United States
Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts, 2005; NCTE Children's Literature Assembly; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2004; National Science Teachers Association/CBC; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2004; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2004; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor 2005 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Vermont
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Grades 3-6; Texas
ISBN: 0618147993
Tatanka and the Lakota People: A Creation Story
Illustrated Donald Montileaux
The introduction to this beautifully illustrated text explains the narrative oral storytelling of the Lakota people, known as Ohunkakan, this is the basis of this text. The story itself, offered in both English and Lakota, begins with the great spirit Skan who created the Lakota ancestors. Subsequent pages follow the birth of humanity through its acquisition of knowledge, love of children and family, and finally, understanding that life comes with responsibility. In the case of the ancestors, the elders decide that their purpose will derive from respecting and caring for the Spirits. It is at this time, too, that the people become Pte Oyate-the Buffalo Nation. For a length of time, the Pte Oyate live within the underworld, but eventually, Spider (Trickster) sends Wolf to a young warrior in order to encourage the man to go to the surface. When Tokahe the warrior takes his people to the surface, they find themselves emerging in the Black Hills and facing a much harder life than they had lived in the underworld. Tatanka, who had stayed behind, has a bleak vision concerning his people and eventually comes to the surface in buffalo form, to provide them with food, shelter, and clothing. The illustrations for this book follow the flat two-dimensional style of the traditional buffalo hides of Montileaux's ancestors. This is a beautifully presented book that is a must read for those interested in Native Americans history and folklore, especially as they pertain to the Lakota of South Dakota. 2006, South Dakota State Historical Society Press, Ages 5 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Jean Boreen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-9749195-8-6
Trap-door Spiders
Patricia Whitehouse
While most spiders spin webs to trap flying insects, the trap door spider takes a different, unique approach to capturing its prey. Digging burrows underground and spinning doors to cover the entrance, trap door spiders can hear when insects approach the door and then spring their trap. Although trap door spiders can be found most anywhere in the world, they are found primarily in desert regions. They rarely leave their burrows. Whitehouse presents basic facts about arachnids and trap door spiders in particular. The text is simple and straightforward and designed to assist parents and teachers. Full-color photos accompany each section and illustrate trap door spiders in several different settings. Included at the end of the text is a picture glossary, a diagram of a trap door spider burrow, an index, and a note to parents and teachers on how to use this book. Part of the "Under My Feet" series. 2004, Heinemann Library, $18.50. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1403443181
ISBN: 1403443270
Yellow Bird, Black Spider
Dosh Archer and Mike Archer
Yellow Bird is a rather unconventional bird. Sure, he could fly across the sea. However, he prefers to sail a boat. Sure, he could build a nest. However, he prefers hotels. Sure, he could sing. However, he prefers to play the electric guitar! Black Spider wants Yellow Bird to be more like the other birds. He wants less dancing on the beach, fewer vanilla ice cream cones, less hotel room service, fewer bubble baths, less guitar rock, and fewer stripey socks. He wants more bird songs, more flying, more nests and more worms. Yellow Bird may surprise the Spider yet with his response to all of this nagging! The bold illustrations make this a great book for teaching young children colors. The text lends itself to this purpose, periodically prompting "yellow bird, blue boat," "yellow bird, white hotel," "yellow bird, red guitar," and "yellow bird, black spider." These breaks from the narrative not only offer children an opportunity to consider color, they also foreshadow each impending conflict. The devilishly satisfying conclusion to this pair's banter is sure to be a hit with adults and children alike. 2004, Bloomsbury, $6.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 158234874X
Yellow Sac Spiders
Eric Ethan
Small but aggressive the yellow sac spider gets its name from the web it weaves. The yellow sac spider's web, which is often found high near ceilings or outdoors under rocks and leaves, resembles a narrow tube. It is open at both ends so the spider can escape easily. Ethan provides readers with many such fascinating details about this poisonous spider. For example, we learn that unlike other spiders the yellow sac leaves the web to hunt. Because of claws on their front two legs they are excellent climbers, which helps them catch prey. They inject venom into their prey, which kills it and turns its body tissues to liquid. This volume in the Garth Stevens "Imagination Library" series includes a glossary and an index as well as a list of other resources such as books and web sites for more information about spiders. A great resource in a language arts or content area classroom, this book with its large print and large colorful photographs which compliment the text is attractive for beginning readers. 2004, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $21.26. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Cara Mulcahy (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0836837703
Updated 6/17/08
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