Publisher Description

Do you think a spider is an insect? I wouldn't blame you if you did. But a spider belongs to a special group and is actually called an arachnid! This book uses simple rhymes and engaging images to teach readers about spiders.

Table of Contents

Special spiders -- Catching dinner -- Spider senses -- Bouncing babies -- Spider spotting -- Did you know?

Review

A dozen denizens of the garden are introduced in brief and bouncy rhyming text and varied color photos on day-glo, cartoonish illustrated backdrops. Though there are no glossaries, labels and arrows make terms clear, but given that most of the photos are close-ups, kids might be confused about each critter's (largely unmentioned) actual size. Playful rhymes may energize a read-aloud, but sometimes lead to a confusion of words ("Grasshoppers don't have ears like you, /so they won't hear you saying please./Some do have parts that work like ears, /a bit below their knees.") and forced writing (Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!/Ants like to march in line./They march through the grass/in almost no time!"). There is some anthropomorphizing and opining. For example, Bees are "trying to do their best," and "we should all/give spiders our thanks." A "Did You Know?" fact, helpful index, and counting exercise or activity round out each oversized title. Overall, this eye-catching and energetic series is a fine choice if your insect collection for this age group needs updating. -- Amy Rowland, Shelter Rock Elementary School, Manhasset, NY School Library Journal, "Series Made Simple" 11/1/2012-- "School Library Journal"

Review Quote

A dozen denizens of the garden are introduced in brief and bouncy rhyming text and varied color photos on day-glo, cartoonish illustrated backdrops. Though there are no glossaries, labels and arrows make terms clear, but given that most of the photos are close-ups, kids might be confused about each critter's (largely unmentioned) actual size. Playful rhymes may energize a read-aloud, but sometimes lead to a confusion of words ("Grasshoppers don't have ears like you,/so they won't hear you saying please./Some do have parts that work like ears,/a bit below their knees.") and forced writing (Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!/Ants like to march in line./They march through the grass/in almost no time!"). There is some anthropomorphizing and opining. For example, Bees are "trying to do their best," and "we should all/give spiders our thanks." A "Did You Know?" fact, helpful index, and counting exercise or activity round out each oversized title. Overall, this eye-catching and energetic series is a fine choice if your insect collection for this age group needs updating. -- Amy Rowland, Shelter Rock Elementary School, Manhasset, NY School Library Journal, "Series Made Simple" 11/1/2012

Details