I’m not afraid of spiders,
Though others watch them from afar.
The more I learn about them,
The more interesting they are!
This lovely rhyming story gently reminds young readers that spiders are far less frightening once we understand them a little better.
Our young narrator certainly isn’t afraid of spiders, even while acknowledging that some can bite. Instead, she points out that humans must seem just as big and scary to these tiny creatures.
The book cleverly combines reassurance with fascinating facts. Spider webs may look spooky and sticky, but they are carefully designed to catch insects. Spiders have eight legs not to alarm us, but because they need extra grip for climbing and spinning. Some are astonishing acrobats, capable of incredible leaps, while even the largest spiders appear tiny when standing beside us. Their eyesight is extraordinary too, with some species even able to see behind themselves.
Children will love discovering how spiders use these tiny hairs to sense movement and touch.
At the back of the book readers will also find additional spider facts, including the astonishing detail that there are more than
51 000 known species of spider – with new ones still being discovered.
Warm, informative and engaging, this is an excellent book for children who may feel nervous around spiders, as well as naturally curious readers eager to see these fascinating creatures in a whole new light.
Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 5+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Caitlin Henderson is an award-winning wildlife photographer and writer who works with live spiders and other invertebrates. She tells stories of misunderstood wildlife online under the name She’s Got Legs Photography.
Annie Henderson is an illustrator with a love of nature and finding the beauty in even the smallest of creatures. Her passion for illustration began as a child, when she and her sister Caitlin would spend hours creating drawings of make-believe worlds.
0 Comments