Why is this Bonus Monday offering a list focused on spiders? Because August includes…Spider-man Day! Seriously, it’s a thing–as you can see from articles at National Today and ComicBook.com.
So, why not fire off some well-wishes to everyone’s friendly neighborhood web slinger while the following picture book authors spin stories about other (mostly friendly) spiders?
Enjoy!
Aaaaarrgghh! Spider! by Lydia Monks (April 2004)
From Goodreads: “Don’t let this lonely spider frighten you! She just wants to be a family pet—and she thinks she would make a better pet than the typical dog or cat. But every time this clever spider tries to impress her chosen family, she scares them instead, until the day she unwittingly enchants them. Aaaarrgghh! Spider! spins a lively tale about one creature’s efforts to find her place..”
AGES 3–7
Bear’s Scare by Jacob Grant (June 2018)
From Goodreads: “Bear likes to keep his house clean and tidy. In fact, the only thing Bear loves more than cleaning is taking care of his small stuffed friend, Ursa.
Then Bear sees a sticky spiderweb … and where there’s a web there is certainly a spider! The messy guest must be found, but what Bear and Ursa finally discover might just be an unlikely friend.
Opposites attract in this adorable story, where new friends come in all shapes and sizes.”
AGES 3–6
Be Nice to Spiders by Margaret Bloy Graham (Sept 1967)
From Goodreads: “When Billy left his pet spider, Helen, at the Zoo, the animals suddenly became happy and contented. The lions snoozed all day long, the elephants enjoyed their baths, and the zebras ate their hay in peace — all because Helen was spinning webs and catching flies.
But one day Helen’s webs were swept away. The Keeper had the cages cleaned for the Mayor’s inspection tour. Soon the flies were back again and the animals were miserable once more. But not for long…
Children will be fascinated and amused by the way Helen solved the problem and won a permanent place of honor for herself in the Zoo.
Margaret Bloy Graham’s pictures match the wit and charm of her delightful story.”
AGES 3–7
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Harry Bliss (Jan 2013)
From Goodreads: “This is the diary… of a spider. But don’t be worried – he’s more scared of you and your gigantic shoe! Actually, he’s a lot like you. He goes to gym class and has Grandparents’ Day at school. But he also spins sticky webs, scales walls, and takes wind–catching lessons. Lucky for him, his best friend is a fly!
Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss, the team behind the #1 bestselling Diary Of A Worm, spin a hilarious tale about the upside–down web world of an eight–legged charmer and his unlikely friend, Fly.”
AGES 3–7
Frank the Seven-Legged Spider by Michaele Razi (Sept 2017)
From Goodreads: “Frank loves being a spider, especially the part that involves having eight glorious legs. But one morning Frank wakes up missing a leg. One of his friends exclaims, “I barely recognize him!” Another friend asks, “Are you still a spider, Frank?” Is he still a spider? Frank doesn’t know. And so a quest ensues as Frank searches for his leg and the answer to his identity. ”
AGES 3–7
I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton (July 2019)
From Goodreads: “The Official Spider Test.
What do you do when you see a spider?
a. Lay on a BIG spidey smoocheroo.
b. Smile, but back away slowly.
c. Grab the closest object, wind up, and let it fly.
d. Run away screaming.
If you chose b, c, or d, then this book is for you! (If you chose a, you might be crazy.)
I’m Trying to Love Spiders will help you see these amazing arachnids in a whole new light, from their awesomely excessive eight eyes, to the seventy-five pounds of bugs a spider can eat in a single year! And you’re sure to feel better knowing you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than being fatally bit by a spider. Comforting, right? No? Either way, there’s heaps more information in here to help you forget your fears … or at least laugh a lot!”
AGES 3–9
Miss Spider’s Tea Party by David Kirk (April 1994)
From Goodreads: “The modern classic about a sweet spider and her friends is now available for the first time in a Scholastic Bookshelf paperback version
“Miss Spider can’t understand why insects flee in panic at her approach. Being a florivore herself, she only wants to invite them over for cakes and tea. The ironic air wafting through Kirk’s rhymed tale will not be lost on young readers, and the insects in the big, brightly colored illustrations bear comically apprehensive expressions as they hastily depart … At last, Miss Spider is able to convince a rain-soaked moth of her good intentions … A sweet tale” –School Library Journal”
AGES 2–4
Never Touch a Spider! by Rosie Greening, illustrated by Stuart Lynch (Sept 2020)
From Goodreads: “You must never touch a spider … unless it’s in this book! This insect-themed touch-and-feel board book is great for children of all ages and fits perfectly into tiny hands. Kids will love reading the funny rhymes about bugs doing silly things.
Children of all ages, 0 and up, will enjoy:
The innovative and engaging silicone touch-and-feel features on every spread
The bright and vibrant illustrations
The silly and easy-to-read rhymes that involve hilarious insects
Receiving this fun book as a birthday gift, stocking stuffer, Easter basket goody, road trip activity, or just because parents and their little ones will enjoy reading aloud Never Touch a Spider again and again.”
AGES 0–3
Seaver the Weaver by Paul Czajak, illustrated by The Brothers Hilts (March 2015)
From Goodreads: “Seaver is an orb spider with a sky full of inspiration. His siblings prefer tradition and aren’t afraid to let him know. But Seaver doesn’t mind! He loves his new shapes and isn’t afraid to stand out. Told with quiet charm, this picture book tangles readers in a web of delight.”
AGES 2–6
Spider-Man Swings Through Europe! by Calliope Glass, illustrated by Andrew Kolb (June 2019)
From Goodreads: “Swing alongside Spider-Man as he travels through Europe! Whether he’s riding in a gondola through the Venice canals or breaking out all his best moves to get a reaction from the Queen’s Guard in London, Spider-Man is determined to have the best vacation ever.
Full of vibrant and hilarious original art, this picture book shows off the various European locations seen in Spider-Man: Far From Home, and is told from Peter Parker’s unique point of view.
Perfect for curious young readers who love Super Heroes, the book also has hidden characters and details from Spidey’s world. You never know what-or who-you might find!”
AGES 3–5
Spiders by Nic Bishop (Nov 2013)
From Goodreads: “For the first to third grade set, spiders are fascinating and suitably gruesome, especially when looked at in EXTREME close-up. Amazing images show the beauty and otherworldliness of spiders. Simple, engaging text conveys basic information about spiders as well as cool and quirky facts. One stop-action montage shows a spider leaping twenty times its body length!”
AGES 4–8
Spiders by Gail Gibbons (Jan 1993)
From Goodreads: “Weaving webs, digging burrows, and floating on strands of silk–spiders are fascinating creatures!
From tiny baby spiderlings to large tarantulas, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons’ introduction to these intriguing arachnids reminds us that even when they look scary, most spiders are harmless–and even helpful!
There are over thirty thousand kinds of spiders in the world–small and large, colorful or gray–and they live, hunt, and adapt in different ways. A number of different species and spider behaviors are highlighted in this book, accompanied by clear, labeled illustrations and important vocabulary.
This new and updated edition, vetted by an entomologist, includes revised illustrations and the latest in arachnid science. Filled with interesting trivia and information on the history of spiders, as well as an explanation of the difference between spiders and insects, this is a great introduction that takes the fear out of our eight-legged, web-spinning friends.”
AGES 3–7
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle (Aug 1995)
From Goodreads: “Early one morning a little spider spins her web on a fence post. One by one, the animals of the nearby farm try to distract her, yet the busy little spider keeps diligently at her work. When she is done, she is able to show everyone that not only is her creation quite beautiful, it is also quite useful!
This multi-sensory board book allows children to feel the pictures as well as see them, and is the perfect size for little hands. With its rhythmic text, The Very Busy Spider becomes an experience to touch, to see, and to hear.”
AGES 1–4