Okay, I'll admit it. I don't like spiders, not in the least, and honestly every time I looked at the inside cover of this book my skin crawled and I got an icky shiver. You know, the one where you raise your shoulders just a bit and make a face. That's a testament to how realistic the illustrations in this book are. The book I'm talking about is part of the Let's-Read-And-Find-Out series titled Spinning Spiders written by Melvin Berger and illustrated by S.D. Schindler. If you like spiders or like me, are trying to come to terms with a dislike of spiders, then you'll probably enjoy this book. I know, you're thinking "but Kerry, why would you get a book on spiders if you really don't like them?" The answer to that is easy. Yes, it's true spiders make my skin crawl, however I find them to be incredibly fascinating creatures in many ways. I just can't look at them very long or have them sneak up on me. I scream bloody murder when one decides to surprise me, and spend the next chaotic five minutes squealing while trying to capture it in a jar. It's true, very rarely do I kill a spider, instead I choose the capture and release method even if I probably shave a few minutes off my own life for it!
Well, now that I've gotten sufficiently side-tracked, let's head back to the book. *Shiver* Berger begins by explaining that spiders are in fact, not insects but are instead arachnids, and continues on with descriptions of both creatures. He also details the various ways spiders create and use their webs, which is quite amazing. Did you know that the Ogre-faced spider actually carries its web, hangs from a branch, and catches it's own food? Or that another type of spider "fishes" for its meals in the air by swinging a sticky ball of silk thread? Mother nature, you are amazing!
A really neat extension that was listed in this book was a spiderweb activity, where you can actually collect a spiderweb and hang it on your wall! Can you believe it? Well, if you don't you'd better check this book out and follow the directions in the back!
I love your love-hate enthusiam for spiders Kerry! I'm not much of a fan myself, but if I know anyone with an interest I'll pass along the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteThis would be one of the books I will let the boys in my class read. One day, there was a HUGE spide under my desk at school. I asked one of the boys in my class (what? I'm a baby) to get it out. And do you know what he did? HE PICKED IT UP WITH HIS BARE HANDS! That made me scream. I said "NOOOOOOOOOOO. Use a tissue!!!" It is just a reminded, I suppose, that things that we find disgusting and creepy are often fascinating and benign to the students we teach!
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