Scribble
July 2024
ISBN: 9781761381010
RRP: $24.99
Here’s the next delightful book in this week’s mini-beast theme, and what a terrific comedy of errors it is. Spiro is the epitome of perseverance, effort and resilience (which, obviously, will be a great talking point for your Smalls), as he works hard on one web after another to try and trap his meal.
As a web designer, it’s possible that Spiro is lacking in a little careful forethought as to anchor points, but he certainly has a bucketload of optimism as he builds and re-builds webs, each of which is subsequently twanged allowing his potential snack to escape gleefully – and in one instance, saves him from becoming someone else’s lunch.
Your Smalls will delight in pointing out potential problems with each of Spiro’s designs and, ultimately, cheer him on as he finally achieves success – and a full meal at last!
Anna McGregor’s deft hand with her humorous text and the even funnier illustrations (I’ve never seen a spider with more expressive legs!) is bound to be a big hit with readers from around Prep upwards.
There is enormous potential to incorporate this one into units of work on mini-beasts, nature and ecosystems as well as its obvious value in your social/emotional intelligence program. And the illustrations are a real incentive to making art either painting and drawing or crafting (pom poms and chenille sticks were always my go-to for Anansi stories! I think we’ve made all of the various Baker Ross spider craft kits in my libraries as well.)
Definitely a 5 🕷️🕷️🕷️🕷️🕷️ rating! Here are some of my favourite spider crafts:
Spider Crafts: The Best Ideas for Kids
Child’s Play Spider Activities
Just So Stories 
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