Book Review: There’s a Spider in this Book!
Age Range: 3+
Author: Claire Freedman
Illustrator: Mike Byrne
Macmillan Children’s Books
London
2018
ISBN: 978-1-5098-3078-7
List Price: $9.99 (amazon.com)
A cute little spider named Eric discloses all the intricacies of being a spider, including how it feels to be feared and chased. He recounts his attempts at being friendly, shares what it is like to be a spider, offers himself as an ideal pet, all while hiding on each page of the book.
This book found its way to our house from the tooth fairy who left it in exchange for a bottom front tooth! The spider theme lends it to a festive Halloween read, but it certainly isn’t limited to that. Eric the spider is exceptionally charming and likeable from the start. Even as someone who doesn’t particularly like spiders inside my house (at least where I can see them), I have to say I found this spider very endearing.
In a light way, the book offers kids a chance to put themselves in the shoes of a creature that is sometimes feared or disliked. Additionally, Eric can be found hiding on every page if the reader looks closely – which is a really fun way to keep the attention of even squirmy lap readers.