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Spiders are wonders in the world of books

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A spider may seem like an unlikely hero. However, think what marvelous creatures they are and how much they accomplish. Without spiders, the world would be overrun with insects. To a child, an animal that is so small and can accomplish such big things is a hero indeed.

For the smallest spider hero worshippers, try “Little Spider,” with text by Wendy Lui and pictures by Kloorje van der Put. This is a book and finger puppet in one that small children will have fun playing with after the short story is read.

Make a spider puppet by gluing a ball on a glove. Attach plenty of eyes to the ball and then play “Eensy Weensy Spider.”

Preschoolers and toddlers will both enjoy “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle. This book is about a spider who is too busy spinning a web to talk to her fellow animals in the farmyard. The book is a touch and see experience with familiar animals.

You can make a spider with four pieces of pipe cleaner and a large cotton ball. Bend the pipe cleaners to make the legs and glue a cotton ball on top. Dot on eyes with a marker.

If you want a good laugh-out-loud story, read “Diary of a Spider” by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss. Cronin is the same author who gave us “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type.” This is the diary of a spider who shares tales about his daily life including his innermost fears, like kids with big feet and vacuum cleaners. Take turns making up stuff you would be afraid of if you were a spider. If I were a spider, I would be afraid of a rolled-up copy of the Hill Country News!

Spider-Man, the ultimate spider hero, has a whole section of children's books written by different authors. Check out the Ultimate Spider-Man series for your reluctant reader who likes superheroes.

Charlotte from “Charlotte's Web” by E.B. White is a magical spider who saves the day for a special pig named Wilbur. This is a great book for reading together, perhaps a chapter a day. The innocent story about life and death may give you an opportunity to talk about loved ones who have died.

You can make a web with a special message for your child's room or doorway. Write your child's name with a thick stream of glue on a piece of black paper. Place pieces of black yarn over the glue and let it dry thoroughly before cutting it out and hanging it in a yarn web from the ceiling.

After all these spider books, you are sure to notice a spider or two around your house or garage. It can be fun to watch a spider build a web - from a safe distance, of course. Unlike Charlotte's web, it probably won't say much.

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