Spider Books

Through reading these and other recent Spider-Man books (25 issues worth) one thing comes to mind: even through bad stories, Spider-Man is still the man. It may be controversial but I like the idea of Ezekiel, Morlun, the Spider totem, all of it. Spider-Man has to be changed up every once in awhile and this is a much better way to do it then killing people off, or a new costume. As Straczynski's run goes on he shows a new side to Spider-Man/Peter Parker, MJ, Aunt May, even Uncle Ben. Spider-Man is firmly in the Marvel Universe in this series, with random comings and goings from other heroes. On the other hand, Peter Parker is firmly in the real world during this run. Peter Parker in college has been tried before, but Peter Parker (as an adult of course) in high school? Well, that's different and incredibly entertaining. The new villains are memorable and the older cast reminds you why you loved them to begin with.

"Until the Stars Turn Cold" is the third trade paperback collection of issues of Volume 2 of "The Amazing Spider-Man," currently under the creative auspices of writer J. Michael Stracynski and artist John Romita, Jr. (inks by Scott Hanna). At this point in the developing narrative Stracynski has already dropped his two major bombshells that establish the new and improved Spider-Man in the previous two collections: in "Coming Home" Peter Parker discovers that his powers were not the result of a random radioactive spider bite but that he is, in fact, the avatar of the Earth's spider population, and in "Revelations" Aunt May confronts Peter about knowing he is Spider-Man.

Basically, in "Until The Stars Turn Cold," which collects issues #40-45, two things happen. First, the dust is settling from the aforementioned revelations (Aunt May gives JJJ a piece of her mind regarding her new perspective on his Spider-man vendetta), and Peter is finally getting around to doing something about his estrangement from Mary Jane. However, this is complicated by the second set of things which happen within these pages, namely a set of three-issue battles. The first is with a new villain called the Shade, and requires the help of Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts. The second is with Doctor Octopus; actually, this would be Doctor Octopi, since there is the original Otto Octavius and a new, younger, leaner, meaner, version. Of course, both conflicts thwart Peter's endeavor to reconnect with his wife (so what else is new?).

Although there are some echoes from Volume 1 in terms of the time there were two, count them, two Vultures, what Stracynski and Romita are really doing with this second story arc is their own homage to what I consider the greatest Spider-Man story of all time, in "Amazing Spider-Man" #31-33 (yes, even over the first two issues down by Romita's father when the Green Goblin learned Spidey's secret identity, the three drug issues with the Comic Code seal of approval, the death of Gwen Stacy, the wedding to Mary Jane, the death of Aunt May the first time around, or anything else you want to name as a possible alternative). If you have access to that story, which also involved Doc Ock, then check it out before or after you read these stories so that you can appreciate the resonance of the old within the new.

As a homage "Until the Stars Grow Cold" is not bad; we do not have Aunt May on death's door this time around, but we do have here constantly being cute as the dickens when it comes to dealing with her knowledge about Peter being you-know-who. Actually, the part of Stracynski's writing that I find myself enjoying the most is his wry sense of humor (which becomes pretty blatant in terms of the movie Mary Jane is making out there in Tinsletown). We will have to wait and see how this avatar of the spiders thing turns out, but Aunt May knowing (and Aunt May knowing that Mary Jane knows that she knows) is turning out pretty well. It would have to, because it changes a major element in the dynamic of the comic book.

J. Michael Stracysnki is a fantastic story-teller, and the artwork by John Romita, Jr. is really good. If you like Spider-Man, you will really love this.

This book, in addition to the first volume, is an outstanding reference for coleopterists and general entomologists. It provides one of the most accurate keys for identification of families, and it comes with very well pics/draws to help the reader to identify the sp(p).
I highly recommend this book (PLUS volume I).

This book and its first volume are very useful both for amateurs interested in beetles, or for coleopterologist that seek a general handbook on beetles families.
Each chapter corresponds to a family, and have been written by specialist on that specific group.
The drawings could be better in some cases, but in general is a very helpful and user-friendly book on Coleoptera.

This bok provides an antomical key to identification of insect species. t is fun learning what is meant by the vocabulary! then research your species. For an inteelcetual but practical way to reach closer to an insect species, just beware that not all bugs are beetles.

I liked this retelling of a classic -- especially in the slight twist - yes, the ants have foresight but they are workaholics and the grasshopper may not be industrious but he appreciats the beauty of a summer night. But it's the elegant illustrations that really catch my eye and highlight this story. Delicate ink strokes with sharp details on rice paper capture the spirit of chinese art and are a wonderful complement to the story's setting. Simply gorgeous and a treat for the eyes. It makes me believe that Aesop should have done this himself!

While the ants are hard at work collecting food for the long winter, the grasshopper only plays and does no work at all to prepare for the long harsh winter up ahead. Soon the winter comes and the ants are warm and have plenty of food to eat. However the grasshopper is out in the cold with no food at all. I liked the illustrations in this book, and I also enjoyed the way the author told the moral to the readers. The author's main moral was that there are times when you can play and times when you need to do work, and you can't play all the time. The moral is easily understandable so that children will be able to pick up on it. Also it is a great way in introduce time management to older children

This retelling of the classic Aesop fable is set in China, at the Emperor's Summer Palace. In this version, as in the classic, the ants work diligently over the summer to prepare for the long winter, when food will be in short supply and the temperature quite cold. The grasshopper, on the other hand, prefers to sing and dance during the long summer days, doing no preparation at all. In the end, the ants are rewaded for their hard work by being warm and full during the winter days, while the grasshopper is left to suffer in the cold. The illustrations were done on rice paper with ink and gouache paint. Not only do they support and enhance the text, but they are truly beautiful works of art. They are a delightful mix of soft, subtle colors and vibrant colors. The rice paper background provides a strong sense of texture and depth. Children ages 4 to 6 will be drawn in by the stunning illustrations, and will learn a valuable lession from the story as a whole.

We love Trout trout trout and Ant ant ant is not a disappointment. The illustrator and author make a wonderful team and I hope to see many more books come from both of them. My 4 year old loves this book!

This along with Trout, Trout, Trout have been two favorite books around our house recently. My son is 5 and thinks this book is great. He especially loves the part about the dung beetle. The fun rhyme introduces children to a variety of insects, and the pictures are super. It's very educational and fun at the same time.

Ant, Ant, Ant! (An Insect Chant) receives Trip Park's fun drawings as it follows up on the popular Trout, Trout, Trout! (A Fish Chant) to provide a zany set of bug drawings and facts. Yes, insect facts are included within the zany set of insect identification - and Trip Park's large-size and unique color drawings are quite vivid, adding to the excitement of a top pick.

This line of children's books are amazing. Each one begins with the question, "Are you a Spider?" or slug or bee or whatever. It continues, "If you are, then you were born like this, and you grow up like such, and this is how you catch your food" and on through the life cycle. They are very simple to read, yet very educational and very funny. At the end the book concludes that the reader is, in fact, probably not a spider, but a human boy or girl, and, thankfully, will never, ever, have to wrap up a bug and eat it! The last 2 pages contain fun and interesting facts about spiders. After reading this one I immediately went out and bought every book in the series for my niece. They will be suitable to be read to children too young to read themselves, but also for children of all ages. This is the kind of book you will discover in your attic 20 years later, and still enjoy-re-reading.

These "Are you a...?" books all present sound backyard science in plain kid-speak, inviting early readers to enter the spider's world in a humourous and engaging way.
My daughter, who's 6, and a beginning reader, loves the way these books don't talk down to her. They're easy, but not babyish -- just the right combination for building a love of reading that will last a lifetime!

"Are You a Spider?", by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries, is a good book for children. The collaborators use a simple text and appealing, colorful illustrations to describe the lives of spiders.

The text opens, "Are you a spider? If you are, your mother looks like this and spins webs." The reader is thus invited to put herself/himself into the spider's place. The book illustrates the process of building a web, and shows other essential aspects of a spider's life. Overall, a very informative and enjoyable book.

very intriguing ways of dealing with common pests - i used the caterpillar solution and it seemed to work very well. nice to have a non toxic solution.

This is an excellent book on how to control pests without using toxic chemicals or pest control companies. It is full of great ideas and excellent drawings. It is also entertaining when people, especially the school children, list their least favorite bugs. There is even a great short piece on hemp which makes the book a little controversial. Informative, entertaining and controversial equals very interesting. It is worth every penny...

Environmentally safe, effective ways of controlling mice, termites, bed bugs and other common household insects and creatures are revealed in Ask The Bugman!, a guide which uses a question and answer format to impart the basics, and a chapter organization by type of pest ("Biters and Stingers", "Ants") make answers quick to find. An excellent, basic guide to pest control options.

What a lovely book this is!! Becoming Butterflies is the story of what happens when Ms. Dana brings in a special milkweed plant and three caterpillars to her classroom. Here we are treated to a story that seamlessly weaves together the narrative (from a students perspective), which gives us a child's eye view of the process and the many activities the kids did as a class as the caterpillars grew and changed and scientific facts...it'd done so well that kids will probably miss the "lesson," learning all about these butterflies right along with the kids in Ms. Dana's class.

What I was particularly enjoyed was that the author managed to get the information in there (all of it) without skipping over the FIVE times the caterpillars split our of the skin before they are ready to become a chrysalis. Even after the butterflies break out of their chrysalis, dry their wings, and are released outdoors to migrate to Mexico with much sadness on the students part, the author takes it one step further. She has the teacher tell them that the butterflies are going to Mexico, showing them on a map and the kids then write letters to kids in a school in Mexico who write back and send Ms. Dana's students a lovely photo of a tree FILLEED with butterflies that have migrated there, giving the kids a sense of closure on the whole process. The book really captures that sense of wonder and joy in watching the metamorphosis from start to finish. This is an excellent book fro preschool age kids up to about grade 3, older kids will probably find it too simple, but for younger readers it's an excellent classroom or homeschooling resource! I give it 5 stars and recommend it highly!!

"One day Miss Dana brought a surprise to school-three striped caterpillars and a flowerpot. A green plant called milkweed was growing in the flowerpot." So begins this informative and charming tale about a classroom full of curious children and three caterpillars that become, in time, magnificent Monarch butterflies.

As the children watch the metamorphosis, they draw pictures and comment on the process. They also ask the questions readers would like to ask, if they could, thus allowing the author to weave tidbits of information into the story seamlessly.

We learn, for example, that when the caterpillar's skin splits for the fifth time, it is ready to become a chrysalis.

At story's end, the butterflies, after drying their wings, are set free from an open window. The children watch them go with a mixture of sadness and hope. Thankfully, the author does not end the classroom adventure there (as she might have). Rather, Miss Dana shows the children where Mexico is on a map and tells them the butterflies will eventually go there before the onset of winter. The students then write a letter to schoolchildren at a school in Chincua, Mexico, asking them to "Please take good care of our butterflies." Winter arrives and so does a letter from the students in Chincua, along with a picture of a tree laden with Monarch butterflies. "All of us looked and looked," says the narrator, "wondering which were the three butterflies we hatched in our classroom and set free to fly so far away."

Also included is an author's note which gives readers more information about Monarchs as well as an internet resource where they may go for more information. The endpapers at the book's beginning show illustrations of nine different caterpillars. Turning to the back of the book, readers are treated to colorful, detailed illustrations of the butterflies that they become.

The illustrations are watercolors that have been cut and then layered, thus creating lively, realistic three-dimensional scenes.

We took the book into a second grade classroom to read aloud. The children enjoyed it immensely and asked many thoughtful questions about caterpillars and butterflies. They were especially taken with the illustrations, poring over each page and pointing out details to each other.

A definite "must-have" for your classroom.

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My preschooler loves this book. It walks through the stages of a butterfly's development in a story format. The illustrations and descriptions are perfect for helping the younger listener/reader imagine what is taking place as the caterpillar grows and changes. It even descibes the migratory patterns of the monarch butterfly. This book does a great job of conveying a lot of factual information while still maintaining the fun of a bedtime story.

Julia Gran's BIG BUG SURPRISE tells of Prunella, who is eager to share her big bug surprise at show and tell. But a bigger bug surprise awaits the classroom and sends her teacher and classmates into a frenzy. Can Prunella's bug knowledge save the day? A fun tale of bugs and hidden abilities will delight young picturebook readers and libraries catering to them.

Prunella, the protagonist of Julia Gran's compelling Big Bug Surprise is from her antennae like braids and big bug eyes down to her black and yellow bee's knees stockings, all bug. In case the reader missed the point, Gran gives us a look at her room which among other bug wonders contains an ant farm, a bee clock and mobile, a poster of a wasp ala da Vinci, and a grasshopper sculpture of The Thinker that would have made Rodin proud. The one fly in the ointment however is Prunella's total inability to interest the adult world in her bug universe. Neither her parents, the school bus driver, nor her teacher at school have any time for Prunella's passion. Her entreaties to peak their curiosity all end with the grown up intoning, " Not now, Prunella". She on the other hand persists and when it is "show and tell" day at school it is as predictable as ants at a picnic what life form she'll bring.

The members of the supporting cast in this small volume could each be the protagonist of her own book. Ms. Mantis the school teacher is all pointy elbows and nose to go along with her nettlesome personality. The bees in the story are always smiling and seem quite contented with their sweet centered existence. A wonderful spider who appears on each page is Prunella's trusty side kick much as Beaker is with his muppet pal Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.

The action virtually bounces off the pages of this fine tightly woven tale whose moral is the benefit of following one's own bliss. But don't expect me to reveal any more or what the big bug surprise might be. Go get your own copy but please, don't bug me.

This beautifully illustrated book about a little girl who saves the day with her extensive bug knowledge has a very special spread where all the kids in Prunella's classroom are gagging and eee-ewing at Prunella's show-and-tell story about the dung beetle. The response you'll get from little boys and girls when you turn to these pages and read the exclamations with zest is worth every penny you'll spend on this book. I have no doubt that Ms. Gran will become a favorite author of many a preschooler for years to come!

It's not easy to find good quality children's books these days and this one is a keeper! I'm buying a copy for all the children on my Christmas list this year. It is a wonderful story with many lessons to be learned.

This book is really a gem, the pictures are so understated and funny and kids really can really relate to Redd's situation. I love this book, it is one of my favorites.

Little Redd has been invited to the prestigious Boll Weevil Ball, but will his size deter his enjoyment of the event? Kelly Murphy handles this little bug's troubles with style and grace. What a beautiful book! The text is simple and pleasurable, and the illustrations.....the illustrations are simply breath taking. The character design, the layout, the colors - everything is top notch! Kelly Murphy - we want more!

Groovy Tube Books are fun and educational. High quality. You won't be disappointed.

This is a fantastic book, game, and toy combination! It includes realistic bugs with their names labeled underneath them. The game fascinates my 3 year old. He not only likes to look and play with the bugs, he also enjoys playing the game and listening to the story. I am going to use it in my classroom with my first graders and am planning on buying it as a Christmas gift.

Three-in-one value: book, toy sea creatures and board game. The book has beautiful photos with very readable and interesting information. The special Fin Facts sections provide bizarre and kid-friendly information about unique sea creatures. An excellent activity and craft section in the back of the book, provides fun and educational ideas. The toy animals are sturdy, realistically colored and are labeled with their name, such as starfish or hammerhead shark. The game board is sturdy and the question cards reinforce facts from the book. My eight year old boy loved the book and the game. Our whole family has enjoyed playing the game several times.