Spider Books

I'm so glad to have found this book again. We had an old faded copy when our children were growing up, but I loved to read it to them. We all need to be reminded that there's a place in this world for all of God's creatures. I'm getting copies now for my grandchildren who are enjoying a large banana spider living on their front porch.

I remember this book from my childhood, and have now introduced the book to my own family (which consists of my spider-hating husband and my impressionable toddler). As soon as I heard my daughter proclaim that spiders were icky, I read her this story and her feelings about spiders are now much nicer. She asks us to read her this story almost every night. Not only does Be Nice to Spiders have a nice lesson, but the illustrations are delightful.

Read it to my 3 yo daughter when she was afriad of spiderss, now she likes them. Worth the story

This was a favorite children's book of mine when I was a child, and my daughter has adored reading the book. It is well-illustrated and very well-written in a simple, easy to read way. The book traces the fate of a spider left at the doorstep of a zoo. A very fun book!

Billy is moving to an apartment that doesn't allow pets, so he leaves his beloved spider Helen at the zoo, where she promptly improves everyone's lives by eating all those annoying flies. Things are great until the head of the zoo sends out a misguided order to clean up the zoo --including those spider webs. This is a great book about unexpected and mutually beneficial relationships, and is good for bug lovers and haters alike.

First printed in 1967, this book's illustrations have a definite vintage feel to them.

This book is about all kinds of bugs. My kids ages 5 to 9 were all glued to this one again and again. The illustrations are absolutely the best I've seen. They are so cute and funny and there are tons of different types shown. The pages are overflowing! The gross out factor is high for instance "Oh, in your clothes they're restin, in your nose theyre nestin, there isn't any question, theyre infestin your intestine" and "now, you may have had a hunch, if you bite bugs they will crunch, this is true but stay alert - the fat ones sometimes squirt." Then, the illustrations show the picute of a boy forking a huge bug on a plate and green guts spraying out. My kids were uttering "ooooh yuck" and "oh, he's cute" throughout the book and wanted it read again when we were done. If your kid likes bugs and the gross out factor, this book is for him or her.

This is one of those silly books that kids (and adults that still have a lot of kid in them) love! It is quirky and is loaded with gross pictures of bugs and very strange suggestions as to what to do with them. The art work is great and the rhyming text is a pleasure to read. A tremendous amount of imagination and work has gone into this work and it has certainly paid off. This is one of the most checked out books in the local school libraries for the young ones. They just enjoy looking at the pictures. This is also a fun book to read with your child or a group of school kids. The bugs depicted and the uses they are put to are so ridiculous that I doubt a child, any child, would take it very serious. Most children are bright enough to spot a "put on" when they see it, so I don't think their is much worry in that department. If you are looking for a fun, interesting and very, very funny book to read with your child, then you probably should give this one a try. The art work alone is worth the price of the book.

I have bought most of these books for my 6 year old son. They are a little creepy, but for boys, they are terrific fun! And for me too, to be able to get into "character" reading them. I would highly recommend these series of books for anyone who has a child who loves animals, and bugs. Great fun, if you can get through it!

What a great book for kids. I love the illustrations. They are just the cutest! I read it to my grandkids and they loved it. So did I.

This is a good book. It's gross and charmingly off-beat, just as the other reviewers claim. It also rhymes and makes a good out-loud read. And it is very, very outlandishly funny.

However, we also have David T. Greenberg's book Snakes! and it is just as appealingly gross and much funnier. Plus, the rhymes work a bit better for out loud reading. If you are only getting one of his books, I'd go for Snakes!

But before you buy, a quick warning! Neither this book or the Snakes! book are for kids who take things literally or who are easily frightened. I'd only recommend them for children who really "get" puns, word plays and jokes. It is the perfect book for older kids who still love to have books read out loud to them.

P.Gould, co-author of Feeding the Kids: The Flexible, No-Battles, Healthy Eating System for the Whole Family

Good book for younger generation. Arrived on time, and in good condition. Thanks!

This book is exactly what I was looking for. The author gives plenty of details about everything from simply enjoying butterflies, to raising them, to raising them as a business. Whatever your level of interest, you'll likely find something helpful here.

My youngest is an avid lepidopterist, but all the guidebooks I had found before this only showed one part of the life cycle (caterpillars or butterflies/moths). This one's got the breeding range, pictures of the eggs, larva, pupa and adult and descriptions of their nectar and host plants. The adults have full color photos enlarged to show detail, along with a measure below the photo showing actual size. Tons of instructions for creating outdoor and indoor habitats and even raising your own. Just an excellent book.

After seeing a friend's book, I ordered my own copy right away. This book contains both good information and beautiful photos and drawings.

What I like most about The Family Butterfly Book is that it not only shows you what the butterflies look like but, unlike most butterfly books, it also shows pictures of the egg, caterpillar, and chrysalis of about 40 of the more common butterflies of North America. It also lists which plants the various caterpillars eat so you know where to look for them and what to feed them if you want to raise your own.

The book was not written as an comprehenive guide to butterfly identification. Its purpose is to teach you how to raise some of the butterflies you are more likely to find close to home.

This book is great for all ages.

THE FAMILY BUTTERFLY BOOK is very informative and the illustrations are vivid. Butterfly expert Rick Mikula does a fantastic job of explaining in his book how to attract, identify and raise butterflies. I found his book very helpful when I was raising butterflies for an elementary school project. I even contacted him and he came to my children's school as an author visit. His credentials are amazing. He has been in People magazine, on Animal Planet, designed gardens for Hershey Gardens, Dollywood and he is the author of several other books on butterflies. He owns Hole-in-Hand Butterfly Farm in Pennsylvania and raises butterflies for special events like weddings.
A. D. Tarbox, author of ALREADY ASLEEP (Oct. 2006)

Isra the Butterfly is a delightful and charming book for children ages four to
eight. Isra is young, but wants to play with her older sisters and wants to
leave Butterfly Land so that she can venture out into the outside world.
Warned by her mother and under the supervision of her sisters, she's still
convinced that she can move her wings quickly enough to escape any danger.
Unfortunately, she's not as quick as she believes and is caught and taken to
Show and Tell.

Young-Robinson has given us a careful blend of adventure for the children as
well as lessons on obeying parents. I loved this book and would definitely
recommend it to others. Finley's illustrations are an added bonus to this book
and beautifully portray Isra, her family, and the children in the outside world.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Isra the Butterfly is a delightful and charming book for children ages four to eight. Isra is young, but wants to play with her older sisters and wants to leave Butterfly Land so that she can venture out into the outside world. Warned by her mother and under the supervision of her sisters, she's still convinced that she can move her wings quickly enough to escape any danger. Unfortunately, she's not as quick as she believes and is caught and taken to Show and Tell.

Young-Robinson has given us a careful blend of adventure for the children as well as lessons on obeying parents. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it to others. Finley's illustrations are an added bonus to this book and beautifully portray Isra, her family, and the children in the outside world.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal...

This is one of the most charming children's books I've read in ages. I bought one copy for my neice and another for my god-daughter. The author is really gifted.

This is a thoroughly delightful little tale of Isra the Butterfly and her desire to see the world where boys and girls live. Isra gets her wish, has a great adventure and gets a wonderful lesson about the importance of family and home. This is a book to read while curled in a comfortable chair with your child. A great story with a sweet, wonderful butterfly as the main character. Your child will love it.

Isra the Butterfly Gets Caught for Show and Tell is a entertaining story with a very valuable lesson for children. It teaches children to obey their parents and heed their warnings as was Isras' lesson as well as teaching children from the outside world like Miya to be kind to animals and appreciate nature. A quality book that should be a part of every child's collection.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Ruby Lee is a precious story that includes enchanting illustrations. A simple and powerful story, Ruby Lee will fill the fertile mind of any little girl with hope, confidence and faith. As a family counselor I know how essential it is to give our children a steady diet of encouragement--this book provides a healthy dose of encouragement and more!

Kelly Nault - Author of "When You're About To Go Off The Deep End, Don't Take Your Kids With You"

Many people dismiss the humble bumble bee without considering its remarkable accomplishment: its ability to fly despite having bodies too big for their wings! Wisely, Ashley listened to Ruby Lee, the very wise bumble bee as she faced a task she thought was daunting.

When Mrs. Wagner asked Ashley to plant flowers, Ashley was afraid her efforts would not be good enough. Then she heard Ruby Lee whispering to her from the butterfly bush. Ruby Lee told Ashley to `bee-lieve' in herself and she could accomplish anything. Following Ruby Lee's example, Ashley courageous faced her challenge-and succeeded.

Ruby Lee's heartwarming wisdom is confidence and self-esteem building for all children. The beautiful and expressive language is complimented by fantastic illustrations that take the reader directly into Mrs. Wagner's wonderful garden.

Those who enjoyed "Ruby Lee" might also enjoy "Families are Forever", another picture book that empowers young children as they navigate their unique place in the world. Young Rain learns the true meaning of family in wonderful book about celebrating and respecting all people and families. Books like "Families are Forever" and Ruby Lee celebrate what it is to be human and how we can change the world-if we reach out and grasp opportunities.

is a book of discovery. For a child, it holds the delights of an afternoon in Mrs. Wagner's garden of flowers and the small creatures that dwell in a place of nature. A young girl Ashley shares her pleasure with her friend and a wise bumblebee named Ruby Lee who, much to Ashley's surprise, talks to her. Mrs. Wagner asks Ashley to help her by potting some flowers for her patio, but Ashley is afraid she will do it wrong. Left with her uncertainties, Ruby Lee enters her world and convinces her "Of course you can pot those flowers for Mrs. Wagner. You are a talented and bright young lady." Taking Ruby Lee's advice, Ashley finishes the job and realizes how good it feels to know "She had done it!". When Mrs. Wagner returns to the patio, she is very pleased with Ashley's efforts and tells her that by believing in herself, she can do anything
Author Dawn Matheson has written a stunning children's book with illustrations by Pamela Barcita that offer surprises on every page. Its message is gently but simply told. A glossary defines in children's language, any words that might not be in their vocabulary. Page numbers for a parent's easy reference lists Ruby Lee's bits of wisdom.This book is meant for a parent to read aloud to a child,pointing out the many details of each illustration or for a child to browse through,enjoying not only the busy pictures,but the warm story of a little girl and a wise bumblebee. Patricia Linder, author: Row, Row,Row Your Boat and The Lady and the Tiger.

What a wonderful gift! Dawn Matheson and Pamela Barcita have presented a beautiful treatise on the gaining of confidence. Mrs. Wagner's garden is the perfect place to learn the ways of nature, through the gifts of a loving God.
How many times in our ordinary lives have we felt we were a bumble bee? Given a task much greater than we; for we have wings far too small for our body! This book shows the possibilities for all of us; have faith and soon confidence will follow.
I highly recommend this book for the quality of its production and the beauty of its message. Dawn Matheson's story and Pamela Barcita's illustrations hold the readers attention, making each page a delight.

Readers, who enjoy Ruby Lee, may also enjoy "The Ballad of Blue Eagle." An adventure story about the animals living in Peaceful Valley and how they are protected by Blue Eagle!

Contained in this book are tales of things like leeches, moths, and an assortment of other spineless creatures. Each chapter is devoted to one such creature. Coniff is good writer, easy to read, and engaging. That being said he makes the perfect author to turn rather grim subjects into light reads. So while you're camping out this summer and swatting mosquitos you can read this book and marvel at the sheer amount of mosquito species out there and wonder which one is sucking your blood.

Richard Conniff's writing style is fun and easy to read. And although some of the facts he pours into the book may be gross, it's so interesting you are riveted. I think everyone-science lover or no-needs to read this book. I couldn't put the book down until I was done. Just to give you some extra info on what's in the book-he discusses many invertebrates such as flies, hagfish, moths and tarantulas, devoting a chapter to each invertebrate. He includes his adventures with these creatures along with it. Even the hardened scientist will find something new in this book!

I have no idea why I picked this book up but I am glad I did for I now take the time to look at the invertebrates that scurry climb or swim about me. Sounds interesting huh? Well, it talked about invertebrates in a way so that even the most mindless of people could understand. I actually learned things that I didn't take the time to listen to or care to read about in science class. I used to tell my Dad to kill that ugly-looking arachnid, but now I beg him to spare its little spineless life.

There is more to the world of nature than cuddly koalas, magnificent whales, and beautifully singing birds. Most of the animal kingdom, and much of the biomass on the planet, are invertebrates! Insects, spiders, centipedes, molluscs, crustaceans, echnioderms, worms, all greatly outnumber vertebrates and are absolutely vital to continued life on earth, and all are greatly unappreciated by the average person.

Richard Conniff takes us on a representative tour of several members of the invertebrate world. Though he only scratches the surface, he shows us some of the most fascinating of the "creepy crawlies," creatures that often have few admirers in the media or popular culture. From the fascinating world of flies to the invaluable leech to the hated fire ant to beetles, fleas, and giant squid and beyond, Conniff shows us the astounding world of invertebrates.

Strictly speaking, Conniff includes one vertebrate in the mix, the lowly but extremely unusual hagfish, so it is not only invertebrates. Having said that though this was an excellent book, one well worth reading. Popular science writing at its best.

Conniff's book _Spineless Wonders_ had me fascinated, for the most part. His subject: invertebrates, with about ten different chapters on different creatures, such as leeches, dragonflies, tarantulas, etc. NOT ALL POPULAR INVERTEBRATES ARE COVERED IN THIS BOOK. In fact, if there is not a chapter devoted to your favorite invertebrate, there will be little or no information on that beast. There are many examples. Jellyfish, starfish, bees, crabs, clams, octopuses and lobsters are but a few that Conniff chose not to cover.

If you need detailed information about an invertebrate not covered in this book, or if you need more detail, I advise you to seek out a book on that specific beast. Also, you can look into Robert Barnes' book _Invertebrate Zoology_, but that book...is best used at a public or college library.

On the plus side: there aren't many good books on invertebrates for a general audience, and _Spineless Wonders_ is one of them. Most folks, while they might be able to stomach ten or twenty pages on leeches, don't want an entire book on leeches. In fact, most full length books on leeches, dragonflies, etc. are indeed academic tracts targeted at serious collectors or graduate students and professors.

Conniff's writing is usually lucid and entertaining. He held my attention until the end of each chapter... almost. Still, there isn't much popular writing on invertebrates in general, so _Spineless Wonders_ is well worth a look.

ken32

This book is really great. It is full of cute bugs and great pop-ups. My daughter loves it and we sing it all year.

Our great grandsons (ages 2 and 4) are enjoying the book and begging constantly to have them read.

My 3 1/2yr old bug lover is enamored with this book (and Jingle Bugs too). He LOVES to sing the 12-bugs-of Christmas and it is good for his memory skills to try to remember them all. When he hears the 12-Days-of-Christmas on the radio, he always points out how it is so similar to HIS song! Ha!

I am a big fan of David Carter's bug pop up books. At first the concept seems a bit odd and off setting, but they really are cute bugs, and the interactive elements are quite thoughtful and inventive.

This book goes through the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," but makes up new words that are related to his buggy creations. Throughout the book, you open each present (lift the flap), to see the bugs inside. Inside each package is some type of pop up element (my favorite is the one that comes complete with tinsel). Each is creative, delicate (as one reader mentioned), and attention getting.

My only reservation about this book is that the interactive elements are not as diverse as in his other Christmas book, Jingle Bugs. With this book, it is basically entirely lift the flap, whereas the other one has different types of activities throughout. However, I do like the fact that you can sing to this one (a great plus in keeping little ones interested).

My 6 and 2 year old kids love this book and wanted to read it over and over during Christmas. The bugs are really cute and Christmas themed. There are tinsel bugs, gingerbread bugs, fruitcake bugs, yodeling Christmas tree bugs. The pop ups work smoothly.

You can even sing the book to the tune of 12 days of Christmas - if you can stand it.

I really enjoyed this book. The author obviously knows her way around Volkswagens. I'm so glad she made Daisy use the bible of Volkswagens - John Muir's "Idiot's Guide".

This was a cute love story, and an awesome story about a gal and her Beetle, but how many 15-yr-olds enjoy this? My critical eye says this book is too romancy for boys, and too technical for a lot of girls (Not all, however. There are those of us females who are mechanically-minded). As a 20-something VW enthusiast, however, I thought the book was fabulous.

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything from Volkswagons to love and it really showed that girls CAN be mechanics and that cars aren't just for guys. The author did a really great job describing how a fifteen year old acts and what it feels like to be in one's first real romance.

Daisy Pandolfi, the main character had strong will and tons of determination. She knew what she wanted, which was a 57' purple Volkswagon that had been her dads and was being neglected in the icehouse in their meadow. After Daisy begged her dad to let her have the Volksie, he finally gave in and she recieved the barely fixable old car. Daisy fixed it up all by herself without help from her family, all of whom are excellent mechanics. This book was really enjoyable and I reccomend it to everyone!

this was a great book, this is the first book i have read in a long time my dad asked if it was good and i said yes and he said it must be becuase i never read and i never put this one down. I found this book after asking the librarian what some good books are and he handed me this book i thought it was going to be dumb but it wasnt. This book is about a 15 year old girl who is becoming a freshmen and doesnt have a car everyone in her family are mechanics and she wants to rebuild her dads old puple VW bug and he doesnt think it is a great idea because it had been sitting in their ice house for so long but he gave in and let her take it out and work on it she spent her whole summer working on this car but then when the school year starts she and her friend billy take it out for a spin and something happens and there is oil everywhere and she doesnt know whats wrong and she doesnt want anyhelp from anyone so she finaly lets Billy look at it and he finds out that their is a crack in her crankcase and she will have to get a new one so for christmas her parents buy her a new one and the car is fine and runs so on christmas eve after church Billy comes over and she gives him the bug on loan till she turns 16 because when Billy was little his dad left them and doesnt send money so he cant go to college and works at his moms garden shop for christmas to sell trees. This was a great book and i would like to read more of her books...

This is a great book i dont like to read books and i love this one the author does a great job wrighting this book and does a great job keeping you hoked. This is the first book i have read in a long time my dad asked if it was good because he hasent seen me ever not put a book down i love this author and i am looking for more books by her. This book is about a young 15 year old girl who wants her dads old puple vw bug that he has put in the there ice house she works on it all summer and gets it up to shape to drive the one day her and her friend billy are driving it and and the find oil all over the ground she finds out later that there is a split in the crank case and it will have to be replaced so for christmas her parents and her buy a new one so now the beetle is all fine. Her friend Billy has graduated and doesnt have a car to drive and is in love with Daisy and wants to marry her but she doesnt know if she feels the same way and as a present the him she gives him the beetle on loan till she is 16 and can drive it, this is how the book ends and i am kinda wanting there to be another book after this one but thats just me.
sincerly Charity Summerlin

In simple, straightforward language, Karen Romano Young unfolds how a seemingly awkward yet strong and determined heroine comes to terms with her dreams, her family, and herself. Daisy Pandolfi is a believable heroine who makes no excuses for wanting what she wants. She doggedly restores their old VW Bug and discovers heartbreak, disappointment, and love in the process. Her strength was an inspiration to me -- and I'm 23! I wish I was like that when I was 15.

The book is a love story, true, but not in the mushy line of commercial teen flicks. The romance aspect develops slowly, surely, imperfectly. But at the heart of it all was how Daisy tackled her independence. In a quiet exchange that moved me to tears, Daisy tells her father not to tell her what to do, just to tell her when she's doing it wrong. In the end, it IS a love story -- of a girl for her dreams, of a girl for her family.

I sincerely enjoyed the different characters that Karen Romano Young painted in this book, and I look forward to reading her other works.

This is a fabulous book for insect and photography enthusiasts alike. The 3-D effect is so real it is like the bugs are sitting on your nose! My 14-year-old nephew likes the book and so do my adult friends. All of Blum's 3-D books are highly recommended.

BUGS in 3-D

I highly recommended this book for school children and adults alike.

I was introduced to one of Blum's books by a friend and liked it so much that I sought out and bought all of his 3D books. I find the price so reasonable that I've since bought more to give as gifts.

I enjoy looking at the 3-D photos as much as my seven year old son so I already know several adults as well as children who will be getting this book as a gift.

The technical quality of the photos and printing of the books is very good. A magnifying, stereo viewer is built into a unique bi-fold cover of the book A little research showed that this idea is well over a hundred years old (like stereo photography) but I still find it very innovative because it is so rare and unusual.

The photographer has an inspired eye and top technical skill. The macro photography is amazing. If you buy this book hold it high with your head back when you look at the close-up of the Zebra Tarantula (plate 4). It will freak you out like your about to be eaten! Then go to plate 40 and look at the beautiful butterfly.

The writing accompanying each image adds to the photos with just the right amount of scientific and general information to serve both young and old reader. I like this book very much and I hope you find this review helpful. I recommend looking for the other 3-D books by Blum. They are all great!

This is a wonderful book. Well designed, with fine viewer and sharp photos. A real bargain for the price. I'll need to collect the whole series. If you are familiar with stereo photography, this is a must have. If you think 3-D means added shadowing, this is a must have.

The publisher has unfortunately tried to market these fabulous works as childrens books (not that they aren't wonderful for kids as well), but these photos are truely amazing both in the quality of the photography, but also in the presentation. They are printed on very high quality coated paper with a STURDY set of lenses built right into the hard cover, which allows you to view them in all their splendor without any additional equipment.

These are not red/blue lenses! The images are presented in true color stereo pairs and when viewed, merge into a single, dynamic 3D image - WOW! I can't say enough about the overall quality of viewing for ADULTS as well as children.

The price is another thing that confuses me. I don't know why these are so inexpensive? I urge anyone who loves nature to buy all of the books in this series!

Mark Blum is clearly a very talented and skillful nature photographer! His books, including BUGS IN 3-D, are all FABULOUS! I can't recommend this book highly enough!

In BUGS IN 3-D, you will be shrunk to the size of a grasshopper, taken off to exotic forests, and introduced face-to-face to some really amazing insects! It is just like entering their world! INCREDIBLE!

The photography is exquisite!
The 3-D stereo effect is remarkable!
The subject is fascinating!
The price is bargain!
There are NO negatives about this book!
Children, parents, science students, naturalists; I can't think of anybody who won't love this book!

BUY IT!!