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Book Summary

Reviewed byPeter Lewis
Miss Spider has found the man of her dreams--a wise, kind, and polite young spider named Holley--but a meddling friend thinks he's a loser. So she arranges for a local Don Juan, whom she thinks is the cat's pajamas, to press his affections on Miss Spider.

When Miss Spider spurns his honey-tongued advances, he is enraged. "You cannot mean," Spiderus howled, / That you're rejecting me! / Tell me this loathsome rival's name; / I'll squash him like a flea!"

When Spiderus catches up with Holley, he is set to administer the fatal bite when Miss Spider sweeps down from the heavens to crown him with a blow from a rolling pin. Wedding bells chime for Holley and Miss Spider.

Is It Any Good?

1

Miss Spider's wedding may be the finale, but the heart of the tale is a sexually charged move on Miss Spider by the wicked Spiderus. The content will be lost upon younger readers, though older ones may well pick up on the gist of Spiderus' intent: "Envisioning her fine assets, / Her gentle curves, her spinnerets." It's hard to avoid the conclusion that Kirk is playing to the adult readers of this book without giving the kids much to chew on.

Spiderus' glistening fangs and cruel eyes may scare some away; a 4-year-old took off on first glimpse of the hideous creature, and an 8-year-old snuggled closer. Spiderus is an overwhelming presence, and all the goodness of Miss Spider's devotion to her chosen mate -- and his small piece of unintentional courage -- are lost to Spiderus grim and threatening persona.

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