As a teacher, parent, or homeschooler you know that instilling a love of learning in children is one of the most important things you can do. Using literature as part of your program can be an effective way to open the minds of young ones to new and exciting worlds.
One creature often found in books yet scarcely explored is the spider – we’ve included eight fascinating children’s books about spiders which focus on exploring their lives and place in nature. From silly tales featuring singing tarantulas to powerful myths handed down through generations, there’s something here for everyone!
Children’s Books about Spiders
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
I would be remiss if I did not include this classic children’s book! Charlotte’s Web heartwarming story of a pig named Wilbur who forms a close friendship with a wise and kind spider named Charlotte.
With Charlotte’s help, Wilbur learns to navigate the challenges of life on a farm and ultimately finds his place in the world, while Charlotte’s remarkable web-spinning abilities touch the lives of those around her.
Kind of the perfect way to introduce spiders to kids!
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
This is a colorful and engaging book for very young children that tells the story of a spider who is too busy spinning her web to play with the other farm animals that invite her.
As the spider diligently weaves her web throughout the day, various animals approach her with different requests, but she remains focused on her task until her web is complete.
Miss Spider’s Tea Party by David Kirk
This book tells the story of Miss Spider, a kind-hearted spider who invites insects to her tea party, and her efforts to host a tea party for her insect friends, hoping to make friends despite her intimidating appearance.
Through charming illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, the book conveys themes of acceptance, friendship, and embracing differences.
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin
This book is part of a series that includes “Diary of a Worm” and “Diary of a Fly”. The book humorously depicts the everyday life and adventures of a young spider through diary entries.
The story offers insights into the spider’s unique perspective, highlighting its interactions with friends, family, and the natural world.
Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott
This book is a retelling of a traditional Ashanti folktale about Anansi, a popular character in African folklore known for his cunning and cleverness.
Anansi is often depicted as a spider who uses his wit to outsmart larger animals and solve problems. His stories teach moral lessons and entertain with humorous and imaginative adventures.
I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton
This humorous and informative book helps children to overcome their fear of spiders by presenting interesting facts about them.
The book combines colorful illustrations and witty text to showcase the girl’s gradual shift from fear to understanding and appreciation for these eight-legged creatures.
Through humor and relatable experiences, the book aims to encourage readers to approach their fears with an open mind.
Aaaarrgghh! Spider! by Lydia Monks
This is a fun and engaging book about a spider who wants to be a family pet. It tells the story of a spider who desperately wants to make friends with the other animals but keeps scaring them away due to its appearance.
Through colorful illustrations and playful language, the book teaches young readers about the importance of acceptance, understanding, and not judging based on appearances.
Sophie’s Masterpiece by Eileen Spinelli
This book tells the heartwarming story of Sophie, a spider who lives in an old house and creates a masterpiece for a special occasion.
Despite her small size, Sophie is determined to create a masterpiece web, but her efforts are met with criticism from the larger creatures in the garden. T
hrough perseverance and creativity, Sophie’s web eventually proves its worth, showing that everyone has a unique contribution to make, regardless of their size.
Walter’s Wonderful Web by Tim Hopgood
This charming book is about a determined spider named Walter who tries to weave a perfect web.
Despite his initial struggles, Walter uses his creativity and resourcefulness to weave a web that is uniquely his own.
Through colorful illustrations and a sweet narrative, the book conveys the message of embracing individuality and celebrating one’s unique talents.
Sneaky, Spinning Baby Spiders by Sandra Markle
This non-fiction book provides interesting facts and information about baby spiders and how they survive.