The Spider and the Fly

The Spider and the Fly

by Mary Botham Howitt
Illustration by Tony DiTerlizzi

"'Will you walk into my parlor, 'said the Spider to the Fly..." is easily one of the most recognized and quoted first lines in all of English verse. But do you have any idea how the age-old tale of the Spider and the Fly ends? Join celebrated artist Tony DiTerlizzi as he -- drawing inspiration from one of his loves, the classic Hollywood horror movies of the 1920s and 1930s -- shines a cinematic spotlight on Mary Howitt's warning, written to her own children about those who use sweet words to hide their not-so-sweet intentions.

Based on an 1829 poem by Mary Howitt, Tony DiTerlizzi utilizes his artistic talents to create a beautiful book about a spider trying to capture a fly. The illustrations are reminiscent of old black and white films, and the artwork is so expertly done that it appears that the characters are glowing. Winner of a Caldecott Medal Honor and Book Sense Book of the Year award, this story is funny with a spooky storyline that your child will adore.

Since the book is based on a poem, it contains a snappy rhyming scheme that keeps the mood light. Your child will get caught up in the suspense of the spider trapping his prey and will be laughing by the sly jokes. The book is eerie instead of scary, so your child will not be too frightened by the story's events. The end includes a letter from the spider explaining that he only trapped the fly because that's what spiders do. Your child will get a kick out of this plea for understanding.

My nephew Michael thinks this book is just so cool. He cracks up laughing at the spider's curly mustache, and as the suspense builds, he turns the pages faster and faster. As I was reading it, I got an extra kick out of the little details for adults like the spider's reading material: The Joy of Cooking with Bugs. Both you and your child will be delighted by this engaging and unique tale.

--Eve