| PreSchool-Grade 1–From the first page, where humans appear to be hanging upside down and a spider takes center stage (the scene is seen from the spider's perspective, as she clings to the ceiling), it's obvious that this is no ordinary tale. Monks begins with a visual bang and an unusual premise: a spider wants to be this family's pet. However, each time the arachnid tries to entertain them, they toss her outside, screaming, "Aaaarrgghh! Spider!" Disappointed, she stalks off to live in the backyard. When the family members peek out the back door and see the trees festooned with glittering webs, they decide she'd make the perfect pet. Although the resolution is a bit simplistic, the story provides a nice showcase for the art. The acrylic cartoons ably capture the wide-eyed, fearful expressions of the parents, their two children, dog, and cat when confronted with their visitor. A variety of patterned fabrics provide visual interest throughout, but the pièce de résistance is the backyard bejeweled with webs that shine with actual glitter. The bright red cover with its dangling spider; black, hairy title letters; and sparkling silver webs will entice browsers. Readers attracted by the glitz of Marcus Pfister's "Rainbow Fish" books (North-South) are sure to give this one more than a glance.–Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PA. |
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