Be Nice to Spiders

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.

A cute story about a spider named Helen who goes to live at the zoo. I loved this book because it shows how the creatures that some people tend not to like - spiders for instance - are often very helpful! We are big bug lovers here (we have many species as pets) and this was a story that touched our hearts. You'll want to get this for anyone who loves bugs. Even better, get it for someone who wants to stomp on them to give them a better perspective!

I remember reading this book to my daughters who are now in their late 20's and early 30's! I've enjoy remembering how helpful Helen and her children were to those around them. I see myself now, even, trying not to harm a spider or their magnificent webs on the front porch or a bedding plant in the garden. My grandson enjoyed watching the web grow and grow last summer on our front porch and was disappointed when a storm destroyed it. :^(

I really liked this book because it really helps people understand what most people do not understand, the spider. It shows people that spiders can be useful and should not be harmed. I thought it was really great when the people in the zoo and the zookeeper found out that it was Helen that were keeping the animals healthy and made the rule to be nice to spiders.