Diary Of A Spider
1 Hardcover/1 CD (see all formats)

"Following the success of the popular DIARY OF A WORM, this clever picture book offers a light look at a spider's existence. This production has lots of fun sound effects (little organ runs here and there, water splashing, wind blowing, the crunch of a skin molting), which are very attractive to children. Narrator Harry Bliss supplies a variety of fun voices for the story's other characters, from playful friend Fly to grouchy Grampa to Fly's worried mom. Bliss also strikes just the right happy notes as narrator, calling playful attention to the levels of humor without overdoing it, so a variety of ages will enjoy this book."

"Bliss' pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations show an intimate sense of Spider, Fly, and others in this humorous sequel to Diary of a Worm (2003). Spider is sweetly reflected in the drawings, and the narrator Bliss gives Spider an earnest little voice, full of unabashed wonder and emotion. Grampa's pleasantly craggy tones will likely give listeners a giggle. The pacing is slow enough to allow youngsters to follow along but not so slow that it seems labored. Bliss reads the whole text, including the funny dialogue balloons that accompany the illustrations; this might confuse some kids who aren't paying close attention to the book. Well-placed sound effects add humor and flesh out the production, making this a most pleasurable package."

"Told in first person (or is that 'first spider?'), this is a clever peek into the life of an adolescent spider. Doreen Cronin's book offers an engaging protagonist who just happens to have eight legs. Through his diary we learn about spider school, molting, friendship travails, and important life lessons. There's a generous helping of wit here, and a lot of kid appeal. Harry Bliss not only created the hilarious watercolor illustrations, but also provides the narration for this production. He reads everything, including the back cover and the end papers, with tongue-in-cheek humor and excellent pacing. Occasional sound effects and music enhance the text. This is a delightful book that will charm listeners in this auditory format."