Spi-ku

Starred review from January 15, 2021
A celebration of spiders in poetry and prose. The team that produced Superlative Birds (2019) and other highly regarded science poetry collections has selected 35 from the more than 48,000 species to introduce the order Araneae--spiders. An opening poem concludes, "Let's spy spiders!" and that's what follows. An early spread shows and tells readers what distinguishes spiders from other arachnids. The text is organized topically, covering special spider abilities (like silk spinning), sensory mechanisms, and a wide variety of behaviors including locomotion, capturing prey, eating, courting, and child care. Some spider predators and a few species that live socially are also introduced. Each spread includes the topic, a few paragraphs of exposition, and one to three cheerfully illustrated poems describing particular species or behaviors. As always, Bulion uses both evocative vocabulary and a variety of poetic forms; these are chosen with care and defined in the backmatter. The peacock spider, which raises a colorful flap in a courtship dance, is celebrated with a "Hoe-Down," recalling a traditional song: "Spider gal, won't you signal you're mine, / And we'll dance by the light of the sun!" The golden silk orbweaver gets a haiku: "sun-shimmer silk / calls six-legged web guests-- / dinner!" The impressive backmatter also includes identification, with scientific names, for every spider shown; instructions for spider hunting; and relative sizes gauged against a familiar No. 2 pencil. Engaging and information rich, this is wonderfully well woven. (glossary, resources, acknowledgments) (Informational poetry. 7-12)

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March 1, 2021
Grades 3-6 Interweaving abundant scientific information, poetry, and colorful cartoon illustrations, this collection offers a lively introduction to spiders, covering everything from their traits and behaviors to types of arachnids. A peppy opening poem overviews what's to come ("Hatching from pearly, silk-cocooned eggs, / Stretching eight sensitive, hairy legs . . . We spy spiders!"), followed by others discussing their distinguishing physical characteristics, often with diagrams. Subsequent spreads spotlight many topics, from web spinning, mating, and luring prey to spiders' varied habitats, each with specific examples and accompanying poems. "On the Prowl" features hunting techniques, showcasing the goldenrod crab spider, woodlouse hunter, and diving bell spider. While the text can be dense, the scientific concepts are clearly conveyed, incorporating lively, sometimes icky touches, like describing how spiders' digestive juices "convert their victim's soft insides into a slurpable, nutritious feast." Appended material includes a glossary, notes on the poetry forms, tips for spotting spiders, additional resources, and an infographic helpfully revealing each included spider's actual size. Though there are squirm-inducing elements for some, the enthusiastic tone will help readers find plenty to engage, inform, and intrigue.

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April 1, 2021

Gr 2-6-This collection is filled with all forms of poetry, including haiku, limerick, concrete, and free verse. Spider lovers and readers who may learn to love these eight-legged creatures will rejoice in the fun and informative facts featured throughout the text. Each spread is accompanied by illustrations that make spiders appear friendly and approachable. Readers will want to devour the pages as they search for hidden gems in rhyme or picture and will learn how spiders eat, how they weave patterns, and the truths behind common misconceptions. More than 50 spiders are represented in the 14 poems. The spiders range in size, from as small as a pencil eraser to the Goliath bird-eating spider who rarely eats birds at all. A full glossary, information about poetic form, and a spider identification list make this an excellent text for use in the classroom. The approachable and accessible verse will make adults and children want to explore the natural world and discover a clutter of spiders. VERDICT A fun collection of factual poetry to add to shelves.-Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford Coll., TX

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