Spiders

Bishop, N.  (2007).  Spiders.  New York:  Scholastic.

The spiders being presented in this non-fiction book allow the reader to become more knowledgeable and understanding of the environments they live in, as well as their way of life.  Because there is not a focus on any type or species of spider, the reader gets to become familiarized with spiders from all different parts of the world.  And though each spider is similar to having eight legs, fangs, and the ability to spin silk, Bishop focuses on what makes each one different and unique.  The illustrations of Bishop are nicely done with up-close images of the spiders in their natural habitat, with captions that explain the various aspects of the spider in the image.  And because this non-fiction literary work uses the appropriate terms to discuss the physiological make-up of the spiders, this a great reading selection for any upper elementary or middle grade kids.  Bishop’s book could also be useful to science teachers who are doing a lesson on spiders.  This book is a 2008 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book.