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sarahanne8382's review against another edition
2.0
What a weird little story. I can't tell who the audience for this is supposed to be - kids or their parents. The rhyming felt forced and like it was used to cover up the bad writing that didn't capture the story from a kids point of view very well.
Meh for me, but my five-year-old enjoyed it.
Meh for me, but my five-year-old enjoyed it.
ctorms's review against another edition
4.0
This story was the most intense reading I had ever encountered as a first grader. That evil, groom spider was so sinister!
geesammy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
meg_ventures's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
see_sadie_read's review against another edition
3.0
This book came home with my Kindergardener from the school library. We read it together and while the artwork is beautiful and the lyrical text impressive the topical content disturbed me. Was this book really written for children? Lines like, "Is she a beauty? Is she rich? And is she in the mood...?" make me wonder. Obviously my 5 year old didn't grasp the implication of the question and the argument could possibly be made that the speaker meant in the mood for marriage, but we all know that's not what was meant. Further, May's inference that Miss Spider was somehow inadequate for not yet being married smacks of the antiquated idea that a woman's worth resides in her status as a wife. This is reinforced when May doesn't think Holley good enough for Miss Spider. She doesn't appear to be looking out for Miss Spider's happiness so much as her social status. And then there is the wedding. Holley coos over his bride's beauty and how proud he is to be marrying her. Miss Spider, however, is pleased that, "of all the spiders in the world, he chose to be with me." Leaving the impetus of power squarely in the hands of Holley, not herself. These are all ideals women had hoped were dying and I am disturbed to find them alive and well in children's books. I still give the book a three, however, because the art is gorgeous and my child did enjoy it.
engpunk77's review
4.0
Recommended for a secondary school picture book library, I couldn't agree more. It's totally not a book for kids despite its gorgeous and vibrant illustrations. The themes, vocab, and writing style are perfect fodder for an upper middle school/high school group discussion and really, I can't see what, besides the rhyme and pictures, would be appropriate for young children here.
Points to ponder:
The nature of romantic love and healthy relationships
Abusive, unhealthy relationships
Outdated views on women and their place in society, including unfair expectations
Miss Spider's ability to break out of her role and expectations, and where it's clear she has more work to do
Stereotypes
Tools of manipulation
I'd use this in a Health class in a unit on healthy/unhealthy romantic relationships.
Points to ponder:
The nature of romantic love and healthy relationships
Abusive, unhealthy relationships
Outdated views on women and their place in society, including unfair expectations
Miss Spider's ability to break out of her role and expectations, and where it's clear she has more work to do
Stereotypes
Tools of manipulation
I'd use this in a Health class in a unit on healthy/unhealthy romantic relationships.
cristalviper's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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