Books › I Wonder Why Spiders Spin Webs and Other Questions About Creepy-crawlies (I Wonder Why)
I Wonder Why Spiders Spin Webs and Other Questions About Creepy-crawlies (I Wonder Why)
First published 2002 · 32 pages
A playful, bite-sized exploration of the backyard's creepiest, crawliest residents, perfectly tuned to a child's endless curiosity.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like going on a backyard safari with a deeply knowledgeable, very funny tour guide. The brisk, bite-sized Q&A format makes it incredibly easy to dip in and out of, perfectly matching the fleeting but intense curiosity of a young child. The tone is conversational and playful, never talking down to its audience, but instead using clever analogies and amusing cartoons to make the natural world accessible. It creates an inquisitive, lighthearted mood where even the scariest spiders or weirdest beetles become fascinating rather than frightening. It is an absolute delight for the 'why'-asking child, turning everyday creepy-crawlies into marvels of nature through crisp, engaging prose and a deeply child-friendly approach to science.
- Mood
- lighthearted
- inquisitive
- breezy
- Tone
- conversational
- amusing
- educational
- playful
- curious
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- natural curiosity · everyday wonders · the hidden world of bugs · learning through play
- The writing
- Bite-sized, conversational, and highly accessible, using simple analogies to explain complex natural phenomena.
- The arc
- Moves from wide-eyed curiosity to delighted understanding as the tiny, hidden world of insects is demystified.
- Who it's for
- Curious young readers who love asking 'why' and are fascinated by the bugs they find in the backyard.
Content notes
- mildly scary insect facts
About the book
"This highly popular and long-running series has been revamped for a new generation of readers, with a clean, crisp redesign and colourful covers. The series explores questions that young readers ask about the world around them in an unrivalled child-friendly style. The conversational format is perfect for delivering solid information in a natural, amusing and imaginative way. Designed to amuse and intrigue the young reader, this book combines cartoons with facts and simple analogies to provide an introduction to the world of creepy-crawlies asking questions such as: which beetle fires a spray gun?; can spiders kill people?; and, which insect tastes with its toes?" (publisher).
Originally published: 1995.
Description from Open Library.
Books like I Wonder Why Spiders Spin Webs and Other Questions About Creepy-crawlies (I Wonder Why)
See why they match
Diary of a spiderDoreen CroninA delightfully deadpan peek into the daily triumphs and tiny terrors of an eight-legged grade-schooler.
Insects are my lifeMegan McDonaldA quirky, earnest exploration of childhood passions and the profound relief of finding a friend who finally understands your unique obsessions.
Who Would Win? Hornet vs. WaspJerry PallottaA high-energy, fact-filled showdown that turns nature study into a thrilling spectator sport.
The spider and the flyTony DiTerlizziA delightfully grim and gothic waltz through the dangers of vanity and sweet-talking strangers.
Be nice to spidersMargaret Bloy GrahamA gentle, nostalgic picture book that transforms a commonly feared creature into a quiet, web-spinning hero.
ButterfliesEmily NeyeA gentle, sunlit introduction to the magic of transformation and the natural world for the youngest of readers.