Be Nice to Spiders

by Margaret Bloy Graham

Book Overview

When Billy left his pet spider, Helen, at the Zoo, the animals suddenly became happy and contented. The lions snoozed all day long, the elephants enjoyed their baths, and the zebras ate their hay in peace -- all because Helen was spinning webs and catching flies.But one day Helen's webs were swept away. The Keeper had the cages cleaned for the Mayor's inspection tour. Soon the flies were back again and the animals were miserable once more. But not...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060220724
• ISBN13: 9780060220723
• Release Date: January 1967
• Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A Charming Book

This was a favorite children's book of mine when I was a child, and my daughter has adored reading the book. It is well-illustrated and very well-written in a simple, easy to read way. The book traces the fate of a spider left at the doorstep of a zoo. A very fun book!

charming vintage story about a spider at the zoo

Billy is moving to an apartment that doesn't allow pets, so he leaves his beloved spider Helen at the zoo, where she promptly improves everyone's lives by eating all those annoying flies. Things are great until the head of the zoo sends out a misguided order to clean up the zoo --including those spider webs. This is a great book about unexpected and mutually beneficial relationships, and is good for bug lovers and haters alike. First printed in 1967, this book's illustrations have a definite vintage feel to them.

Super book!

A cute story about a spider named Helen who goes to live at the zoo. I loved this book because it shows how the creatures that some people tend not to like - spiders for instance - are often very helpful! We are big bug lovers here (we have many species as pets) and this was a story that touched our hearts. You'll want to get this for anyone who loves bugs. Even better, get it for someone who wants to stomp on them to give them a better perspective!

A Lifelong Lesson

I remember reading this book to my daughters who are now in their late 20's and early 30's! I've enjoy remembering how helpful Helen and her children were to those around them. I see myself now, even, trying not to harm a spider or their magnificent webs on the front porch or a bedding plant in the garden. My grandson enjoyed watching the web grow and grow last summer on our front porch and was disappointed when a storm destroyed it. :^(

Very useful book

I really liked this book because it really helps people understand what most people do not understand, the spider. It shows people that spiders can be useful and should not be harmed. I thought it was really great when the people in the zoo and the zookeeper found out that it was Helen that were keeping the animals healthy and made the rule to be nice to spiders.