Why is that Spider Dancing? The Amazing Arachnids of Āotearoa

This book bursts with useful information augmented by colourful and detailed illustrations. Many spider-loving children (and adults) will enjoy finding out more about their favourite creatures and even the arachnophobes amongst us may start to appreciate how essential arachnids are to our well-being.

Many of the interesting facts were new to me. Who knew that “95% of the arachnids living in Āotearoa are found only here” and that “jumping spiders like to dance”? Despite the authors being specialist spider scientists, the writing is easy to read with enough colour blocks, illustrations and photographs to make it appealing to even young children. A very useful book to have in a school library, this book would be great for research, but also could be read for pleasure.

Title: Why is that Spider Dancing? The Amazing Arachnids of Āotearoa

Authors: Dr Simon Pollard and Dr Phil Sirvid

Illustrations: From Te Papa, Simon Pollard and Bryce McQuillan

Publisher: Te Papa Press

ISBN: 978-0-9951338-9-1

RRP: $29.99

Format: Paperback

Publication: October 2021

Age Range: Preschool upwards

Any advisory warnings? No

Reviewer: Carola Crawford, English teacher, Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College, Kaiapoi

How are you recommending this book? Highly Recommended

Opening sentence: If you want to read about the amazing arachnids of Āotearoa, you are reading the right book.

You can buy this book here