When the brown recluse spider Felix attempts to feel the vibrations of an acclaimed maestro’s baton, he disobeys his mother’s most basic principle: “[N]ever, ever reveal yourself to human beings.” His unexpected appearance proves disastrous for the startled conductor he admires. The consequences of Felix’s impetuous act catapult his family from their peaceful home in the philharmonic hall to a cross-country adventure. His mother craves anonymity for her children, and Felix struggles to balance his parent’s instructions against his need for creative expression. Humor and action seamlessly blend as these arachnids struggle for survival against the scary E-Men who threaten them with extermination. Vivid characters, from the theatrical godspider Fat Cat to the pompous orb weaver Oliphant Uxbridge, make up the clever supporting cast. Genuinely funny dialogue helps move the brief chapters along, and Gilpin’s lively black-and-white drawings provide an animated accompaniment. While the message-driven conclusion may distract from the fast-paced narrative, this is still a successfully spun tale. (Animal fantasy. 6-9)
