ALONG CAME A SPIDER

A bird and a spider become springtime companions.

Bird leaves home and strikes out alone to find a tree, build a nest, sing a song, and make a friend—tasks listed on a loving note from Mom. Bird quickly finds the tree, a gorgeous creation blossoming profusely with pink flowers, afforded its own double-page spread so readers can marvel alongside the small blue chick settling on its branches. Time to build that nest! Bird opens a suitcase, and scraps spray out everywhere (“Perfect,” concludes our hero). When Bird discordantly squawks a friendship song, a spider appears. At first, both creatures are mutually skeptical at the prospect of becoming pals—some birds eat spiders, and spiders sometimes bite. When both promise to behave, however, they slide into a pleasant partnership. Spider reassembles Bird’s tangled strings into a colorful, bespoke home—spiders are weavers, after all. Bird and Spider each open up about their desires for a best friend and put on a repeat performance of Bird’s friend-seeking song together, never realizing—though readers will—how deeply their own relationship is taking root. Bird and Spider’s empathetic interactions recall Owly and Wormy’s supportive bond, while the focus on the magnificent tree and on springtime’s seasonal markers elegantly ties the book together visually, smoothly guiding the story toward the next season of Bird’s tale.

This sweet comic marks the beginning of a beautiful, blossoming friendship.