MISS SPIDER'S WEDDING
by David Kirk & illustrated by David Kirk
On the heels of Miss Spider's Tea Party (1994) comes word of the arachnid's wedding. The story of Miss Spider's courtship, her meeting of her one true love, and subsequent run-in with a smarmy would-be suitor is told in verse that has a Victorian ring. Unfortunately, the poem occasionally loses momentum and becomes hard to follow; it contains no repetitive patterns or phrases to draw readers along. But the antiquated tone adds to the secret world of the paintings. These tell the tale even without any wordsthey are suffused with warmth and encrusted with hidden visual jewels. Their bold and vibrant colors plunge readers into a dreamy, fragrant springtime, where all manner of insects and flowers mingle in a blooming world. (Picture book. 5-8)