SPIDERS

An introduction to the arachnid clan, with lots of close-up “spider selfies.”

“Thank you to all our human readers joining us here today,” effuses an eight-limbed lecturer sporting a lab coat and a disguising mustache. Our narrator goes on to offer pithy descriptions of common body parts, the process of silk production, and types of webs, as well as reassurance that spiders make good parents, are mostly not at all dangerous (to people), and are helpful neighbors. Owen considers reasons why some people are afraid of spiders (maybe it’s their long, spindly legs, or perhaps children develop a fear when they see adults panic at the sight of a spider) and suggests safe techniques for transporting spiders found indoors back outside. “OK…not all of us are beautiful,” admits a spider that camouflages itself as bird droppings, but the many photos of various species, some posed fetchingly on human hands or caught chowing down on insect prey, give young viewers plenty of opportunities to make up their own minds about that. Also, like so many other wild creatures, some are threatened by our destruction of their natural habitats or by pesticide use; others are captured and sold as pets. Not ideal, as Owen points out, because there’s “NO Planet B” for spiders.

Engaging enough to soothe even confirmed arachnophobes.