The most recommended spider books

Who picked these books? Meet our 32 experts.

32 authors created a book list connected to spiders, and here are their favorite spider books.
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Book cover of Worm Loves Worm

Mark Ceilley Author Of Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale

From my list on GLBTQ+ love story picture books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I identify as a member of the GLBTQ+ community. My husband and I had a church wedding. I have written several stories that have GLBTQ+ representation and are love stories. I have also read and familiarized myself with many GLBTQ+ childrenā€™s books. 

Mark's book list on GLBTQ+ love story picture books

Mark Ceilley Why did Mark love this book?

In this story, two worms fall in love with each other. When they decide to get married, their friends ask who will wear the dress and who will wear the tux. In the end, it doesnā€™t matter what they wear, because worm loves worm.

I love the simple, noncomplicated theme that no matter who you want to spend your life with, love is love. The illustrations are delightful and charming. 

By J.J. Austrian, Mike Curato (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Worm Loves Worm as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Perfect for fans of And Tango Makes Three and The Sissy Duckling, this irresistible picture book is a celebration of love in all its splendid forms from debut author J. J. Austrian and the acclaimed author-illustrator of Little Elliot, Big City, Mike Curato. You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm ...and a worm. When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know-who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? The answer is: It doesn't matter. Becauseā€¦


Book cover of Spider World: The Tower

T.R. Thompson Author Of The Blood Within The Stone

From my list on speculative fiction about authority and its abuses.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a spec-fic writer who has been fascinated by the world building and deep creativity of sci-fi and fantasy novels for over 40 years. A common theme in these genres is the use and abuse of power, especially of systems of authority that the main characters battle againstā€”not always successfully! I've recently published a complete fantasy trilogy dealing with these same themesā€”The Wraith Cycleā€”and am looking forward to the publication of my next stand-alone sci-fi novelā€”The Currents Of Infinityā€”due to come out within the next year.

T.R.'s book list on speculative fiction about authority and its abuses

T.R. Thompson Why did T.R. love this book?

Not one for the arachnophobes! In the 25th century a nuclear holocaust has driven humans to hide in the desert from the predatory giant spiders who now rule the earth. But main character Niall has a secret, he shares the spiders' gift of telepathy, and moves to liberate humanity from the Spider Lord.

The description of the giant spiders' use of will to control their prey is fascinating, and the move from pure adventure story into political intrigue and power games is genius. A very underappreciated fantasy novel.

By Colin Wilson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Spider World as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Once the Earth was ruled by human, and insects were very small, with even the largest no bigger than a man's fist. But now, in the 25th century, humans serve giant beetles and spiders as slaves and often as food.

Slaves all, or servantsĀ—except for those who live in the desert, spending most of their time underground. For Niall and his family, life is hard, but together they eke out an existence until the day Niall does what was said to be impossible:

He kills a spider.

This powerful act brings Niall to the attention and seat of the Spiderā€¦


Book cover of The Spider

Julie Elizabeth Powell Author Of Gone

From my list on independent authors building worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

Because sometimes I think they go further than the formulas set by traditional publishing.  I love fantasy and similar genres because there are no limits for the imagination. The books Iā€™ve chosen fulfill what I think is important ā€“ world-building, imagination, thought-provoking, intelligent, and wonderful characters on a mission of some kind.

Julie's book list on independent authors building worlds

Julie Elizabeth Powell Why did Julie love this book?

I like all of Maria Savvaā€™s books because she has great insight into how people think and why they act as they do. She creates worlds that are ā€˜normalā€™ and yet pitches her characters into unusual situations, which make the worlds strange and eerie; especially in The Spider stories.

By Maria Savva,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Spider as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'No one's ever come out of that house alive. . .' What lurks behind the door of 8 Goldfern Road? Are you brave enough to step inside? By entering the sinister house, George and Glen become entangled in a dangerous battle of wills. "The Spider" is a story of obsession, infidelity, and broken dreams. This darkly humorous mystery will appeal to fantasy and romance readers as well as those who love to hate spiders!


Book cover of Explosive Chemistry

Maria Schneider Author Of Witch Way

From Maria's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Cook Gardener Reader Dragon photographer Hearth witch

Maria's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Maria Schneider Why did Maria love this book?

This Urban Fantasy is one of the best series Iā€™ve ever read, and it has a unique main character (sheā€™s spiderkin). She has trouble fitting in, reading people, and understanding nuances even though she has a human form because she was raised via spider culture more than human ones.

The two books in the series have been fantastic and fascinating so far. The main character has a unique way of attacking problems, investigating mysteries, and using her seer abilities. It was an engrossing read, and I canā€™t wait for the next book.

By Paige E. Ewing,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Explosive Chemistry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As a spider-kin seer, Lilianaā€™s eyes can see the future. What she didnā€™t see was her visions leading her out of her voluntary seclusion and into the lives of the first friends sheā€™s had in decades. Friends Liliana just rescued from the deadly venom of widow spiders.

Determined to keep the warmth of belonging and stay out of her shell, she looks into the future again and sees death. Her friends Pete the red wolf, Siobhan the fairy sprite, and Nudd the goblin doctor will all die soonā€”if she doesnā€™t take steps to nudge the future and discover who wasā€¦


Book cover of Spider School

Kate Lum Author Of What! Cried Granny: An Almost Bedtime Story

From my list on kids' stories for bedtime, travel-time, and fireside.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a New Englander by birth, a Canadian by circumstance, and a Nova Scotian by choice. For as long as I can remember, Iā€™ve told stories, first to my little sisterā€”a captive audienceā€”then to my children, then at my book readings, and now on my podcast, Kate and Friends, which Iā€™m lucky enough to record with two professional musicians. For me, the ultimate test of a story is whether it can be told without visual aids. While I love picture books, and the way an artist can deepen a childā€™s experience of a story, I gravitate to satisfying, stand-alone tales with a good twist. Theyā€™re difficult to write, easy to remember, and great fun to tell! 

Kate's book list on kids' stories for bedtime, travel-time, and fireside

Kate Lum Why did Kate love this book?

One of my daughterā€™s perennial favourites, I read this so often I had it memorized, and found it great to tell even without the hilarious pictures. In this story, Kate is facing her first day of school. So miserable is she at the very idea, she gets out on the wrong side of the bed. So of course, everything goes wrong! Her school is a dungeon, her teacher is a gorilla, and the dinner lady serves spiders, snails, and snakes for lunch. Brave Kate fights back, runs home, and saves her own day when she gets up all over again, on the right side of the bed. This is, underneath, a story about attitude, and reassures kids about the reality of school by comically exaggerating one childā€™s fears. But itā€™s also great fun to tell, with silly voices, unexpected developments, and a fine arc of tension till Kate decides toā€¦

By Francesca Simon, Peta Coplans (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Spider School as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Every child's worst nightmare is brought to life by Fancesca Simon's enchanting and witty text and by Peta Coplans' bright, bold and quirky illustations. This funny, original book is full of charm and humour - and it has a happy ending!


Book cover of Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider

Hayley Rocco Author Of Hello, I'm a Sloth

From my list on picture books about animals for young readers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve been in love with animals my whole life. I loved them so much in fact, that I wished to become one, whether it was a sea otter, wild horse, or a dolphin. Today, Iā€™m fortunate enough to not only write about animals, but I also advocate for their protection as an ambassador for Wild Tomorrow and Defenders of Wildlife. As co-founder of the Childrenā€™s Book Creators for Conservation, I help other childrenā€™s book writers and illustrators connect with conservation stories in the field. I hope youā€™re as inspired by these books as I am!

Hayley's book list on picture books about animals for young readers

Hayley Rocco Why did Hayley love this book?

I wish I could singlehandedly scrub away the fear humans have of spiders. Alas, that is not possible, but youā€™ll think twice about killing a spider after reading this book. This stunningly illustrated picture book invites readers into the fascinating world of (arguably) one of the cutest arachnids around, the jumping spider.

ā€œWhat if you were very small?... What would your world be like?ā€ Immediately, you are transported into the mind of a jumping spider, how they navigate their world, and what makes them so important to their ecosystem. This book is a must-read for anyone curious to learn more about these incredible little creatures and the smaller world right in our own backyard. 

By Jessica Lanan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Jumper as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

What if you were small as a bean,
and could walk on the walls and ceiling,
sense vibrations through your elbows,
and jump five times your body length?

That is Jumper's world.

This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book explores the tiny, secret world of backyard jumping spiders, with robust back matter sure to delight young readers and educators alike. Perfect for fans of Katherine Roy, Candace Fleming and Eric Rohman, and Jason Chin.


Book cover of The Fix-It Friends: Have No Fear!

Elizabeth James Author Of Pippa Speaks Up!

From my list on books for kids with anxiety (that actually help!).

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve struggled with anxiety since childhood, but it wasnā€™t until I was an adult that I even realized that I could do something about my anxiety. Then, when my seven-year-old daughter was diagnosed and began therapy for her anxiety, I knew other kids deserved to learn these tools, too. No child should have to suffer with anxiety like I did for years. Instead, itā€™s my hope that through fiction books like these, kids can identify with these characters suffering from anxiety, see themselves in their stories, and be equipped to manage their anxiety so that they can flourish in their livesā€”starting right now.

Elizabeth's book list on books for kids with anxiety (that actually help!)

Elizabeth James Why did Elizabeth love this book?

I like that this book showcases what not to do when you encounter someone struggling with anxietyā€”as the bookā€™s overzealous protagonist (prone to messes of all sorts!) discovers when she wants to help a classmate whoā€™s so afraid of bugs that she wonā€™t even play at recess.

When Veronicaā€™s first instincts donā€™t work (humor, distraction, etc.), I loved that the book spotlighted a different mental-health tactic: exposure therapy or systemic desensitization, a technique that I havenā€™t seen other books introduce to children.

I also loved that the book specified that you canā€™t force someone to get over their fears; it has to be something they want for themselves. Instead, Veronica acts as an invaluable (and endearing!) support network for her friend when she decides to face her fears for herself.

By Nicole C. Kear,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Fix-It Friends as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Recess rocks--at least that's what Veronica thinks, but second grader Maya doesn't agree. Maya's so terrified of bugs she chooses to spend every recess in the principal's office. Veronica is intent on helping Maya conquer her fear, but when her tactics misfire (and make a massive mess), Veronica's sure she's made things worse for Maya ...until her mom and dad turn the tide with some good advice. Veronica's best friend Cora, big brother Jude, and Jude's best friend Ezra help rescue Veronica's rescue mission--and the Fix-It Friends are born! Told from Veronica's hilarious perspective, and with a diverse cast, theā€¦


Book cover of Children of Time

Jeanne Boyarsky Author Of OCP Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer Study Guide: Exam 1Z0-829

From Jeanne's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Jeanne's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Jeanne Boyarsky Why did Jeanne love this book?

This was a long book at 600 pages, but I was engaged through. I like that the chapters varied between the human and spider point of view. I liked the spider chapters better; more original. It was cool seeing how they evolved and their civilization progressed. The idea of using ants for workers and processing is interesting. As is the biological starfaring tech. It is well explained.

I liked the reuse of spider names o we don't have to keep learning new ones. And the idea of Understanding being inherited and later ingestible. The gender issue is dealt with effectively from the point of view of an insect.

I also liked the human/AI angle. The war between humans and spiders showed he difference in philosophy well. The last chapters felt like a great epilogue. Then I learned this is a trilogy and that was set up for the next one.ā€¦

By Adrian Tchaikovsky,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked Children of Time as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner of the 30th anniversary Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Novel

Adrian Tchaikovksy's critically acclaimed, stand-alone novel Children of Time, is the epic story of humanity's battle for survival on a terraformed planet.

Who will inherit this new Earth?

The last remnants of the human race left a dying Earth, desperate to find a new home among the stars. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, they discover the greatest treasure of the past age - a world terraformed and prepared for human life.

But all is not right in this new Eden. In the long years since theā€¦


Book cover of The Mirror Crack'd: Fear and Horror in JRR Tolkien's Major Works

Janet Brennan Croft Author Of War and the Works of J.R.R. Tolkien

From my list on adventure in the Tolkien criticism.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve been reading Tolkien since I was seven years old, mumblety-mumble years in the distant past, but it wasnā€™t till much later that I got serious about reading critical works on Tolkien, and then turned to writing about him, myself. Twenty years ago, I published my first book on Tolkien. Since then, Iā€™ve edited a number of essay collections, published many papers, consulted on the Hobbit movies, amassed a respectable personal library, and edited Mythlore, one of the major journals in the field of Tolkien studies, since 2006. My love of Tolkien has led me on many adventures and to deep and abiding friendships around the world! 

Janet's book list on adventure in the Tolkien criticism

Janet Brennan Croft Why did Janet love this book?

I love a good, solid, chewy book of critical essays around a specific themeā€”I know, itā€™s a specialized taste. This is a good one.

Yes, Iā€™d love to tramp peacefully around Middle-earth with the field guide I reviewed above, but there are horrors there as well, and this collection gives Tolkienā€™s dragons, wolves, spiders, and other monsters their due.

By Lynn Forest-Hill (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Mirror Crack'd as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Fear and horror are an inextricable part of Tolkien's great mythology and his use of medieval sources for his evocations of fear and horror contribute to the distinctive tone of his work. This collection of essays shows how his masterly narrative techniques transform his sources, both familiar and unfamiliar, so that hitherto benign characters, objects and landscapes, as well as his famous monstrous creations, engage with deeply rooted human fears. The essays, by an international group of scholars, confirm Tolkien's worldwide reputation. They highlight the depiction of the fear associated with marginalised characters; explore the moral implications of light andā€¦


Book cover of Still Life at Eighty: The Next Interesting Thing

Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman Author Of Sounds Like Titanic

From Jessica's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Memoirist Professor Parent Country driver

Jessica's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Jessica's 2-year-old's favorite books.

Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman Why did Jessica love this book?

I teach memoir writing for a living, so I read a lot of memoirs. Abigail Thomasā€™s memoirs are the best of the best.

What I love about her writing is her humor, attention to detail, and lack of pretentiousness. And, in this book, Iā€™m reminded of something else I love about her work, which is her ability to turn lifeā€™s most mundane moments into art.

Though she is specifically examining life at the age of eighty, this is a book with acute wisdom for readers of any age.

By Abigail Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Still Life at Eighty as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In her new memoir, Abigail Thomas ruminates on aging during the confines of COVID-19 with her trademark mix of humor and wisdom, including valuable, contemplative writing tips along the way.

As she approaches eighty, what she herself calls old age, Abigail Thomas accepts her new life, quieter than before, no driving, no dancing, mostly sitting in her chair in a sunny corner with three dogs for company-three dogs, vivid memories, bugs and birds and critters that she watches out her window. No one but this beloved, best-selling memoirist, could make so much over what might seem so little.

Memories fallā€¦


Book cover of Worm Loves Worm
Book cover of Spider World: The Tower
Book cover of The Spider

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