Miss Spider also appears in new miniature hardcover editions of Little Miss Spider, in which a baby Miss Spider searches for her mother; and Little Miss Spider: Sunny Patch School, in which the tiny spider goes to class and discovers her true talent: kindness. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

PreS-K-Little Miss Spider is ready for school in this second book about her childhood. However, her first day at Sunny Patch School brings nothing but frustration as the little arachnid finds she is a failure at leaf chewing, flying, stinging, and other bug activities. Her climbing and spinning skills aren't tested until she rescues a fellow classmate from a spout, after which the principal praises her for her kindness, the best gift of all. In the attempt to leave readers with some sort of a lesson, the author provides a less-than-satisfying ending. Still, Kirk's rhyming story reads aloud well and is accompanied by his signature eye-catching oil paintings. Libraries with other "Miss Spider" books in their collections may wish to add this one.-Denise Reitsma, Howe Library, Hanover, NH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Little Miss Spider can't wait to start school, but on her first day she finds that she can't chirp or fly or dig in dung as well as her bug peers. However, she reaches out when a fellow student needs her help and is praised by the principal: 'Our gifts, they are many: / We hop, fly, and crawl. / But kindness,' he said, / 'Is the finest of all!' Singsongy verse and garish illustrations deliver this thin story's saccharine message. From HORN BOOK Spring 2001, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.