Shi, Qian. The Weaver. Andersen Press/Lerner, 2018. $17.99. unp. ISBN 978-1-5415-1454-6. Ages 4-8. P9Q9
The adventures of a good-natured spider named Stanley begins with the wind dropping him off in a place where he can begin collecting tiny objects and weave his web. The rain’s destruction of his elaborate creation does not deter Stanley’s determination: he simply starts all over after a short time of mourning. Shi’s depiction of Stanley as a fuzzy black ball with big eyes and stick legs manages a grand sense of motion, and his colorful friends—frog, lady bug, butterfly, caterpillar, and bees—add to the view of Stanley’s life.
Verdict: Stanley’s experience of losing everything and bravely starting over again sends a valuable message to young—and not to young—readers about the importance of moving on from difficulties, and the charming artwork is memorable. An excellent debut picture book.
April/May 2018 review by Nel Ward.
Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center 