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عنکبوت و مگس
عنکبوت به مگس گفت: «دلربا بانوی ناز و نازنین…� یکی از بیت‌ها� متداول شعر انگلیسی است که به صورت ضرب‌المث� نقل می‌شو�. اما بسیاری نمی‌دانن� داستان چگونه پایان می‌پذیر�. برای دانستن آن با «دی‌ترلیتزی� نقاش پرآوازه همراه شوید که شعر ۱۷۶ ساله مری هویت درباره حیله‌گران� که نیت ناپاک خود را زیر واژه‌ها� چرب و نرم پنهان می‌کنند� با الهام از فضای فیلم‌ها� ترسناک دهه ۱۹۲۰ هالیود به تصویر کشیده است.
36 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
37 people are currently reading
4,682 people want to read
About the author
Mary Botham Howitt
281books23followersMary Howitt (12 March 1799 � 30 January 1888) was an English poet, and author of the famous poem The Spider and the Fly.
She was born Mary Botham at Coleford, in Gloucestershire, the temporary residence of her parents, while her father, Samuel Botham, a prosperous Quaker of Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, was looking after some mining property. Samuel had married his wife Ann in South Wales in 1796, when he was 38 and she was 32. They had four children Anna, Mary, Emma and Charles. Their Queen Anne house is now known as Howitt Place. Mary Botham was educated at home, read widely, and began writing verse at a very early age.
She was born Mary Botham at Coleford, in Gloucestershire, the temporary residence of her parents, while her father, Samuel Botham, a prosperous Quaker of Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, was looking after some mining property. Samuel had married his wife Ann in South Wales in 1796, when he was 38 and she was 32. They had four children Anna, Mary, Emma and Charles. Their Queen Anne house is now known as Howitt Place. Mary Botham was educated at home, read widely, and began writing verse at a very early age.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 824 reviews
July 23, 2019
Mary Howitt lived back in the 1800s and she wrote many stories like this classic in my hands. Tony DiTerlizzi, who illustrated the Spiderwick chronicles, did the fabulous and amazing artwork. He used Edward Gorey, Chaz Addams and Arthur Rackham as his inspiration and I can see that in the art. I know because he tells us so in the end. I think there is also a good dose of Tim Burton thrown in here and I'm sure Tim was influenced by these same artists too.
The moral of this chilling tale is not to trust those that flatter us as they most likely have another motive. The spider knows every trick in the book. Our fly is smart and cunning and she knows not to trust the spider. This is not a happy ending kind of book. This is a ‘learn the lesson� children kind of book.
I wish I could have read this as a child. Maybe it would have helped me a little in my 20s, but probably not. I was very susceptible to flattery and some of them were hard lessons. I hope I’m better now. There is a lot of wisdom in this story. I can see other applications of the story also.
I thought this story amazing and brilliant. I loved it and I want to own this wonderful tale. Everything seems so perfectly done. It’s a good one.
The nephew loved this story. He couldn’t believe the end. He giggled. Then he felt bad for the fly, but he loved this story. He too gave this 5 stars. The niece knew better than to trust the spider. She did not like the end. She thought this was a sad tale. She gave this 3 stars.
The moral of this chilling tale is not to trust those that flatter us as they most likely have another motive. The spider knows every trick in the book. Our fly is smart and cunning and she knows not to trust the spider. This is not a happy ending kind of book. This is a ‘learn the lesson� children kind of book.
I wish I could have read this as a child. Maybe it would have helped me a little in my 20s, but probably not. I was very susceptible to flattery and some of them were hard lessons. I hope I’m better now. There is a lot of wisdom in this story. I can see other applications of the story also.
I thought this story amazing and brilliant. I loved it and I want to own this wonderful tale. Everything seems so perfectly done. It’s a good one.
The nephew loved this story. He couldn’t believe the end. He giggled. Then he felt bad for the fly, but he loved this story. He too gave this 5 stars. The niece knew better than to trust the spider. She did not like the end. She thought this was a sad tale. She gave this 3 stars.
June 2, 2012
“The Spider and the Fly� is a beatifully haunting tale based on a poem by Mary Howitt and with gloomy illustrations by Tony DiTerlizzi. The story won a Caldecott Honor Award and is about how a creepy Vincent Price look-alike spider tries to entice an innocent looking female fly to come to his parlor and the book also explains the consequences of falling for the flattering words of strangers who are a threat to you. “The Spider and the Fly� is a great story that the whole family will enjoy, although small children might be creeped out by this book.
Mary Howitt writes a dazzling cautionary tale about how flattering words from a dangerous stranger can cause problems for the person who falls victim to the stranger’s elegant compliments. Mary Howitt displays this gothic story in a lyrical prose, same style as you would see in a Vincent Price movie. Tony DiTerlizzi’s illustrations are haunting and beautiful at the same time. The highlighted illustrations are the images of the past victims of the Spider as they are shown as transparent ghosts and they also foreshadow what might happen to the female Fly if she is not cautious about the Spider’s mysterious intentions about inviting her to his parlor.
Parents should know that the ending might worry small children. I will not reveal what happens at the end, but if you know about the spider and the fly food chain scenario, then you might have a clue about what happens at the end of the book. Parents should reassure their children that what happens at the end of the book is apart of the natural food chain of insects and even the Spider gives an afterword at the end of the book explaining about various spiders� instincts and he even quotes about Charlotte being a predator in “Charlotte’s Web� when she captures various insects for her meal.
“The Spider and the Fly� is a great story about how a tricky stranger’s flattering words can be a downfall for young people who do not know the dangers of going near strangers that might have bad intentions, even though they are not aware of it. The book also points out that it is good to be extremely cautious around people you do not know for you cannot tell their true intentions until it is too late. This book will surely capitivate hearts of many children, but it is more suitable for children ages six and older due to the vocabulary being a bit advanced for a younger child and due to the unfortunate ending that will scare off many young children.
Review is also on:
Mary Howitt writes a dazzling cautionary tale about how flattering words from a dangerous stranger can cause problems for the person who falls victim to the stranger’s elegant compliments. Mary Howitt displays this gothic story in a lyrical prose, same style as you would see in a Vincent Price movie. Tony DiTerlizzi’s illustrations are haunting and beautiful at the same time. The highlighted illustrations are the images of the past victims of the Spider as they are shown as transparent ghosts and they also foreshadow what might happen to the female Fly if she is not cautious about the Spider’s mysterious intentions about inviting her to his parlor.
Parents should know that the ending might worry small children. I will not reveal what happens at the end, but if you know about the spider and the fly food chain scenario, then you might have a clue about what happens at the end of the book. Parents should reassure their children that what happens at the end of the book is apart of the natural food chain of insects and even the Spider gives an afterword at the end of the book explaining about various spiders� instincts and he even quotes about Charlotte being a predator in “Charlotte’s Web� when she captures various insects for her meal.
“The Spider and the Fly� is a great story about how a tricky stranger’s flattering words can be a downfall for young people who do not know the dangers of going near strangers that might have bad intentions, even though they are not aware of it. The book also points out that it is good to be extremely cautious around people you do not know for you cannot tell their true intentions until it is too late. This book will surely capitivate hearts of many children, but it is more suitable for children ages six and older due to the vocabulary being a bit advanced for a younger child and due to the unfortunate ending that will scare off many young children.
Review is also on:
October 30, 2020
"Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly.
This cautionary tale dating back to 1829 still resonates today, the cunning spider uses all his charm to try and seduce his pray into his trap.
The first line is so iconic and really sets up the battle of wills in this creepy poem.
The timeless rhyme is beautifully told with sinisterly dark illustrations by Tony DiTerlizzi.
The spiders cruel intentions are plan to see, whilst the poor fly is perfectly depicted as young and innocent.
There's even a seriously creepy doll lurking in the background just to add to the horror!
This picture book has the perfect combination with an important life lesson for youngsters, whilst the parents will appreciate the care taken in the way the poem was presented.
This cautionary tale dating back to 1829 still resonates today, the cunning spider uses all his charm to try and seduce his pray into his trap.
The first line is so iconic and really sets up the battle of wills in this creepy poem.
The timeless rhyme is beautifully told with sinisterly dark illustrations by Tony DiTerlizzi.
The spiders cruel intentions are plan to see, whilst the poor fly is perfectly depicted as young and innocent.
There's even a seriously creepy doll lurking in the background just to add to the horror!
This picture book has the perfect combination with an important life lesson for youngsters, whilst the parents will appreciate the care taken in the way the poem was presented.
March 7, 2012
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair. And I have many curious things to show you when you are there.
I still have to meet a librarian who can visit a foreign country without making at least a super quick dash into the second-hand bookshops or local libraries he or she comes across. I believe for most of us digging through shelves stuffed with never-seen-before titles or editions is an urge as compulsive as picking flowers in the forest is for Little Red Riding Hood.
Last week my colleague returned from a week-long trip to Ireland and slapped a battered something on my desk, that looked like a slightly misshaped record cover, saying possessively "I’ve brought something for you � but just to look." I gingerly picked up the scary looking black booklet with the glowing, white, scratchy letters on the cover and fell in love. Under the grinning gaze of my fellow picture book connoisseur I turned the pages of ’s , squealed in happy delight again and again and pointed out all the little extras that make this all black-and-white illustration of the well-known, moralistic poem written in 1829 by Mary Howitt so perfect:
- The eerie, dark and dusty attic atmosphere
- The greasy, smoothly cajoling, fat spider who weaves his web of cunning compliments around the naive and vain, young fly with the half-closed eyes and the cocky smile of a successful underground ruler, while elegantly resting his many watted-house-suit-clad, spindly legs on a ladybug footstool.
- The silly, but beautiful heroine herself: She uses her four arms so coquettishly and bats her lashes under that pretty twenties� hat. She reminded me a little of Blanche DuBois in her hunger for attention and flattery.
- And, most of all, the props: The thimble wine-glass, the soap-box bed, the book titled "The Joy of Cooking Bugs", the fly-and-spider-themed wallpaper, the bottle cap mirror and, last but not least, the butterfly wings that stand in as a bedroom curtain. Half-hidden and wonderfully macabre!
Before I was finished answering the library's patrons� e-mails that morning I had nicked enough time to slip behind Amazon’s well-polished doors to order my own equally battered copy and felt very pleased with the way I had just spent my money.
I have to admit, though, that I would not have been brave enough to revel in a story that quite unprettyfied shows a vain, yet lovable heroine stuck inside a heap of spider silk thirty years before. I have been one of those kids who scream their heads off in an amusement park, because the tottering old kiddie-train just passed a couple of grim looking wooden Indians, or who would not go to bed before their mother promised to permanently glue shut all the pages of the Struwwelpeter. So, if your kid is as easily impressed or affected by nasty antagonists and gory details as my younger self had been, I suggest you savor this gloomy gem in secret.
I still have to meet a librarian who can visit a foreign country without making at least a super quick dash into the second-hand bookshops or local libraries he or she comes across. I believe for most of us digging through shelves stuffed with never-seen-before titles or editions is an urge as compulsive as picking flowers in the forest is for Little Red Riding Hood.
Last week my colleague returned from a week-long trip to Ireland and slapped a battered something on my desk, that looked like a slightly misshaped record cover, saying possessively "I’ve brought something for you � but just to look." I gingerly picked up the scary looking black booklet with the glowing, white, scratchy letters on the cover and fell in love. Under the grinning gaze of my fellow picture book connoisseur I turned the pages of ’s , squealed in happy delight again and again and pointed out all the little extras that make this all black-and-white illustration of the well-known, moralistic poem written in 1829 by Mary Howitt so perfect:
- The eerie, dark and dusty attic atmosphere
- The greasy, smoothly cajoling, fat spider who weaves his web of cunning compliments around the naive and vain, young fly with the half-closed eyes and the cocky smile of a successful underground ruler, while elegantly resting his many watted-house-suit-clad, spindly legs on a ladybug footstool.
- The silly, but beautiful heroine herself: She uses her four arms so coquettishly and bats her lashes under that pretty twenties� hat. She reminded me a little of Blanche DuBois in her hunger for attention and flattery.
- And, most of all, the props: The thimble wine-glass, the soap-box bed, the book titled "The Joy of Cooking Bugs", the fly-and-spider-themed wallpaper, the bottle cap mirror and, last but not least, the butterfly wings that stand in as a bedroom curtain. Half-hidden and wonderfully macabre!
Before I was finished answering the library's patrons� e-mails that morning I had nicked enough time to slip behind Amazon’s well-polished doors to order my own equally battered copy and felt very pleased with the way I had just spent my money.
I have to admit, though, that I would not have been brave enough to revel in a story that quite unprettyfied shows a vain, yet lovable heroine stuck inside a heap of spider silk thirty years before. I have been one of those kids who scream their heads off in an amusement park, because the tottering old kiddie-train just passed a couple of grim looking wooden Indians, or who would not go to bed before their mother promised to permanently glue shut all the pages of the Struwwelpeter. So, if your kid is as easily impressed or affected by nasty antagonists and gory details as my younger self had been, I suggest you savor this gloomy gem in secret.
October 30, 2009
This is an amazing book! The illustrations are fabulous!!! Oh, yes, they are creepy. Oh, yes, the story is one that will give you chills if you really think about it. But, it is meant to be a cautionary tale, in the spirit of the unsanitized versions of "Little Red Riding Hood" or "Hansel and Gretel"--beware those who compliment you and offer you treats, for they may have evil designs on you! It is totally icky and horrible and I wish we did not live in a world like that, but, well, kids, don't be the naive fly and end up eaten by the spider!
Of course, there is a time and place for exposing your children to this message. Some children will no doubt be frightened of this tale. Some will be able to handle it with no problem. Just use your judgment! I honestly didn't think I would like this book since I tend to prefer the cheerful, but the illustrations won me over because
the illustrations are FANTASTIC! I absolutely love the 1920s "dark Hollywood" atmosphere. There are so many nifty touches here and there, and also some humor (the ghosts of previous spider-meals, for one!) The fly is just so gosh darn cute and wide-eyed, she could be played by a young Debbie Reynolds (okay, not that she was from the '20s, but...!)
Highly recommended, with the above cautions!
Of course, there is a time and place for exposing your children to this message. Some children will no doubt be frightened of this tale. Some will be able to handle it with no problem. Just use your judgment! I honestly didn't think I would like this book since I tend to prefer the cheerful, but the illustrations won me over because
the illustrations are FANTASTIC! I absolutely love the 1920s "dark Hollywood" atmosphere. There are so many nifty touches here and there, and also some humor (the ghosts of previous spider-meals, for one!) The fly is just so gosh darn cute and wide-eyed, she could be played by a young Debbie Reynolds (okay, not that she was from the '20s, but...!)
Highly recommended, with the above cautions!
March 8, 2025
Be warned - everything about this one is dark and creepy.
December 30, 2008
This book was not my cup of tea. I don’t like spiders, flies, or horror stories. The (award winning) illustrations were too creepy, scary, ghoulish for my taste. This one could have given me nightmares if I’d had it read to me as a small child, but some children are much less sensitive. The poem by itself is ok and fine for kids. I guess I just disagree with most others about this book. Most seem to think highly of it. I definitely recommend it being screened before reading it to very young children.
Oh, the comments by the spider at the end of the poem were rather amusing.
Oh, the comments by the spider at the end of the poem were rather amusing.
November 7, 2010
“The Spider and the Fly� is a wonderful story based on the poem by Mary Howitt. Tony DiTerlizzi captures the look and feel of a creepy black and white movie in his wonderful illustrations. I especially love the beautiful fly which makes the spider look that much more menacing. I think small children would defiantly have trouble with the premise and illustrations of this story. “The Spider and the Fly� carries a strong message on the dangers of strangers and what can occur in a brilliantly haunting way.
January 14, 2025
خب فک کنم ۹ سالم بود که این کتابو حفظ کردم و واقعا عاشقشششش بودم
دلربا بانوی ناز و نازنین...
ترجمه و مضمونش هردو عالی بودن
دلربا بانوی ناز و نازنین...
ترجمه و مضمونش هردو عالی بودن
September 2, 2016
AMAZING illustrations!
October 28, 2011
Wow... LOVED this story about how the clever spider catches the stupid fly. The spider wears the fly down through their conversation and association until he has subtly caught the fly in his trap.
GREAT book for a discussion with children about dangers and listening to parents and the techniques used to get them to use drugs/alcohol, get caught by a predator, etc.
GREAT book for a discussion with children about dangers and listening to parents and the techniques used to get them to use drugs/alcohol, get caught by a predator, etc.
June 22, 2013
*5 Stars*
Scorecard: (Out of 10)
* Quality of Writing - 10
* Pace - 9
* Plot development - 10
* Characters - 10
* Enjoyability - 9
* Insightfulness - 9
* Ease of Reading - 9 (text is a tad old fashioned for most readers)
* Photos/Illustrations - 10 (I'd give it higher then that if I could)
Final Score: 76/80 = 95%
*WARNING: While the text hints at what happens to Miss Fly, the pictures make it abundantly clear. They are not graphic or anything but it is blatant. Parents should be aware and take into account their children's ages.
*The Gush*
This is a very interesting book. I can't say how much I love it, but I understand this might not be for everyone. The text is adapted from Mary Howitt's cautionary tale of a Fly that listens to Spider's flattery and walks right into his web. She never comes out. Most adult readers can draw multiple inferences from this but the text is obscure enough for a younger reader to understand the consequences are bad without getting into details.
It is the illustrations however that make this book. You can find the text anywhere, probably on the internet, but the pictures alone make this book a worthwhile purchase. I loved his choice of style, with the black and white movie feel of the 20's. The clothing the bugs wear also reflect the chosen time period which makes this work even better. There is, however, also a creepy vibe to the pictures, such as the dinner party the Spider throws where even the wallpaper has a dead bug motif. The words might obscure but the illustrations do not; you know from the beginning the Spider is nothing but bad.
One final touch that clinches this book for me is how the illustrator draws one or two lines of a spider web on nearly every text page. So as the Spider spins his web of lies, you actually see it taking shape, even though the fly does not.
*The Rant*
Mostly what I've already mentioned in the warning. There is nothing gory about the pictures but there are ghostly figures of the bugs he's killed and the ending is completely clear on the fate of Miss Fly.
*Conclusion*
A lovely picture book that might dazzle the parents more then the children, it is none the less a great book and every interesting read. A must see for any aspiring artist in my opinion.
Scorecard: (Out of 10)
* Quality of Writing - 10
* Pace - 9
* Plot development - 10
* Characters - 10
* Enjoyability - 9
* Insightfulness - 9
* Ease of Reading - 9 (text is a tad old fashioned for most readers)
* Photos/Illustrations - 10 (I'd give it higher then that if I could)
Final Score: 76/80 = 95%
*WARNING: While the text hints at what happens to Miss Fly, the pictures make it abundantly clear. They are not graphic or anything but it is blatant. Parents should be aware and take into account their children's ages.
*The Gush*
This is a very interesting book. I can't say how much I love it, but I understand this might not be for everyone. The text is adapted from Mary Howitt's cautionary tale of a Fly that listens to Spider's flattery and walks right into his web. She never comes out. Most adult readers can draw multiple inferences from this but the text is obscure enough for a younger reader to understand the consequences are bad without getting into details.
It is the illustrations however that make this book. You can find the text anywhere, probably on the internet, but the pictures alone make this book a worthwhile purchase. I loved his choice of style, with the black and white movie feel of the 20's. The clothing the bugs wear also reflect the chosen time period which makes this work even better. There is, however, also a creepy vibe to the pictures, such as the dinner party the Spider throws where even the wallpaper has a dead bug motif. The words might obscure but the illustrations do not; you know from the beginning the Spider is nothing but bad.
One final touch that clinches this book for me is how the illustrator draws one or two lines of a spider web on nearly every text page. So as the Spider spins his web of lies, you actually see it taking shape, even though the fly does not.
*The Rant*
Mostly what I've already mentioned in the warning. There is nothing gory about the pictures but there are ghostly figures of the bugs he's killed and the ending is completely clear on the fate of Miss Fly.
*Conclusion*
A lovely picture book that might dazzle the parents more then the children, it is none the less a great book and every interesting read. A must see for any aspiring artist in my opinion.
June 16, 2017
“And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.�
Based on a poem, this story, deliciously set in Gothic tone and scenery, warns its readers to not heed sweet words leading to your fate.
Fly, dressed in purple and green finery, meets Spider, and despite his reputation, seals her fate as he promises his best intentions wrapped in beauty and class.
Highly recommended for taking a known poem and draping it in Gothic horror for children and adults alike.
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.�
Based on a poem, this story, deliciously set in Gothic tone and scenery, warns its readers to not heed sweet words leading to your fate.
Fly, dressed in purple and green finery, meets Spider, and despite his reputation, seals her fate as he promises his best intentions wrapped in beauty and class.
Highly recommended for taking a known poem and draping it in Gothic horror for children and adults alike.
December 1, 2020
This is a brilliant narrative poem for children to enjoy, I listened to it on YouTube and it's the perfect poem for children to learn and perform. The language and tone is clever because it's really clear what sort of characters the Spider and the Fly are. We would investigate the poet's use of rhyme and how it draws the reader into the poem, much like the Fly is drawn into the Spider's web.
Children could experiment with voices and pitch to bring the characters to life. We could also use music and dance to explore the battle between the spider and the fly, looking at how both characters would move and sounds.
Children could experiment with voices and pitch to bring the characters to life. We could also use music and dance to explore the battle between the spider and the fly, looking at how both characters would move and sounds.
April 9, 2021
The Spider and the Fly is a hauntingly beautiful picturebook based on a classic cautionary tale from 1829.
The rhyme is lively, the afterward from the spider himself is witty, and the illustrations are spooky, stylish, creative, and reminiscent of the classic black-and-white Hollywood horror movies:
The rhyme is lively, the afterward from the spider himself is witty, and the illustrations are spooky, stylish, creative, and reminiscent of the classic black-and-white Hollywood horror movies:
January 2, 2018
The story was nice and not surprising at all regarding the topic. I enjoyed the rhymes and the old fashioned atmosphere. What particularly stood out for me was the art, the drawings were lovely and the black and white colors mixed with the clothes and expressions conveyed nicely the gothic tone of the story.
September 2, 2008
This poem turned story is one of the few poems I like. I'm not really a poetry person but love to read this tale to my children.
October 22, 2014
I'm doing a 5 day literary lesson using this book. Fun book though not what my first graders expected. Oh well, it is October!
October 29, 2019
Taking the famous English children's poem, "The Spider and the Fly," as his text, talented American artist Tony DiTerlizzi creates an immensely engaging picture-book, one which was chosen as a Caldecott Honor Book in 2003. The poem itself tells the tale of a cunning spider who manages to eventually capture his prey, using a judicious mixture of flattery and tempting offers of refreshment and rest. The artwork, created using gouache and pencil and reproduced in silver and black duotone, with graphite ghosts superimposed upon the paintings later, captures the creepy thrills of the story unfolding in the text...
Originally published in 1829, Mary Howitt's poem was penned as a fabular warning to her children, regarding the dangers they might encounter from those who speak sweet words, but have ill intentions. I appreciated the fact that the full poem is reproduced here, with no changes, save for Americanized spelling. I was expecting more of an adaptation, textually speaking, since the title page says this is "based on the poem by Mary Howitt," but having done a line by line comparison with the original, the only changes I could see were to the aforementioned spelling. Leaving that aside, the artwork here is just gorgeous, and well worthy of the Caldecott nod it received. Apparently inspired by the Hollywood horror films of the 1920s and 30s, it captures all the creepiness of the spider/fly exchanges, and creates a Gothic mansion backdrop for the spider's machinations. Recommended to anyone looking for spookier picture-books for children, with the proviso that they be aware that this one is a cautionary tale, and doesn't have a happy ending!
Originally published in 1829, Mary Howitt's poem was penned as a fabular warning to her children, regarding the dangers they might encounter from those who speak sweet words, but have ill intentions. I appreciated the fact that the full poem is reproduced here, with no changes, save for Americanized spelling. I was expecting more of an adaptation, textually speaking, since the title page says this is "based on the poem by Mary Howitt," but having done a line by line comparison with the original, the only changes I could see were to the aforementioned spelling. Leaving that aside, the artwork here is just gorgeous, and well worthy of the Caldecott nod it received. Apparently inspired by the Hollywood horror films of the 1920s and 30s, it captures all the creepiness of the spider/fly exchanges, and creates a Gothic mansion backdrop for the spider's machinations. Recommended to anyone looking for spookier picture-books for children, with the proviso that they be aware that this one is a cautionary tale, and doesn't have a happy ending!
September 12, 2010
This was a great book with a sad, sad, ending and the illustrations were absolutely incredible. I must quote the back of the book:
"A gleefully sinister fable that spins its tale like a great old silent film. The kind one might only see in a haunted nickelodeon. I love the beautiful, dramatic, black-and-white illustrations." from Lane Smith, illustrator of and
"A gleefully sinister fable that spins its tale like a great old silent film. The kind one might only see in a haunted nickelodeon. I love the beautiful, dramatic, black-and-white illustrations." from Lane Smith, illustrator of and
May 27, 2014
A simple story re-told by Tony with incredible illustrations. A story that has double meaning for all ages... beware of the schemer and all their pretty words. "Unto an evil counselor, close heart and ear and eye, And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly. A cautionary tale that was first published in 1829. Dishonesty and traps are still being laid by the schemers and they prey upon all ages. Take heed my friends.... I do love the letter at the end of the story by the Spider. Quite clever!
September 12, 2019
The Spider and the Fly - a classic that was first written in the 1828's by Mary Howitt, which has been here reprinted and illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi.
I first wanted to read it because of Tony DiTerlizzi, as he has become one of my favourite Illustrator's, and as well of the good old style of dark fairy-tales.
I love Tony's illustrations and thought the writing is short but yet right to the point of the story. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves fairy-tales and creepy things.
I first wanted to read it because of Tony DiTerlizzi, as he has become one of my favourite Illustrator's, and as well of the good old style of dark fairy-tales.
I love Tony's illustrations and thought the writing is short but yet right to the point of the story. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves fairy-tales and creepy things.
December 28, 2008
I, of course, love Tony DiTerlizzi’s illustrations, he could illustrate pages and pages and I would soak them up. This story was slightly creepy, but it did have a good moral, one that you should take to heart. I also liked the rhyming and the black and white illustrations. I’d recommend this book.
*Taken from my book reviews blog:
*Taken from my book reviews blog:
December 30, 2011
the illustrations in this novel are fantastic, and the poem is so dark and quite sad, but it is a fantastic read, would not call it a childrens book though thats for sure. The theme of the spider luring the spider into his den to kill her is very dark and children wont be able to handle it.
On a side note, i loved this book. Fantastic read.
On a side note, i loved this book. Fantastic read.
March 30, 2015
Creepy story about a spider that traps a fly in his web and charms her until she gives in. Parallels abound. A bit didactic for my tastes.
February 20, 2025
"Will you listen to my sweet words?" said the Spider to the Fly;
"You'll find them quite delightful, but alas, you'll surely die."
October 25, 2011
This is a beautiful, skin-crawling take on a lost classic poem, illustrated in the style of a black-and-white silent movie. But it's way darker than you would expect a kids' book to be. I mean, how do you think a friendship between a spider and a fly is going to end? And it's a friendship that carries some bizarre connotations, with the fly a damsel-in-distress insisting to the charming gentleman spider that she will not get in his bed. Yeah. Try feeling comfortable reading that to a class of first- and second-graders.
Any sexual connotation that I interpreted was lost on the kids. However, they did complain that it was difficult to see the illustrations, which, while eerily lovely, are done in shades of black, which means you have to be looking at them very closely to enjoy them. This might be a good book for a parent to read to a kid (though maybe not immediately before bed), but I wouldn't recommend it for teachers reading it to a whole class.
Any sexual connotation that I interpreted was lost on the kids. However, they did complain that it was difficult to see the illustrations, which, while eerily lovely, are done in shades of black, which means you have to be looking at them very closely to enjoy them. This might be a good book for a parent to read to a kid (though maybe not immediately before bed), but I wouldn't recommend it for teachers reading it to a whole class.
February 21, 2008
This work is based on the works of a 19th century poet. A lovely update for modern century adult readers (and children nonetheless!) There is nary a grown-up who wouldn't have much to learn from this important warning to us all!
A wonderful illustrated depiction of how not to be laired into a sweet-talker's web. Gorgeous art nouveau inspired illustrations with a basic concept underlying it all! I especially loved how this was a "children's book" with a very Gorey ending (pun intended) that sometimes, if you make the wrong choices, you will succumb to the worse possible circumstances! An interesting take on the "wolf in sheep's clothing" universal warning. A timeless parable.
Beautiful and interesting. DiTerlizzi will certainly be remembered as the (perhaps somewhat morbid) Dr. Seuss of the 21st century. A true talent.
A wonderful illustrated depiction of how not to be laired into a sweet-talker's web. Gorgeous art nouveau inspired illustrations with a basic concept underlying it all! I especially loved how this was a "children's book" with a very Gorey ending (pun intended) that sometimes, if you make the wrong choices, you will succumb to the worse possible circumstances! An interesting take on the "wolf in sheep's clothing" universal warning. A timeless parable.
Beautiful and interesting. DiTerlizzi will certainly be remembered as the (perhaps somewhat morbid) Dr. Seuss of the 21st century. A true talent.
March 12, 2013
This is a children's book that offers a very old poem by Mary Howitt and new illustrations by Tony DiTerlizzi. This particular poem is a cautionary tale of the malintentions of others. This very simple and basic, yet well-written, poem warns young children that not everyone they meet has their best interest in mind. This little fly seems quite aware of the conniving spider and avoids his every word. In the end, the spider convinces the fly of coming to his house due to his flattery. I was surprised to see the spider win out!
The illustrations are quite cartoonish but creepy. They evoke the danger that the spider presents within the poem. This book would be good for kindergarten through second graders. It provides a great moral but does so in a relaxed way that makes it not seem as scary as the situation actually can be.
The illustrations are quite cartoonish but creepy. They evoke the danger that the spider presents within the poem. This book would be good for kindergarten through second graders. It provides a great moral but does so in a relaxed way that makes it not seem as scary as the situation actually can be.
November 24, 2013
The Spider and the Fly is a tragic story of a little fly who is lured to her death by a charming and cunning spider. The story is told in a very poetic manor and is based on the cautionary tale told by Mary Howitt. It has a funny way of telling children that death happens, spiders do eat flies and in a gruesome kind of way of trickery but the story does not scare children, as the fly appears as a ghost at the end of the story. I like the story because it doesn’t give the children a fairy tale look at the world of life and death, it tells them that, yes death does happen but no it doesn’t have to be final, and that maybe we will have an afterlife. It’s an interesting story being used in my year 4 class at the moment to help them understand the language used in literacy. ‘How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes.�
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