
Discover the vibrant, hidden life of a backyard jumping spider.
National Awards & Recognition
- Robert F. Sibert Honor, 2024
- ALA Notable Book, 2024
- Winner: Cybils Award for Elementary Nonfiction, 2023
- Golden Kite Honor for Picture Book Illustration, 2024
- NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Book, 2024
- Junior Library Guild Selection
- Kirkus Best Book of 2023
- Booklist Editor's Choice, 2023
- Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of 2023
- NYPL: Best Books for Kids, 2023
- Chicago Public Library: Best Informational Books, 2023
- Evanston Public Library: 101 Great Books for Kids, 2023
- NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book, 2023
- Science Friday: Best Science Books for Kids, 2023
- Nerdy Book Club: 2023 Nonfiction Winner
State Awards & Nominations
- Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee, 2025
- Indiana Read Aloud Ageless List, 2025
- Maine Chickadee Award Nominee, 2025
- Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award Nominee, 2026
- Minnesota Youth Star of the North Nominee, 2025
- Missouri Dogwood Finalist List, 2025
- New York Charlotte Award Primary Nominee, 2025
- South Carolina Book Awards - Picture Book Nominee, 2025
- Vermont Red Clover Award Nominee, 2025
Praise
A Look Inside
Classroom Resources
Downloadables
🖍️ Coloring Page
A fun black-and-white page for creative coloring in the classroom or at home.
🕷️ Spider Anatomy Activity
Learn about spider body parts with this hands-on labeling activity. Developed with a certified Montessori educator.
❤️ Empathy Activity
What's it like to be something else? Encourage discussion and empathy through this reflective writing/drawing worksheet for all ages.
Related Videos
An interview with spider scientist Paul Shamble about spiders, empathy, the research process behind the book, and the importance of noticing the little things in our backyards.
Available wherever books are sold. For signed copies, please order from the Boulder Bookstore.
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