The Spider and the Fly | Shaw Island | TinyCat |

2024-04-25 1:17 pm

The Spider and the Fly

by Mary Howitt

Other authorsTony DiTerlizzi (Author)

Hardcover, 2002

Call number

J 821 HOW

Collection

Children’s/YA Nonfiction

Genres

Children's Books

Publication

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2002), Edition: Repackage ed., 40 pages

Description

An illustrated version of the well-known poem about a wily spider who preys on the vanity and innocence of a little fly.

Subjects

Children's poetry, English

Conduct of life Poetry

Flies Juvenile poetry

Spiders Juvenile poetry

Media reviews

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Janice M. Del Negro (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, November 2002 (Vol. 56, No. 3)) Oh, the poor inexperienced country fly! What chance does she have against the suave maneuverings of an arachnid seducer? Why, none at all, despite the attempted ghostly warnings of the Spider’s

previous meals. DiTerlizzi’s reimagining of Howitt’s nineteenth-century cautionary poem is an illustrative tour de force, a stylistic homage to Gorey, Rackham, and Addams; the black-and-white illustrations have a junior-high-appealing slickness yet remarkable depth and detail, from border ornamentation to ironic visual touches. A Gothic dollhouse within the dusty attic of a Gothic mansion makes a clever scene for the Spider’s dastardly doings, and the depiction of the characters is imaginative as well. The oily-haired, mustachioed Spider (sort of a combination of Clark Gable and Peter Lorre) is the archetypal villain, a picture of sartorial splendor who changes costume from satin smoking jacket to tuxedo to great coat and top hat. The flapper fly has big innocent eyes, gauzy wings, and, ultimately, a too trusting demeanor: in the end she takes her place alongside Spider’s other ghostly victims. A concluding missive from Spider himself warns against expecting carnivores to go against their nature; brief bios of author Howitt and illustrator DiTerlizzi are appended. Masterful drafting and artful composition combine in this spookily sophisticated picture book that offers a macabrely funny look at trusting even the most persuasive of strangers. Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 2002, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2002, Simon, 36p, $16.95. Grades 4-7.

— 1 more

Kirkus

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2002 (Vol. 70, No. 13)) Will you walk into my parlor?' / said the Spider to the Fly." Howitt's 1829 cautionary poem is realized here in full cinematic fashion. Delightfully ghoulish full-bleed black-and-white spreads are rendered in gouache and pencil, and reproduced

in silver-and-black duotone, resulting in images that recall the slightly fuzzy-edged figures from old black-and-white horror movies. The typeface and occasional framed text pages heighten this effect by evoking silent-movie titles. The setting is a dustily gothic attic in which DiTerlizzi's (Alien and Possum: Friends No Matter What, p. 494, etc.) "camera" never rests, zooming in, out, up, and down in a dazzling series of perspectives as a top-hatted and bespatted spider romances a naïve flapper fly. Her protestations in the face of his overtures grow ever weaker, and despite the warnings of the ghostly figures of past victims (one brandishes a knife and fork while another points urgently at The Joy of Cooking Bugs), she goes to her inevitable doom. The illustrations embrace the primness of the poem-the wide-eyed fly is the very picture of a bygone innocence-but introduce a wealth of detail that adds a thick layer of humor. Aside from the aforementioned ghosts, evidence of the spider's predilections abounds: in his parlor, he relaxes with his feet up on a very dead ladybug stool with X's for eyes. A tongue-in-cheek "letter" from the spider follows the poem, in which he exhorts readers to "be advised that spiders are not the only hunters and bugs are not the only victims." This cautionary intrusion serves to explicate the metaphor for concretely minded readers, but the message is not likely to diminish their pleasure in the grisly doings one bit. 2002, Simon & Schuster, $16.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 5 to 9. Starred Review

User reviews

LibraryThing member steveberman

This is not only a lovely book, it's also incredibly wicked and funny. This is what every goth should read to their kid (or spouse) at night in bed.

LibraryThing member Nicolemerriweather

A black and white delightful book, that begins with a spider trying to invite a fly up to a parlor with him. But the female fly is afraid to go because she feels that if she goes up there she will never be able to leave. But the spider tries to pull every tick he can’t to convince her that she

need to go up there. He entices her with how nice the beds are; how great the food is and even compliments her on the way she looks. By the end of the story you will find out if she goes up to the parlor with the spider or does she leave like she said she will. It plays good against evil, while using a delightful poem to tell the story.

This week we have been talking about insects. So in the four and five year old class they already understand that spiders catch flies. So already you have a dividing of the class room. You had the girls sitting there hopping the female fly left and didn’t go up to the parlor with the spider. And then you had the boys wanting the spider to eat her. And by time I finish the book on the group where happy while the other was sad. This was one of the best group discussions we had.

For our first activity we read the book. Our second activity was to make spiders. And then next day our third activity was to make the fly. By then it was Thursday so I had them put on a play, but I allowed them to change the story ending if they wanted to. So I spit them up in groups of 4 and I first put my twist to the story. Then I gave them time to talk to each other and they put on there own story, and I have a group leave the story just the way it was. But we had some great changes to the end of the story. Great imagination.

LibraryThing member lleighton05

Critique:
Genre: In this story, the spider and fly talk. The spider is considered the evil character because it is tricking the fly. However, the spider ends up winning and it eats the fly. It is not typical of most fantasy's, but would be considered more of a tragedy.
Character: The spider in

this story is developed through its interactions with the fly and other bugs. The reader can tell it is portrayed to be a not nice spider, but yet at the end discusses how that is how spiders eat. The spider is a round character because we learn a lot through it.
Media: pencil

LibraryThing member GI142984

The Lyric poetry of The Spider and the Fly was about a spider who attempts to persuade a fly to stay in his parlor. He lures her through out the house by complements her on her wings and eyes. The fly knows better but is just under the spider’s flattering spell. In the end the spider gets the fly

and her ghost shows up at the end with a poetic line for a lesson to be learned. The letter at the end of the poem from the spider to all the “sweet creatures” who have read the story.

The black and white illustrations were very "old fashion" looking with the spider wearing the tux and the bug wearing the flapper dress, which I loved. This was a good lyric poem and the it was just so catchy. Everyone knows that spiders eat bugs, this book just adds to their imagination when it tells of the cunning ways a spiders lures his food into his web. The book also has a moral tale that children can learn from and discuss, that not everyone who acts friendly and flattering really are and can be bad. The letter at the end of the poem/story from the spider is excellent explanation to the readers. This is a great book for Halloween, bring up issues on trust and safety, and when learning about poetry or spiders.

LibraryThing member country

This story starts out by telling how the spider is trying to get the little fly into his spider web so he could eat her. She is too wise to fall for his tricks because she knows what will happen to her. So, the spider keeps sweet talking the fly telling her to look at herself in the mirror and see

how beautiful her eyes are. Then towards the end of the book the spider tells the fly that she has a pearl and silver wing. Her eyes are just like a dimond bright, but his are as dull as lead. Then the fly comes back to the spider and he grabs her in his hat. He takes her back to his den and she never comes out again. That was the end of the little fly.
I always like the stories that make your skin crawl a little bit. It always makes you want to finish the story.
This story started out as a poem and this author made it into a story book.

LibraryThing member Editormum

Here is a really creative re-telling of the 1800s poem "Will you come into my parlour, said the spider to the fly." The artwork (by DeTerlizzi) is fantastic...dark, but very detailed and full of forewarning of the fate that the little fly, dressed like a flapper of the '20s, is sure to suffer if

she succumbs to the blandishments of the sophisticated-looking spider. The artwork adds to the atmosphere of the book, as it is all black and white and eerie---almost "Addams Family" ghoulish.

The artwork is what really makes this book perfect for today's youngsters. You see the Fly, dressed in her bright gossamer flapper dress (complete with fringe and long beads), flitting about with her flower-petal parasol, while half-resisting, half-toying with Spider's invitation. You see the menacing Spider, very nattily dressed in his spats and pinstriped suit, gently encouraging and flattering the Fly into accepting his invitation. And all the while, in the background, you see the other victims of the Spider, ghostly beings doing their best to warn the Fly away. And, of course, the very background of the nursery with the big Victorian dollhouse --- a perfect setting for the diabolical Spider and his nefarious plot against the Fly.

The end of the rhymed story gives the wonderful moral:

"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 counselor close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale of the Spider and the Fly."

LibraryThing member ccondra

Good book to read at Halloween or when studying poems. It should be read to older children because the fly does die at the end.

LibraryThing member mickmyster13

In this story told through a poem the spider tricks the fly. there is a good moral to be told in this story. Sort of dark grousome though.

LibraryThing member matinicuselementary

The Spider and the Fly
I absolutely loved it. It was funny. It was scary. The spider wants to eat the fly.
Reviewed by Max

LibraryThing member morgantk

I was surprised by the ending, but I thought the letter at the back of the book by spider was humorous and fitting. I like the words "what did you expect from a story about a spider and a fly?" I thought the information about spiders been trappers was good for the readers to be to understand- it is

their way of life, a survival technique. Again, I don't know how well kids would connect with the theme- "the spider says, "take what has transpired within these pages to heart, or you might well find yourself trapped in some schemer's web."

LibraryThing member donnammccoy

An old tale about a spider who flatters her young visitor until, against better judgement, the little fly enters the spider's lair (parlor) and of course is never seen again. The illustrations are darkly beautiful and the moral against believing flattery is as timely now as ever.

LibraryThing member ilovezeppe

Great story with beautiful illustrations. The illustrations were my favorite part of the book, so delicate.

LibraryThing member slmturner

The story is depicted as a 1920's black and white movie theme. It is about a fly who is being pursued by a conniving spider. He attempts to lure her into his parlor. She resists, but eventually falls into his trap of deception. There is a message to the story for young people: just because someone

appears to be appealing does not mean that they have good intentions. Always be cautious around strangers.

I absolutely loved the book. I even bought a personal copy. The story is very tragic but has a good lesson to it. We are all deceived by flattery throughout our lives. The illustrations are wonderful with great detail!

A teacher could have a classroom discussion about different types of flattery and how to politely refuse advances from flattery. A fun way students could do this is by dividing into groups and coming up with skits to act out what they have learned. Students could also read Hansel and Gretel and discuss similarities about flattery and deception between the two books.

LibraryThing member bwetmore05

This book is a great example of a fantasy because the spider and the fly are given human characteristics. They are both wearing real clothing and the spider has a house and everything! The spider talks with the fly and persuades her into a trap so he can eat her. Obviously in real life, the

relationship between the spider and the fly is not like in this fantasy!
Characters: The spider is a great example of the antagonist because he is dark and evil and cunning and mischievous. The fly on the other hand is a great protagonist. The spider is a foil of the fly, he stands for all that is gruesome and dark and the fly is about peace and light. These characters make for a charming and interesting tragedy.

LibraryThing member arielfl

This is one of my favorite children's books. I bring it with my every time I substitute teach at an elementary school. The students love it's spooky black and while illustrations. The story is about a spider who tries to lure a fly into his liar with flattery. Even though she knows better she gets

sucked in anyway. The illustrations are so clever. They are by one of the author's of The Spiderwick Chronicles. I see something new every time I read it. For instance, the spider lives in a mansion but when you look closer you see that it is a dollhouse in a little girl's room. There are also humorous illustrations of the ghosts of the other bug victim's who try to warn the fly of impending doom. I love the picture where one is trying to show the fly the spider's book titled The Joy of Cooking Bugs. I have read this book to many children and they have all loved it. Even better is the fact that it is a book that I don't mind reading over and over again.

LibraryThing member branadain

Tony is just a fabulous artist, and this book is worth having just for the phenomenal 1920s-inspired illustrations. (Not to mention the text of the classic poem.)

LibraryThing member archerje

This exceptional picture book is based upon a classic poem written by Mary Howitt. The story begins with an invitation, ‘“Will you walk into my parlor?’ said the Spider to the Fly.” The Spider flatters the Fly with lovely words. Will the Fly be able to resist his invitation that has no

happy ending for her? The pictures in this book are phenomenal and done in black and white that remind the reader of an old gothic horror film. The fly is dressed as an innocent flapper girl, the spider a polished Victorian gentleman. Being a cautionary tale, it warns the reader to beware of those who compliment you and offer you treats, for they may have evil designs on you!

LibraryThing member linnaea44

Wow! At first i thought very cute and a little scary pictures, but then at the end yikes how tragic. This books teaches a very important lesson to children about being weary of strangers and their charming ways. I loved the black and white illustrations and the way it was formatted like an old

movie. It was a little morbid but necessary to prove its point.Great book for all ages, but maybe not a bedtime story.

LibraryThing member Junep

Grade 1-6-Most people are familiar with Howitt's poem, but DiTerlizzi's art raises this hackneyed classic to a new level. Rendered in black-and-white gouache and pencil, then reproduced in silver-and-black duotone, the paintings have a spooky quality perfectly suited to retelling this melancholy

tale. Ms. Fly, with her whimsical flower umbrella and Roaring '20s attire, captures the flavor of an old-time Hollywood heroine. Her nemesis, seated on his Victorian chair, is dressed like a pasha in silk robe and slippers (six, of course) or resplendent in tails, top hat, and spats; he is clearly a dastardly fiend cloaked in splendid apparel to dazzle his victim. Wispy, transparent, ghostly shapes haunt the eerie mansion; the white print on the black pages stands out against the shadows creeping across each spread. All of these elements foreshadow the fly's untimely demise. With its tragic ending, heavy moralizing, and sophisticated artwork, this book will appeal to older children as well as to adult fans of old horror movies. This title is worth purchasing for its valuable artwork alone.

LibraryThing member kthomp25

A wonderful book just for the artwork; lots of layers for those willing to look deeply. A cautionary tale with a moral at the end to beware of those who ingratiate themselves swiftly.

The spider shows perseverance, trying to entice the fly with rest, food, and finally realizing the way to this

particular fly's heart is through flattery.

LibraryThing member conuly

This is a picture book of the classic poem by Mary Howitt. (And it's in the public domain, so if you're curious about the content of this book you can google for it.)

Fair warning to people with very young or sensitive children: This IS the poem that starts off "Will you come into my parlor..." and

it ends exactly the way you'd expect a meeting between a spider and a fly to end. If you think you'll have a problem with this, please hit the back button NOW and find another book more suited for you and your child. Some children simply don't like this sort of thing, it *is* a little scary and intense, it *does* end with the fly's death, and you know your child best.

For the rest of us, this is a great cautionary tale illustrated in the style of silent movies from the 20s, down to the clothes the buggies are wearing. The book is carefully, creepily sinister without being graphic, and there's a moral lesson here: If you already know somebody wishes you harm, don't listen when they start to flatter you! Heck, even if you're not sure, use your head!

LibraryThing member Warnerp

This 2003 Caldecott Medal Honor Book also contains a great deal of information about the original author and the new illustrator, as well as a note from the Spider himself warning children not to be fooled by people who might be tricking them and will hurt them.

LibraryThing member mmleynek

Personal Response:
I have always loved this cautionary tale and DiTerlizzi's pictures really bring it to life. The lesson it teaches is so true. At times we know something is wrong but decide try it anyway. That's how life's lessons are learned.

Curricular Connections:
A great read aloud for the

Halloween season.

LibraryThing member kyleejohnson

The Spider and the Fly is about a cunning spider who tries to sweet talk the beautiful fly into coming up to his parlor. There are many deceptions in his words, because the spider wants the fly to become his food. The fly thinks she is smart and knows what the spider is up to, but he calls her over

again and that is when he traps her into his web.

I personally enjoy spooky books, and this is one you could read during Halloween. The pictures are black and white, which I love, and I really enjoyed how the book ended.

This would be a wonderful book to read during the fall season in October close to Halloween. The teacher could bring in bug shaped candy to pass out to the kids. Also, the teacher could get a classroom pet, and it could be a spider. This would be great for the kids because then they could actually see how spiders make their webs and what they enjoy to eat.

LibraryThing member oapostrophe

I love to read this poem aloud and the illustrations in this version are wonderfully creepy. Not for the very young, but very enjoyable for older elementary.

Awards

Caldecott Medal (Honor Book — 2003)

Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Poetry — 2005)

Great Lakes Great Books Award (Honor Book — 2005)

Indies Choice Book Award (Honor Book — 2003)

Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award (Honor — 2005)

Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration (Nominee — 2003)

Golden Archer Award (Nominee — Primary — 2005)

The White Ravens (2003)

Hampshire Book Awards (Shortlist — 2013)

CCBC Choices (2003)

Read Aloud Indiana Book Award (2003)

Children's Favorites Awards (Selection — 2003)

Notable Children's Book (2003)

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2002)

Tags

COMPLETE NONSENSE BOOK

ISBN

0689852894 / 9780689852893

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