Published by Roaring Brook Press

Summary:  As a young girl explores a backyard garden, a jumper spider engages in parallel activities.  They both have senses to explore the world around them, but Jumper’s senses are extra keen, with sound-detecting hairs all over her body and eight eyes that see in all directions.  These senses, plus her jumping abilities, keep her safe from predators like a chickadee and a wasp.  She also uses them for hunting, and the final pages show her successful capture of a fly as big as she is.  Includes four pages of additional information, a glossary, a list of resources, and steps for finding and identifying spiders.  48 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  Spectacular illustrations portray a spider’s-eye view of the world, including a gatefold illustration of what the garden looks like through eight eyes.  The extensive back matter makes this an excellent resource for research.  Could be a Caldecott or Sibert contender.

Cons:  The capture of the fly is not for the faint of heart.