Space Spinners

Two spider sisters--Arabelle, a super web-spinner, and Kate, somewhat less talented--break free of their humdrum lives in the supply closet at NASA and stow away on an astronaut headed for outer space. Zero gravity impels the siblings out of their hiding place in a spare helmet, and they rush to secure themselves by spinning ``the first web in space.'' This insignificant story may confuse rather than entertain--illustrations frequently look as if the arachnids are outside the spaceship (they aren't); lackluster depictions of the web's strands are thick and unconvincing--no gossamer here. Also, the absence of any disciplinary measures for the runaways could raise a parental eyebrow: ``Even their mother was too proud to be really angry with them for going.'' The only color in the slick paper cutouts by Caldecott Honor artist MacDonald is in the title characters; backgrounds are drab and lifeless. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)