THE LITTLE SPIDER

Brouwer (the Mars Diaries series) tenderly re-weaves a post-Nativity holiday legend. Frantic Mouse alerts his stablemates that their owners—Man, Woman and the Child (Mary, Joseph and Jesus)—must flee Jerusalem and Herod's threat of death. Donkey, Dog, Cat and Mouse vow to accompany and protect the family but scoff when Little Spider expresses a similar desire. Little Spider stows away in Donkey's mane and, in a dramatic denouement, gives the Child a unique, if humble gift, essentially saving Him from death. Hartung's shadowy, textured watercolors set an appropriate nighttime backdrop for the tale. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)

FYI:A CD contains a reading of the text and an original song performed by Christian recording artist Cindy Morgan (Brouwer's wife).