I’m Not Afraid of Spiders (Caitlin Henderson, illus Annie Henderson, CSIRO Publishing)

For many children, fear of spiders can get in the way of appreciating just how fascinating they really are. In I’m Not Afraid of Spiders, nature-loving sisters – award-winning wildlife photographer and writer Caitlin Henderson and illustrator Annie Henderson – combine their talents to offer fun and informative insights about these often misunderstood creatures. Each page explores a different spider, heightening excitement as readers discover which one comes next, while the story explains their unique characteristics: “I’m not afraid of spiders, Though some have lots of hair. These hairs are how they see their world / Not for giving us a scare!” The book celebrates the wonders of this commonly feared group of invertebrates through a delightfully rhyming story, complemented by detailed, bright and engaging illustrations. Spiders leap, roll, hang and hide across the pages, creating a strong sense of movement and energy. For curious minds who love asking questions, the back of the book offers more in-depth information and an extensive glossary. Perfect for readers aged 5 to 9, I’m Not Afraid of Spiders will work well in a school setting, as it blends educational content with an engaging narrative that reads like fiction. It’s equally as enjoyable for at-home readers, particularly those with an interest in animals.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Emma Nield is a community library assistant in country South Australia and an avid reader who loves matchmaking people with the perfect story. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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