The Spyders: Slither Me Timbers

The Spyders #1

by Vesta L. Giles, Rebecca McKerchar (Illustrator)

Slither Me Timbers – the first book in the new Spyders series! After days stuck inside because of rain, Thaddeus, Gracey, and Curt Spyder are finally able to go outside and explore. When they reach the edge of the puddle, where they aren’t supposed to go, the temptation of a pirate adventure proves to be too much. A smooth sailing sea voyage soon turns dangerous and it will take teamwork, the help of a new friend, and using all of their spider skills to make it home safely by dinner.

With adorable illustrations and interesting facts about spiders, Slither Me Timbers is a chapter book for kids who like adventure and the creatures in the garden!

Winner! Best Middle Grade Book (Self Pubby Awards, 2021)

146 pages, Hardcover

Published July 27, 2023

Reviews

[Roslyn Muir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly love this book! I have the hardcover version and the cover is lovely. I read it with my niece and she adored it. It's a great, fun adventure and the characters and drawings are lovely. The themes of friendship and working together ensure it will be a super hit with kids. Highly recommend!

[Morrigan Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book but I also had my children (ages 9, 8, 6, and 4) listen to the audiobook version. They were not excited about listening to a book with the main characters being spiders, but they quickly were drawn into the story.

This is an short chapter book appropriate for elementary through middle school. It was a cute, fast paced story centered around three orb-weaver spider siblings who after several rainy days being stuck indoors go on an adventure and meet new friends.
I as an adult enjoyed the writing style, characters and story. There are cute illustrations in the Kindle edition that I felt added to the story quite nicely. The prose doesn't get caught up in overly describing things so it works well to keep younger children's attention while still being action packed enough for older kids. I also liked the spider facts that were added throughout.

It fondly reminded me of Charlotte's Web without the run on sentences and drawn out descriptions. The characters caught my interest more because they had jobs outside of just being spiders, for example we learn that the spider parents are secret agents. It's a cute chapter book that has a little bit of something for everyone.


Will: I thought the ending was funny especially what Curt said. - 4 star
Iggy: the spiders having to deal with the cat was exciting. - 5.5 stars
Bella: It was really good. I liked every part. 5 stars

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was extremely cute and full of lessons for the readers to learn. Including following the rules. Don't judge a book by its cover and you can find friends the most unlikely of places. As well as how to work together to get out of sticky situations. The story was super cute as well as beautifully illustrated even though it was a younger reading level. I really enjoy the story and the lessons that it had. I really enjoyed the story.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun adventure the Spyder siblings go on. Lots of interesting characters and cool spider facts to teach the kids in an entertaining way. I highly recommend this title.

[Micki_1989 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 really

Definitely suitable for a young audience had my 11 year old read this and she highly recommends it for children around 5 and for it to be read to them by parents.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great kids book with lovely illustrations and a series of fun facts sprinkled throughout the book

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story to my library class for early grade school children and they loved it. We were able to use the various options in the novel for their real life adventures and discussion of teamwork, and the children also got into the topic of bullying. A wonderful little book that I would highly recommend for all ages.

[Robinne Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an entomologist, I’m always keen to read books involving insects and spiders. I especially appreciate books in which spiders are the good guys.

The Spyders: Slither Me Timbers is one of those books. And to make it even better, the snakes are good guys too!

This delightful romp of a book uses the real adaptations of spiders (along with a nice dose of anthropomorphism) to tell a fun adventure story while also teaching about real-life spiders. Other themes woven into the story include a celebration of differences and ideas around friendship.

Vesta Giles is careful to keep the danger and violence to a minimum, and her characters are thoughtful and kind, making this a great read for younger middle-grade readers, especially those who love creepy crawlies.