Lots of people have dogs and cats for pets, but did you know that some people keep pets like tarantulas? If you've ever considered keeping an unusual pet, the FAR-OUT AND UNUSUAL PETS series is for you! Learn the history, the science, and the care needed for keeping this fun and exotic pet.
Alvin Silverstein grew up in Brooklyn, the youngest son of an immigrant family who emphasized hard work and education. After graduating from Brooklyn College, he went to graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, where he got a Master's degree in chemistry and met his wife, author Virginia B. Silverstein. He got his Ph.D. at NYU while teaching at the College of Staten Island. He ultimately became a Professor of Biology there and also Director of the Physician Assistant program, while coauthoring books with his wife and, later, two of their children as well.