The Web

by Usborne Publishing (Brand), T. Richard

Jenny loves to visit her grandmother, but there are some things they have to keep secret.... Nette Hilton's writing will bring tears of happiness and sadness to your eyes.

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Usborne Publishing, often called Usborne Books, is a British publisher of children's books founded in 1973 by Peter Usborne.

Reviews

[Cecilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

La Telaraña de Nette Hilton

Una historia para todas la edades. Es corta, sí, pero es muy linda.
Muchas veces no vemos una relación como la de Jenny y Violet Anne, porque, tal vez, a muchos niños no les agradaría la idea de pasar una semana con su bisabuela, pero a Jenny sí.
Jenny relata la semana que pasa con su bisabuela Violet Anne, de sus mascotas y de sus recuerdos. Cuando aparece Sam, Jenny nos cuenta que las telarañas de ésta le parecen hermosas a Violet Anne, además de que le hacen recordar momentos que creía haber perdido por siempre, lo que la hace sentir feliz, porque incluyen a su esposo Edward.
Cuando la semana termina, Jenny nos cuenta que su madre decide que Violet Anne debería ir a una casa para ancianos, idea que ésta rechaza, porque sería dejar atrás sus recuerdos.

Después de Violet Anne muere, Jenny se queda con la última telaraña de Sam, pero ¿qué nos deja la historia?... que pase lo que pase, las personas y momentos que más valoramos estarán con nosotros siempre, y que debemos estar con los que amamos, porque no sabemos cuánto tiempo podremos verlos.

[Georgia Herod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I was caught up in Jenny's story about her relationship with her great-grandmother, Violet-Anne, I read the book twice in one sitting.

Jenny's relationship with Violet-Anne may be somewhat typical of a child's special, unique relationship with grandparents. This great-gran is full of surprises--Saffron, the lizard under the bush; Misty, the possum in the tree, and Sam, the seven-legged spider. Jenny thinks nothing is unusual about these friends. Jenny thinks Violet-Anne is just fine.

Jenny's grandparents don't think so--and from the opening page and comments such as "But your great-grandma is so old now," readers know that this will be a story with hard realities for Jenny and Violet-Anne. A poignant, sweet story--which brings to mind Charlotte's Web--and which would open the door for children to understand aging and death.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because it felt really old, like something written back when Anne of Green Gables was written or something. I also liked it because I just knew it, I knew it, when it mentioned a certain kind of tree...it took place in Australia, and I love books about Australia and I've never BEEN to Australia, but I know just a few things, because of books, about that wonderful place. The characters were interesting, especially the great-grandma and the little girl, and it was sad. But it had just enough friendships between animals and creatures that you didn't really dislike the parents. They just...they couldn't understand. They wouldn't have understood. The girl was right. It's kind of a wistful little book, but I liked it. I was so glad it wasn't about the internet after all. I was afraid it was, when I heard the title, The Web.

[Nancy Valentino]

We had this book on cassette tape when I was little and it was one of my favourite bedtime stories. It's actually quite a sad story but it's very sweet and there's something really slow-paced and mindful about it. The way that Violet-Anne approaches the world and finds beauty in little things, that's a lifestyle that I really value and crave (and do not live my life that way AT ALL tbh). So yeah, a very nostalgic read for me and a lovely little novel all round.

[Patricia Enderica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Porque no se debe pretender que los finales de los libros para niños siempre sean felices.
Porque este libro muestra la realidad de tomar decisiones en apariencia benéficas, pero que su desenlace no siempre es el ideal.
Por mostrar la tristeza y la soledad con la belleza de la sencillez.
Por todo lo anterior... Yo le doy 5 estrellas.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A likeable narrator telling a complex story with a lot of depth and heart - a lovely read.

[Kathleen Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out so sweet and magical, but the end was horrible. And then the author tried to offset the horrible with a little bit of humor out of left field, and it was just awful.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In many respects this book brings to mind the children's classic Charlotte's Web but for the older set. Told gently but inexorably, the story centers around the relationship between Jenny and her great-grandmother Violet-Anne who has befriended a lizard named Saffron and a possum called Saffron. When Jenny visits her elderly relative, the two are stunned by the beautiful webs a spider named Sam spins. Each one reminds Violet-Anne of something from her past. When her parents insist that Violet-Anne must move to a nursing home, Jenny brings Sam along, despite her fear of spiders, and he spins one last web for Violet-Anne. Filled with poignant moments, the book reminds readers that there will be losses in our lives but there will also be moments and memories to cherish.

[Allyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Student statement-It is a good and awesome book. My favorite character was Jenny, Violet Ann, and Sam. I liked that it talked about Jenny, Violet Ann, and Edward's lives. I liked hearing about Violet Ann's wedding. I would like to be friends with Jenny. I think she is cool. I want to read the whole story again.

Allyce statement-I thought the book was a bit dull at first. Then I couldn't stop reading it. Now this book is one of my favorites. I could read it over and over. I love that I can read it with my 4th and 5th grade students. We have a lot of discussions through out the book. We also can discuss connections and analyze characters. Love it!

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of my favourite books. It makes me so happy and nostalgic. It captures the magic and simple complexities of childhood. Hallway dancing, milo drinking and spare room searching. It feels like sunbeams to me. Jenny and Violet-Anne’s relationship is so special and formative. I have a memory laying on each of my beds reading this since 1994 and I close my eyes and I’m right there crying in each of them.

[Bobbi Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Web
Rate:4
This book was cute and explained a story between a little girl and her grandmother. There were many little details about the story that were interesting and they seemed to tie into the story really well. The only reason why I give this book a 4 is because I thought it was odd she had a lizard and possum and I didn't see how that tied into the story at all. Overall I liked it and could be a book to read to kids who interact with their grandparents on a regular basis.

[piana · Rating 3 out of 5]

¿Por qué tuvo que morir Violet Anne? 🥺
Es importante pasar tiempo de calidad con nuestros abuelitos... nuestra familia, y respetar a cada ser vivo; desde una pequeña araña de siete patas, hasta una lagartija.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a big stir in the imagination, but refreshing read for this age group. Unique, quirky, and interesting.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is almost too good. A young girl tries to make sense of her great grandmother's transition to a nursing home. Their relationship is so beautiful. So many tears were shed.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet but never sickly. Touching but not sentimental. Thought provoking but without judgement. Miss 10 thought this was the bees' knees. I thought it was just lovely. Very kid friendly.

[Emily Rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story, recommend to anyone with a sense of adventure