Weaver and the Web

by Chris Baker, Byron Eggenschwiler (Illustrator)

A long night ahead means plenty of time for web-making and bug-catching for this meticulous orb-weaver spider in this brilliant, non-fiction picture book that uniquely captures the spider's point of view.

Up and down and around Weaver scurried, launching and drawing up line after line.
At first there was little pattern to it, but that didn’t bother her.
Every painter needs a canvas, and within minutes Weaver had hers. . .

With gentle text and arresting art, this enthralling picture book leads you through the ups and downs of one orb-weaver spider's night. From making her web, re-making her web, and eventually ensnaring some succulent moths, this moonlit adventure encourages you to see the world from a spider's perspective.

Themes about resilience, patience, and tenacity make this a year round read aloud perfect for falling in love with over and over again.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Nature, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Chris Baker is an independent scholar and long-term resident of Thailand.

Reviews

[DaNae]

A day-in-the-life, or in this case - a night, of a spider. Using decadent illustrations the art of web-making is on display, with the catastrophe of human involvement - followed by an empathetic rescue, also with human hands.

[Amy]

A GORGEOUS book about a spotted orbweaver spider named Weaver who is trying to find the perfect place to build her web. The author is an admitted arachnophobe and wrote this book to help alleviate some of her fears about spiders. The illustrations are beautiful, and the storytelling narrative gives this book heart. What's interesting is that after reading the book yesterday, I was out for a walk and found an enormous web with a pretty big spider in the center. Instead of freaking out as I may have normally done, I actually stopped and marveled at what I had just learned and what I was seeing. A truly wonderful book.

[Mo]

I've always been fascinated by webs. This story brings even more appreciation for the beauty and marvel of webs and their makers. I didn't know that orbweavers ate their webs afterward and slept elsewhere during the day. Magnificent illustrations and use of vertical pages. How did that kid not see the web right at eye level?! And kudos for the rare mention of crane flies. The author is a recovering arachnophobe and felt it more helpful to appreciate life from the spider's point of view instead of just knowing how they help. Agreed.

[Victoria M. Sanchez]

Non-fiction adjacent.

I'm not a big fan of spiders, but spending a night weaving webs and looking at the stars feels pretty magical (and maybe uncomfortably slow for impatient folks like me) when you do it from the perspective of an orb-weaver.
Okay, I was not a fan of the orb-weaver-on-the-hand illustration, but with a quick page turn, I was back to the beauty of the night.
Arachnophobes — just try it.

[A.]

I feel bad but the whole time I was reading this I was thinking about how it's nice but not as good as Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider.

[LinLin]

Beautifully written and illustrated book about orbweaver spider Weaver and her day of hard work. It will give you a different perspective on webs you see around in nature. Great for 2-3rd grade read aloud.

[Marcia]

A beautifully illustrated picture book about a spotted orbweaver spider. This book takes a different approach, celebrating the spider’s hard work and perseverance despite the obstacles ( humans) in its path. A lovely reminder to appreciate the natural world and perhaps view spiders in a new light.

[Shannonmde]

me: why is no one talking about this on any of the mock Caldecott lists? ugh!!
First line in goodreads about the author -- author is a resident of Thailand.
This book is so pretty. Wish it were Caldecott eligible.

[Rachel]

A pretty book about a spider who weaves webs at night to try and find food. Not sure why this is nonfic. It did have facts and was true to what is true about spiders, but it read very much like a fic. I guess that's good! It wasn't boring and even had some humor.

[Raven Black]

I would have liked a few more facts added within the story, but the way it is presented is practically perfect. The illustrations are amazing and cool like the night.

[Meghan Bohn]

Love the illustrations and the message, but I wish it didn't feature an outdoor cat. :(

[Sarah]

A picture book for older readers -- beautiful illustrations and facts about spiders and their webs. This gave me a whole new appreciation for the beauty of webs.

[Chrissy]

Love these pictures and I love the lyrical story.

I might think about this for a Storytime, but I do want to put it forward for Beehive consideration next year.

[Svapna Sabnis]

Beautiful, informative with lovely illustrations

[Emily]

This is the best kids' spider book I've ever read, hands down! The illustrations are amazing! And I actually learned things!

[William Wilson]

Charming book for children and parents too. It presents the spider from a position of empathy. The illustrations are both beautiful and largely scientifically accurate.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks))]

this book is gorgeous and informative

[Alara Jennings]

Beautiful. My kids and I rooted for Weaver the entire way. Illuminating illustration work.

[Cara]

I loved the idea of the author writing this as a way to help their arachnophobia. My kid loved it, and it’s a wonderful book to read to show a spider’s beauty.