How Spider Saved Valentine's Day

How Spider Saved...

by Robert Kraus

When no one remembers to get valentines for two catepillars, Spider and his friends dress up like valentines to surprise them. Young readers will enjoy the vivid colors and the amusing cast of characters.--Kirkys Reviews.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Robert Kraus was an American children's author, cartoonist and publisher. Founder and publisher of Windmill Books, author and illustrator of award-winning children's books, Kraus began as a cartoonist and cover artist for The New Yorker. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_...]

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even if it seems like a story from another era (it was published in the mid-1980s), it's a cute story. When two of the students in Spider's class do not receive any Valentines, Spider and his friends come up with a solution.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just rediscovered this book from my childhood and it is adorable. It has some good repetition that children will enjoy because they can participate.
In this book, it's Valentine's Day. Spider, Ladybug, and Fly remember valentine for each other but forget about the two hungry caterpillars who sleep in the back. Luckily, they come up with a plan. And the caterpillars have a surprise of their own.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live the Spider book adventures. I remember having these books read to me when I was a child and I'm happy to read it to my kids. I would recommend this book to others.

[Roland · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY GOD I REMEMBER THIS ONE! I remember specifically him coloring himself red in order to once again save everyone’s bacon. Fun story.

[Kelsey Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Valentine’s Day at school, so Spider stops to buy some valentines. He shares valentines and candy with Ladybug and Fly, and vice versa, but unfortunately everyone forgot about the caterpillars because they are always sleeping. Spider, Ladybug and Fly feel bad because they did not get anything for caterpillars but they gave valentines to them. Because of this, the three decide to do something special. They paste candy hearts and red hearts on each other and jump out of the valentine box for the caterpillars, but the caterpillars had turned into butterflies! Obviously, this is a great book for the classroom on Valentine’s Day. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and resemble the artwork of a child. For this reason, kids will really enjoy the story. It also teaches a lesson on how to think of everyone, not just a few.

[Brianna Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Fictional Picture book

Reading Level: Early 5-8

Topics and Themes: Spider is a good friend to the other students in the class. When everyone forgets to get two hungry catapillars valentines, Spider comes up with the idea of making himself into a valentine.

Curricular Use: Independent reading

Social: Diversity is represented by having many different bugs in one class. They all work together and are friends even though they are very different.

Literary Element: The book uses personification because all the bugs in the book have human qualities.

Text and Pictures: There are very bright and colorful pictures on every page. The text is set off to the side or underneath the picture.

[Erica · Rating 1 out of 5]

1. Spider gets his valentines for his class. But when everyone opens their cards they realizes that they forgot to get ones for the two caterpillars. Thankfully Spider knows just what to do and saves the day!
2. It connects to other books because he saves the day.
3. I didn't like the book very much because of some of the things it said. I did like the illustrations. I thought that they were very fun. This is a good book to be read to kids, or for kids who can read on their own already.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one has a sweet message: spider goes out of his way to be kind to the lazy caterpillars, and then discovers they're butterflies. I dunno, it's kind of cute. But I find the writing style a bit obnoxious, and the art itself is . . . bleh. It's only that the style was loved by me as a child that I find it appealing. I really don't like the look of it now.

(My used copy has stamped in it: FROM THE LIBRARY OF Lynda A. Demidovich. San Antonio, Texas.)

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved reading the Spider books with my children. I just love how Spider and ladybug and fly's personalities clash at times and resolve to be friends again. This is a kind story about caring about people who might be left out.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

That is one clever and compassionate spider, let me tell you!

[Sagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kid's Review: "Those caterpillars sleep like Laz Kitty." Asked for multiple readings.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coale did not care for this book. It was cute though, I can see why she kept it all these years. =)