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Dick King-Smith - Author
A gentle but serious rural story in which Spider’s connection with animals gives him purpose and belonging. It presents difference, kindness and courage through a character whose strengths are recognised by those who care for him.
Spider is treated as different because of his speech, movement and abilities; his parents and some community members recognise his strengths.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The story appears to value acceptance rather than mere tolerance, while showing prejudice as a social response Spider faces.
Talk about: If Spider’s abilities were less unusual, would the community value him in the same way?
Human–animal connection
Spider has an unusual affinity with animals, including farm and wild creatures, and works by scaring crows from growing crops.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The book presents this favourably.
Talk about: Does the story give animals their own significance, or mainly use them to reveal Spider’s character?
Courage and loyalty
Spider is described as loyal to family, friends and village, with courage shown through staying true to himself rather than only through physical feats.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The story appears to broaden courage beyond physical strength and to value loyalty and kindness in relationships.
Talk about: When does Spider choose loyalty or kindness, and what consequences follow?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may offer a useful starting point for discussing how people respond to visible difference, and whether recognising someone’s abilities can challenge assumptions about what they can contribute.
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What Deserves Attention
The book’s emotional weight comes from Spider’s disability, social prejudice, fragile health, foundling background, war, and references to birth and death. Some readers may want support discussing these subjects.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does the community respond to Spider, and does the story distinguish between genuine care and curiosity about someone who is visibly different? What might change those responses?
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Reading Approach
Read together if the rural dialect or serious themes might be challenging. Pause to discuss Spider’s strengths without treating him as inspirational merely because he has a disability, and notice how animals and people are treated.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Difference and belonging: The full range of Spider’s experiences and the ending are not established.
Human–animal connection: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Courage and loyalty: The specific adventures, dangers and outcomes are only partly described.
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