Customer Reviews

Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff, Second Edition

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This enjoyable children's poetry book made me laugh and hold a smile the entire time I read this comical book to my three giggling children--until the very end.

The New Hampshire author, CJ Heck, originally from Ohio, has put together a spectacular collection of children's poetry into one skillfully written and charmingly illustrated book. Michelle Lenkner has drawn delightful characters in pencil drawings, which enhance and perfectly fits the adorable poetry on each and every page.

Do you know what a barking spider is? My children laughed hysterically as I read the poem titled: Barking Spiders and by the fourth time...they were holding their stomachs!

This honest, innocent, and appealing book transcends all age barriers and explores topics such as belly buttons, smelly feet, birthmarks, and chicken pox! Every child and parent a like is sure to fall in love with this funny, and unique book by a talented author who definitely knows and keeps in touch with the child within her.

My children and I enjoyed this book thoroughly and I plan to read a poem to them every day in the hopes of keeping their wonderful imaginations a live.

Get in touch with the child who is trapped inside you, make your little ones giggle and watch as their eyes light up as you read such poems as: Dancing Fairies, Playin' Cowboy, Toe Jam, My Brother's Feet, and many more delightful poems.

Visit the imaginative world of a child by getting your hands on CJ Heck's book BARKING SPIDERS and other such stuff as soon as possible.

Highly recommended!

--Reviewed by Jennifer L. B. Leese,

This collection of 59 brief poems by C.J. Heck and accompanying line drawings by Michelle Lenkner are destined to become standard reading for the 10 year old set. They magically capture the "lost youth" of these young people while also moving the gaze into the potential joy of the current moment. Each poem seems designed to come from a different specific childhood perspective that will fit your child perfectly in a number of cases. Beyond that, the pages will reopen your own mind and heart to your childhood memories and perspectives.

In fact, the book is designed to give the feel of being an anthology of children's verse. The poems can connect with your child both through their subject matter and by their simplicity. You have poems about barking spiders, belly buttons, lost teeth, Bandaids, hugs, the Boogie man, shadows, smelly feet, toe jam, new babies in the family, and prayer. These are almost universal subjects. Often the poems come from an obviously female or male perspective, and I liked that. Your child can pick the rhymes that fit his or her personality and experiences best.

Most children will probably relate well to somewhere between 20 and 40 of these poems, so there's plenty here to keep the 4th through 6th grader happily occupied.

Personally, I found some of the poems to be remarkably appealing and interesting. Among these are Ode to Being Five, To the Boogie Man:, Hugs, Jelly Beans, Bandaids, Baby's First Christmas, Colors, The Quarter, My Tooth, Our New Baby, "Special" Brother, Dear Santa, Mommie's Hands, Angel, and Bed Pages.

I would like to single out one poem, Night Night, for special praise. It is similar to the ending of Goodnight Moon, but has an even simpler way to descend into a cozy slumber.

Although this book is designed to be read at the 9-12 age level, the poems themselves will be enjoyed by much younger children when read aloud by you. As such, you can begin reading some of these to children as young as 1 or 2. Some are also simple enough that they could be easily learned by a beginning reader. So you will get plenty of benefit over the years from your investment in the book.

After you child shows signs of "outgrowing" this book, I suggest that you explain the reasons why you enjoy it. ... adopting an ageless perspective that combines the best of youth and maturity is a valuable goal. Keeping the best of childhood present is the way to begin that process. Encourage them to keep with them that which is always valuable about childhood's outlook, especially the optimism and simple sense of wonder.

Make sure your child's life is always more than "a hole that just goes nowhere."

What a fun book! I cant think of a better book to give or read to a child. In this delightful book C. J. Hecks lyrical poetry captures the world as seen through the eyes of a child. Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff evoked feelings of nostalgia in me. Although I enjoyed the entire bookand its whimsical illustrationsI was particularly touched by The Quarter, which teaches children to be thoughtful and considerate of those who are less fortunate. Grampas House brought back a flood of memories of weekend visits when I was a little girl. Grammas Apron was another poem that tugged at my heart. I also enjoyed Yes and No, the two words that have such an impact on a childs day. And I remember how I too wished that a Money Tree would grow in my back yard. I'm glad to see that Barking Spiders is in its second edition. Many other editions are sure to follow, as it is destined to become a childrens book classic. But don't choose it because of that; choose it because it's just too wonderful to miss.

This book is fantastic! I read and shared this book with my 3rd grade class and they have constantly commented since! Our faves were "Barking Spiders" (wait until you figure these out!) and "Gramma's Apron" (will bring a tear to anyone's eyes). Ms. Heck has a wonderful eye into the world of children, yet has the balance of writing which allows even the oldest "child" to enjoy her work. Even my students compared her to the greats of children's poetry, such as Shel Silverstein ("Where the Sidewalk Ends") and Jack Prelutsky ("The New Kid on the Block"). A strong recommendation for anyone!

REVIEW FOR "BARKING SPIDERS,"

Once in awhile an author comes along with a truly delightful children's book. CJ Heck, author of "Barking Spiders and other such stuff" has been able to reach into the child within all of us. Her poems lead us through the inquisitive minds of children everywhere! The imagination in her poems is enlightening, witty, funny and sometimes sad. The wisdom through her work is woven together in a way that each poem tells a story that is both honest and clear.

This book captured my attention until the very last page, therefore telling me that it is a must for every household. What child wouldn't want to know what a "Barking Spider" is? What do they do? What adult wouldn't want to know either? I enjoy how CJ Heck is able to take a simple action such as a child brushing one's teeth and transpire it into a poem delivering a message of family, knowledge, and above all that ANY subject is worth noting! She has been able to go down to the level of a child without losing her adult perspective. Each poem has a simple message that tells a child that no question is silly.

What is really exciting about "Barking Spiders" is the way poems are introduced to children. What a wonderful teaching tool for any class! It is great to peak the interest of youngsters today and I would have to say "Barking Spiders" most certainly delivers.

Dorothy Krusky, Canada
Author of "The Christmas Cat" a children's Christmas story. 2005
"Life's Ride - A Journal of Poems 2007

CJ Heck has captured the wonderment of children. Most would say CJ can see life through the eyes of a child. You can only write children's poetry like Barking Spiders if you held on to your inner child with all your might. From Schlossenfuss to Toe Jam to Gramma's Apron and a Puppy's 'Partment, CJ has revealed her empathetic children's soul. Add Barking Spiders to your younster's night-night reading. It only takes up a little space, but will fill your heart.

A marvelously imaginative collection for kids of all ages, Barking Spiders explores the wide-eyed innocence of childhood one page at a time. Infused with a subtle, refreshing humor, CJ's poems read like "mini memories" of a time when new sneakers made you run faster, looth teeth made you talk funny, and bellybuttons were a mystery. There's something here for everyone to make you laugh and warm your heart. And so much fun to read you'll wish there were more....

Barking Spiders is a delightful collection of poems for children. When I first started reading C.J. Heck's poetry, it was obvious that she had a unique talent to get into the mind of a child and see life from their perspective. This collection deals with subjects ranging from "Barking Spiders" to "Toe Jam" with some angels flying around in between. I love the smiles, giggles, oouu's and ahs reading these poems to my grandchildren brings. (And from their mom's and dad's too.) They are truly for the child in all of us. Bravo C.J.! Jim Hartsell

CJ has really captured the essence childhood in Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff. The poems range from funny, sad, silly, sweet, touching, and gross (according to my daughter which, of course, is a HUGE compliment, haha). The book is, also, beautifully illustrated. While the pictures are merely black and white drawings, they evoke just as much emotion as the poems themselves. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a children's poetry book. My kids and I love it, and I know you will, too.

CJHeck is a great writer and an even better person. She has put together in this book insights from the view of a child and how they see the world. With superb imagination she skillfully sculpts a painting in our hearts of long forgotten images of life. You and your child will enjoy together this journey of the imagination and heart and share a special moment together as you realize the child in us never dies, but lasts forever in a heart that is open to wonder and imagination. I highly recommend this book and any others that she may write.

R Cosmar