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The Spider and the Fly (Hardcover)

~ Mary Howitt (Author), (Author) "Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
List Price: $17.99
Price: $12.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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The Spider and the Fly + Where the Wild Things Are + Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Price For All Three: $28.44

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  • This item: The Spider and the Fly by Mary Botham Howitt

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Howitt's 1829 cautionary poem of a fly's risky entanglement with her perfidious predator springs to cinematic life amid silver-sheened black-and-white illustrations by an artist well known for his work on the Magic: The Gathering trading cards. Gouache images that seem to glow in the dark deftly recall the silent film era, craftily luring in readers even before the tale's famous opener, " `Will you walk into my parlor?' said the Spider to the Fly." An exterior view of a darkened mansion, its sole light coming from an attic window, gives way to a close-up of the same window as a petite dragonfly in flapper attire (complete with fringed dress, long gloves and flower-petal parasol) peers inside at Spider's lair: a Victorian dollhouse set amid cobwebby attic treasures. With an arsenal of Vincent Price expressions, the well-heeled Spider uses food and flattery to entice his guest into staying within his walls. Some of the text appears periodically against a framed black backdrop, … la silent movie captions, while a silvery web is progressively woven in the background. Finely detailed scenes foreshadow Fly's demise with subtle, Charles Addams-esque humor that, while it may escape younger readers, will tickle the Lemony Snicket set. (In one scene, previous insect victims, now ghosts with their feet hovering above the floor, hold up a copy of The Joy of Cooking Bugs, in a vain warning to Fly.) DiTerlizzi has spun a visual treat that young sophisticates and adults alike will enjoy. Ages 6-up.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal

Grade 1-6-Most people are familiar with Howitt's poem, but DiTerlizzi's art raises this hackneyed classic to a new level. Rendered in black-and-white gouache and pencil, then reproduced in silver-and-black duotone, the paintings have a spooky quality perfectly suited to retelling this melancholy tale. Ms. Fly, with her whimsical flower umbrella and Roaring '20s attire, captures the flavor of an old-time Hollywood heroine. Her nemesis, seated on his Victorian chair, is dressed like a pasha in silk robe and slippers (six, of course) or resplendent in tails, top hat, and spats; he is clearly a dastardly fiend cloaked in splendid apparel to dazzle his victim. Wispy, transparent, ghostly shapes haunt the eerie mansion; the white print on the black pages stands out against the shadows creeping across each spread. All of these elements foreshadow the fly's untimely demise. With its tragic ending, heavy moralizing, and sophisticated artwork, this book will appeal to older children as well as to adult fans of old horror movies. This title is worth purchasing for its valuable artwork alone.
Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

  • Reading level: Ages 4-8
  • Hardcover: 40 pages
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; 1st edition (October 1, 2002)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0689852894
  • ISBN-13: 978-0689852893
  • Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.3 x 0.3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,347 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #45 in  Books > Children's Books > Literature > Poetry > Nursery Rhymes
    #63 in  Books > Children's Books > Animals > Bugs & Spiders > Fiction

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More About the Authors

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Tony DiTerlizzi
Tony DiTerlizzi
Mary Botham Howitt
Mary Botham Howitt

Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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First Sentence:
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain. Read the first page
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The Spider and the Fly
90% buy the item featured on this page:
The Spider and the Fly 4.9 out of 5 stars (51)
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Customer Reviews

51 Reviews
5 star:
 (47)
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 (2)
3 star:
 (2)
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Average Customer Review
4.9 out of 5 stars (51 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Little fly, little fly, fly away home, June 25, 2004
Some picture books instantly impress. They have that extra little spark or oomph that sets them apart from the rest. At first, the idea of a modern illustrator reworking a cautionary tale from 1829 sounds as if it's in danger of becoming dull, preachy, or didactic. Then you take a single glance at Tony DiTerlizzi's reworking of Mary Howitt's poem, "The Spider and the Fly", and you're blown away. Referencing the silent films of the 1920s and 30s, the book is meant to guide youngsters on the path of wisdom. Presumably by showing the stupidity of flies.

We all know the great opening lines of this tale. " `Will you walk into my parlor?' said the Spider to the Fly". Here we see our villain, the gorgeously outfitted spider, bowing deeply to a lovely lady fly that bears no little resemblance to Shelly Duvall. The spider himself is replete with walking cane, spats on each of his legs, slick dandified hair, a Rhett Butler moustache, and a long top hat. The fly's initial answer (a negative) shows her in her best flapper wear. She has the parasol, the delicately gloved arms, the handbag, bobbed antennae, and flapper hat. The spider is persistent, now donning a smoking jacket and fez as various buggy ghosts of his past victims attempt to warn the little fly away. Finally, after many attempts, the spider flatters the fly with tales of her beauty. She falls for it instantly and returns when the spider calls, "Your robes are green and purple - there's a crest upon your head; Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead". She comes, he pops her in his long hat, and the next thing we know she's tied up tight in a cocoon with the shadow of a spider (cook's hat on head, knife and fork in hand) laughingly approach her. The moral of the story is, as William Bennett once said, "Not everyone who talks sweetly offers sweets".

It's not every picture book that the villain not only wins but also gets his own especial afterword. NOT written by Mary Howitt, the spider has his say. He points out that all spiders are trappers, even the beloved Charlotte from E.B. White's classic book. As we read we see the now full spider, his spatted feet on the table, delicately wiping his mouth on his napkin. A little hat sits forlornly on the plate before him. Thus ends a truly delightful book. DiTerlizzi has taken the time to include a couple facts about the life of the author Howitt, which is great. As an illustrator, the black and white scheme used for these illustrations is marvelous. These pictures were rendered beautifully and each shot is cinematic. There is little doubt, certainly, that some children will be perturbed by the pretty little fly's untimely end. I might point out, however, that there are also some children out there that are perturbed by the death of Charlotte in the aforementioned, "Charlotte's Web". Most kids, I believe, will love this book. It's noteworthy to point out that the blurbs on the back of the book come from Henry Selick (director of the "Nightmare Before Christmas") and Lance Smith (of "The Stinky Cheese Man" fame). Both of these should give you a fair idea of the kind of book this is. It's dark without ever becoming gory. Intense without ever being graphic. And, most importantly of all, it's a joy to look at. Who knew 19th century poems could be so much fun?
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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Classic Made Even Better....., November 12, 2002
"Will you walk into my parlor?" said the Spider to the Fly... So begins Mary Howitt's 1829, cautionary timeless classic. But this age-old masterpiece has been elevated to new heights by the stunning, black and white, "silent screen" artwork of Tony DiTerlizzi. Mr DiTerlizzi has created a clever and captivating feast for the eyes, and filled his illustrations with spooky humor and wit, intricate, eye-catching details, marvelous facial expressions, and pure magic. Young and old alike will be entranced as they linger and explore each page, finding something new and enticing each and every time they open the book. Perfect for "youngsters" of all ages, The Spider And The Fly begs to be read aloud and shared with friends and family now, and future generations in the years to come. "And now, dear little children, who may this story read,/To idle, silly, flattering words I pray you ne'er give heed:/Unto an evil counselor,/close heart and ear and eye,/And take a lesson from this tale,/of the Spider and the Fly."
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Oh Yes, This is THE Book for little spooks, October 22, 2002
By A Bookaholic "a1chick" (Clinton, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
Ok, for one and all the illustrations are luscious and timely. The story, the reading out loud is second to none! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the spook factor had us waiting to read it to one and all! A definite must have for the family library!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Family Favorite!
We absolutely love this book! The images are charming and whimsical. True eye candy. My 3 year old son asks for the "Spider Book" almost every night - and I still haven't... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Shamber

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spider and the Fly is Among Our Favorites
Based on the classic poem, The Spider and the Fly, by Mark Howitt, this book comes to life with the impressive and outstanding artwork of Tony DiTerlizzi. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Julee Morrison

5.0 out of 5 stars Childrens book that any adult will love.
Some would say this falls under Children's Noir. While the story might be a bit complex and unorthodox, it is a great amazing story whith exceptional illustration. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Enrique San Roman

5.0 out of 5 stars Creepy, in a good way
My 3-y-o son loves it, and so do I. Gorgeous illustrations in the spirit of C. Addams and R. Gorey. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Raquel Lee

5.0 out of 5 stars Be prepared to read this book over and over and over and over....
We checked out this book at the library for our 3yr old..She LOVED IT and wanted to read it over and over again. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Rhonda Mankin

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spider and the Fly
Well, I was givin the task of finding the perfect spider book for a six year old learning to read. My requirements; It had to be about spiders, it had to be "six-year-old" scary,... Read more
Published 10 months ago by M. Hull

5.0 out of 5 stars spooky
The book is a great cautionary tale for young and old. The art work, beautifully spooky.
Published 12 months ago by FAD

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect illustrations for a classic rhyme
Ah, what a spectacular combination. The breath-taking artwork of DiTerlizzi with the sing-song poem-with-a-moral of Howitt. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Emily Taylor

5.0 out of 5 stars great story for your daughter
This book is great! The illustrations are so impressive that even though they only black and white your children will love them. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Poppy Crock

5.0 out of 5 stars a GREAT book
This style of the book reminds me of Edward Gorey. The illustrations are fabulous, if the matter is a bit dark. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Chi-town shopper

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