I received this book as a member of Rosie Amber’s Review Team#RBRT in return for an honest review
We gave Jimmy the House Spider 3.5*out of 5*
Our Review:
Our review is set out in two parts’ Mine and Seren’s (our (almost) eight year old granddaughter)
Judith: Jimmy The (House) Spider is a short and simple, straightforward story to be read to young children (I would imagine the book is aimed at five – seven year olds). The themes of kindness and respect are threaded throughout. And the book encourages empathy to all living creature
Seren: It is a good story. It’s very interesting and teaches children about spiders and being kind. Of course it is a bit young for me. I will be eight in four days. I can read properly.
Judith: It’s also a useful to explain to children that house spiders are nothing to be afraid of.
Seren: I am not frightened by spiders. And I like wood lice.
Judith: The language isn’t patronising – though, on the other hand, some of the words are a little difficult for a young child, such as “laboriously”, “peril” and “retreat” and would need explanation: (that isn’t to say that’s wrong; just pointing it out) . Also some of the sentences are unusually long for this age group and there is little of the repetition of words and phrases that are in most children’s books.
Seren: I knew all the words but some of them are a bit difficult to say out loud.
Judith: Each character is well drawn through the narrative and the dialogue is straightforward and portrays each character well.
Seren: I liked Jimmy, he was funny and I liked Grandpa, he was kind. He has a beard like my Grandad.
Judith: It’s a slender book; twelve pages in all, most of which have lovely colourful drawings on them that illustrate the story beautifully.
Seren: I liked the drawings very much.They make Jimmy look like a friendly spider.
Judith: We enjoyed reading the book together
Seren: I read it to Nanna It is a good story. I was glad Jimmy was safe.
Judith: There are some details that needed explanations, which is quite good and gives extended knowledge of Nature. However Seren didn’t understand the joke about “silverfish and thrips”; perhaps if it had been made in conjunction with a reference to Grandpa eating fish and chips at the same time it would have made more sense.
Seren: I learned that an Orfe is a fish.
Judith: All in all a delightful story.
Links to buy:
Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/2IjLWwM
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2FKfYeB
Raymond T. Davies says:
‘I have spent a good deal of time teaching my children and grandchildren to respect the other creatures we share our world with. Many children and even many grown-ups, suffer from arachnophobia with unfortunate results for themselves and the spiders; particularly those who inhabit our homes. My hope is this house spider adventure will dispel some of those fears and influence children and their parents to look kindly on these useful and harmless little creatures and indeed, all life forms which make up our world. They all have their part to play in ensuring our unique planet and the life it supports, will continue.’
Judith Barrow 
Even though you gave the book 3.5 stars, I find myself attracted to it, Judith. I love the cover, and the themes of kindness and respect being threaded throughout the book. Thanks for sharing ❤
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It is a lovely little book, Tina. And the cover and illustrations are wonderful. I dithered between three and four stars mainly because of the number of other children’s books I’ve read, considered and reviewed in the past… and because of the points I’ve raised. And also through watching my granddaughter’s reactions. It was a difficult choice just for my review on my blog; on Amazon I will be posting as a four star and on Goodreads (because of their different standards of reviewing, three stars) The themes of kindness and respect shine through in Jimmy the (House ) Spider – values which,h are so important these days.
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Dear Judith, May I thank you for your constructive review of my book
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Dear Raymond, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to read and review for you. I see your book is being well received and that’s great.
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Dear Judith, Just to mention the use of a few long words was purposeful. I feel many children’s stories are less educational because they don’t use a few. Best wishes Raymond T Davies Tel 07710993760 Author of the children’s book “Jimmy the House Spider” teaching children and their parents the value of these helpful little creatures. a Available at Amazon – http://amzn.to/2BkhpxF. #JimmyTheHouseSpider
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Dear Raymond, I know; I did only say, “… some of the words are a little difficult for a young child, such as “laboriously”, “peril” and “retreat” and would need explanation: (that isn’t to say that’s wrong; just pointing it out).” And I agree, it is good for children to learn new words. And don’t forget, this is just my subjective opinion , as all reviews are. Both Seren, our granddaughter and I enjoyed your book – but i do try to be balanced and constructive when I can. All the best.
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Thank you Judith and Seren.
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I loved hearing Seren’s views.
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This review was adorable. I loved Seren’s input. You’re training her well, Judith. 🙂
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What a perfect idea, Judith, to have your granddaughter read it with you! I’ve found from tutoring middle schoolers here in my area that their reading levels are quite exceptional. And if they come across a word they don’t know, they ask or look it up.
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It’s lovely to read with her, Noelle – she’s bright (well, I would say that, wouldn’t I). And she does ask – it was the Orfe that flummoxed her! 🙂
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This is the most fabulous way to do a review. Hugs to you both, Judith and Seren. Best wishes to Raymond. Hugs all around.
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Ah, hugs received with hugs back, Teagan. Thank you. Seren is now on her way to Disneyland in Florida for her eighth birthday – having left me with as another review for a children’s book for next #TuesdayBookBlog.. ❤ x
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I wish I’d read more books like this as a child. Maybe then I wouldn’t be so scared of spiders.
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I know,Annabelle! It’s a lovely little book.
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A lovely review by your granddaughter and you, Judith. I also enjoy reading a book with Michael. He gives such interesting insights and commentary into the stories.
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Thanks, Robbie. Seren enjoys reading so it’s a great opportunity for the two of us. As you obviously know, children can be more observant and astute about many things than wed are! LOL. x
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