From Publishers Weekly
Among the ingredients of this high-camp fantasy-mystery (besides the eponymous arachnids) are a club of seven elementary school girls, a meddlesome reporter named Meg Snoople and a romance between an ill truck driver and his nurse. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-Seven tarantulas preserved in a glacier since prehistoric times are discovered, fall out of their refrigerated crate on their way to Harvard scientists, and thaw in rural, present-day Vermont. Given this premise, readers follow the rather intelligent creatures' trail of poisonous love and revenge. The objects of their affection (and later their hate) are The Tattletales, a group of girls whose school rivals are the Copycats (boys). The two groups finally call a truce and combine forces to rescue their beloved teacher, Miss Earth, when she receives a deadly bite. As the tale progresses and each of the arachnids approaches its potential victim, the suspense builds. However, there is quite a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor here, as well. Characters are almost caricatures-the standard bossy girl, studious boy, motherly school aide, and too-good-to-be-true pretty teacher. Yet, somehow it all comes together to create a funny, shivery story of ancient Siberian snow spiders and the problems they cause in a peaceful New England village. The book is a bit long, but would make a great read-aloud and a satisfying choice for fans of humorous horror.
Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NYCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
