Crystal clear close-up photos provide readers with visual access to the world of baby spiders, also known as spiderlings. From egg sac to molting to silk production, the behavior and characteristics of young spiders and their parents are explained in fascinating detail. Spiderlings “become adults when they’re able to mate and produce young of their own,” a period of growth which may take less than a year or more than five years, depending on the species of spider. End materials include a glossary and index, a world map indicating where the spiders in the book were photographed, and a few final captivating facts. (Ages 7–10)

Sandra Markle has done it again, this time taking on the sneakiest of creatures- baby spiders. From the minute a mother spider lays her eggs, she's on patrol to guard against hungry predators hoping to feast on her growing offspring. Then as soon as the spiderlings break out of their egg sacs-sometimes hundreds at a time-they must avoid danger until they are big enough to start spinning their remarkably strong silk into beautifully woven webs to snag their own prey. Amazing, up-close photographs and the most up-to-date research about baby spiders from around the world offers a rare glimpse into these creatures' remarkable beginnings.