FICTION

Walter's Wonderful Web

by Tim HOPGOOD
illus. by Tim Hopgood. 32p. Farrar. Aug. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780374303525.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K—This engaging story introduces triangles, squares, circles, diamonds, and rectangles as a big-eyed spider's attempts to create a perfect web. Fuzzy, round Walter tries hard to improve his technique, but, alas, his webs are "wibbly-wobbly." One by one, he employs different shapes in his spinning, but none withstands the "whoosh" of the wind. Inspiration hits one night, and success comes with a glorious composition of all the shapes, in varying sizes. Even a trio of owls gape in admiration. Hopgood reinforces the lesson by offering a large example of each shape opposite its spider web representation and a conclusion with cue questions for further exploration. The art is clear and simple but graphically appealing, and Walter is an adorable and determined protagonist.
VERDICT The cartoon art and gentle humor marry well with the tiny geometry lesson for a fun read-aloud and an effective concept book.
Reviewed by Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA
In Hopgood's introductory concept book for the youngest reader, spider Walter wants a less "wibbly-wobbly" web, but each time he weaves a new shape--triangle, square, etc.--the wind blows it away. Readers will be won over by Walter's (ultimately rewarded) tenacity and by Hopgood's clean, vital art, which manages to present a cuddlesome arachnid.
 , Jul 01, 2016

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