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)

Baby spiders start their lives as little creatures, smaller than the letters on this page. Once a mother spider lays her eggs, she's on the lookout for hungry predators hoping to feast on her growing offspring. Then, from the moment 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 silk into beautifully woven webs to snag their own prey. Stunning, up-close photographs show baby spiders as they begin life and grow into adults. With the most up-to-date research about spiders from around the world, science expert Sandra Markle will capture even the most arachnophobic of readers.