Spider Sisters

By John Trent, Ph.D.
Illustrated by Judy Love

Word Publishing, $12.99

ISBN 0849912113

A Tale of Togetherness

John Trent, well-known author of both adult (The Blessing) and children's titles (There's a Duck in My Closet), tells readers more about himself with each new title. He encourages others with good cheer as he looks to his own life and faith. In the dedication to his latest children's title, Spider Sisters, he tells us that his two daughters live out the strong sister bonds portrayed in the story.

Written in rhyme as one sister's appreciation of the other, Spider Sisters describes such things as their secret sister language, the spider sister hugs, riding a sled together, playing "mothball" together, praying together at bedtime. But the spider-writer is quick to say there are differences between the two. She likes a game of chase or playing ball while her sister is more the tea-party type. She wears athletic shoes and her sister wears Mary Jane slippers. The two aren't identical twins for sure, yet their bond is strong. The source for this bond is suggested in a line that says "she [Mom] prays our love for Him will keep us close like superglue."

The vibrant full-page pictures by award-winning artist Judy Love add fun to the story. She has created each scene from a combination of real items (clay, sponges, pipe cleaners, feathers, carriages, baskets, etc.) and illustrated backgrounds that give a whimsical touch. The spider sisters are no beauties, but their postures and facial expressions are very real and lovable.

If we could just get John Trent to tell us how he happened to choose spiders as the main characters! Maybe it's because they have extra arms that create special bonds. Spider Sisters is a book to share with any sister -- big or little.

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