The Spider and the Fly - by Mary Howitt (Hardcover)

About the Book

OOWill you walk into my parlor, ' said the Spider to the Fly . . . " is easily one of the most recognized and quoted first lines in all of English verse. Join celebrated artist DiTerlizzi as he--drawing inspiration from one of his loves, the classic Hollywood horror movies of the 1920s and 1930s--shines a cinematic spotlight on Howitt's warning. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

A special 10th Anniversary Edition of an illustrated classic that won the Caldecott Honor. Includes a collectible poster showcasing original art.

"Will you walk into my parlor," said the Spider to the Fly....
This enduring verse from Mary Howitt dates back to the nineteenth century, but its warning--to beware the wiles of flattery--remains as relevant as ever. Celebrated artist Tony DiTerlizzi, drawing inspiration from his love of classic Hollywood horror movies of the 1920s and 1930s, shines a cinematic spotlight on a quintessential cautionary tale.
In commemoration of its tenth year, this revitalized edition showcases both the Caldecott sticker and a custom anniversary sticker as well as a brand-new jacket, features an author's note and new art, and includes a four-color poster.

Review Quotes

"A gleefully sinister fable that spins its tale like a great old silent film. The kind one might only see in a haunted nickelodeon. I love the beautiful, dramatic, black-and-white illustrations."--Lane Smith illustrator of "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs" and "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales"

"The most charming spider you'll ever dine with!"--Henry Selick director of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "James and the Giant Peach"

Henry Selick director of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "James and the Giant Peach" The most charming spider you'll ever dine with!

Lane Smith illustrator of "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs" and "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales" A gleefully sinister fable that spins its tale like a great old silent film. The kind one might only see in a haunted nickelodeon. I love the beautiful, dramatic, black-and-white illustrations.

About the Author

Mary Howitt was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1799. With her husband, William Howitt, she wrote more than 180 books, including the poem The Spider and the Fly: An Apologue: A New Version of an Old Story, which first appeared in The New Year's Gift.

#1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi has been creating children's books for over twenty years. From fanciful picture books like The Spider & the Fly to chapter book series like the Search for WondLa, DiTerlizzi imbues his stories with a rich imagination. With Holly Black, he created the middle grade series the Spiderwick Chronicles, which has sold 20 million copies, been adapted into a feature film, and been translated in over thirty countries. The Norman Rockwell Museum's exhibition "Never Abandon Imagination" featured artwork from the beginning of DiTerlizzi's career as a contributing artist for Dungeons & Dragons and broke attendance records. He has been featured in Time magazine and USA TODAY and on CNN, PBS, NPR, the BBC, and the Today show.