The Story of the Brave Little Spider

Field Notes: This second version of the Brave Little Spider was created especially for young readers of ages 7 to 9. I have also retained the original story, while adding sections of interest depicting young students discussing real facts about spiders. Their discussion after having been on a nature field trip illustrates the need to preserve our environment and wild animal habitats. In addition basic drawing instructions were added, including how to observe wildlife, with sample personalized pages about creating Field Notes. This new version of the Brave Little Spider was revised especially for those young readers who are at the beginning stages of exploring the natural world around them. :<>: This story about "The Brave Little Spider" originated quite by accident when one morning I went in the garden to water my vegetables. While opening the water facet I noticed a very small spider that had spun a web attached between a wild flower and the water pipe. I was immediately fascinated by how such a small creature was able to spin so fast and in a very short time the web was completed. The spider then seemed to place himself comfortably in the middle of the web and wait for smaller insects to get caught in his silken trap. I also thought how similar his plan of action was to how humans behave when they go fishing. By late evening I had returned to water my vegetables and noticed that the little spider was still waiting inside his web. Only by now I was able to see that the catch of the day were several mosquitoes and many small gnats. The little spider had also individually wrapped them for safe keeping and no doubt to be eaten later or when he felt hungry. It was then when I suddenly thought, "What if a great big giant comes in my garden and this little spider is the only one who can save my vegetable from being eaten? ...What will he do?" Fortunately, I soon concluded that my, "Brave Little Spider," would do the only sensible thing. Spin the strongest and largest web and save my vegetable garden from the great big giant! Thus the Brave Little Spider in my story saved the forest where he lived with many friends; but it's also a delightful story about a creature we have mistakable come to vilify in old tales and misconceptions. Spiders, as we all should know, play a useful part in the realm of Mother Nature as do bees, eagles and all living creatures. Every one of us has our role to play if we want this planet named Earth, to survive. As you will see when reading this story, our little hero was able to make a difference and save his community from devastation. This short tale was written for young readers and for those of us, who still retain a spark of just fairness and have remained young at heart. Giovanni