It's almost Bid's birthday and Spid is worried. He wants it to be Bid's best birthday ever because she is his most favourite spidling in the whole wide world. But there's a problem. No matter how hard he thinks, he doesn't have a single birthday-present idea anywhere in his worried head. The book features 2 songs: 'Birthday Girl' and 'It's My Birthday'. The songs have accompanying QR codes to take readers to musical versions of the songs. You can also find music videos of the songs at https://spidthespider.com and https://www.youtube.com/spidthespider. Spid is a lowly spider, who wants to better himself, write songs, and marry his girlfriend Bid, though he is prone to hilarious mishaps mostly of his own making. He is hard-working, cool, and a role model for young children. As well as encouraging children to read and love books, Spid's adventures also teach valuable life lessons, including determination and what psychologists call a 'growth mindset' (desire to better oneself and succeed), the importance of friendship, and sustainability. With very creative prose, Spid's adventures are fun for parents, and teachers to read to, and with, their children. They present lots of opportunities to invest dramatic licence thus helping adults and children interact and engage. The humour also works at multiple levels from silly and slapstick to more sophisticated wordplay and concepts. Thus, children will discover more and enjoy reading the stories multiple times.

About the Author
John lives and works in Taunton, Somerset. He is a care home manager, nurse, poet, and songwriter. John started writing in the middle of the lock-down as a means of staying sane, and keeping in touch, and building relationships with his granddaughter, Evaleigh. He has always had an affinity with the English language, and space and time provided the opportunity to create. He is passionate about encouraging literacy, and love of the English language. Some of the themes in Spid's books mirror John's own life. When he left school, he did not know what, if anything, he would be good at. Being one of eight children and growing up on a council estate he did not aspire to higher purpose. Working in a psychiatric hospital, and then qualifying as a Mental Health Nurse (RMN) and then as a Registered General Nurse (RGN) led him overseas. Then to establish a successful healthcare training business and subsequently a growing care home in Somerset. He hopes Spid the Spider's adventures will engage and empower parents to instil a love of reading. Thus far John has also written some 100 songs, mostly with Pete Dymond (who has also worked with Sir Paul McCartney, David Essex and Mickie Most). His first book of poetry, or what he calls 'proetry', Thoughts from a Faraway Place, Austin Macauley (2021) was inspired by the people, punishment, pathos, and humorous proclamations he encountered in his day job.

Reviews
"We had a blast reading this. I love the QR codes that link to Spid's songs. The kids immediately had a dance party! I especially love the message about stealing, how it effects others, and forgiving those who try to make things right. We had a discussion about that after which was really great." Kris Plazier, Primary School Teacher and Blogger, The Children's Bookshelf (www.cbookshelf.com); "This book is full of colour, beautiful illustrations and runs to a generous 60+ pages. The story has lots of exciting events and involves problem solving, friendship and unique characters that your little ones will find hilarious" Jess Croft, The Secret World of Books



Book Information
ISBN 9781915376091
Author John Eaton
Format Paperback
Page Count 88
Imprint Spidling Productions Limited
Publisher Spidling Productions Limited
Dimensions(mm) 150mm * 210mm * 7mm