It's a very long way from Spider Webdon to Glenthistle. But after reading about King Robert the Spid of Glenthistle in a history book, Spid decides to visit his cousin, Hamish McSpid, who lives there. However, Spid and his friends have hardly arrived when strange things begin to happen. Of course, the fearsome monster of Loch Monroe is nothing more than a legendary beast ... Or is it ...?

The story features two songs: 'Hamish McSpid' and 'The Water King'. By scanning QR codes, readers can hear musical versions of the songs: 'The Ballad of Hamish McSpid' is a folk song in the Scottish music tradition. It has a stirring violin accompaniment.'The Water King' is a tub-thumping tune that celebrates and warns about the 'guardian' of the loch.

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 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.

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.

For more parent and teacher resources to accompany the book and help children learn to read and grow go to https://spidthespider.com/fun-childrens-activities/