In ordinary Somerset County, a young farm girl named Fern rescues the runt of a litter of pigs from her father's ax. Fern names the pig Wilbur, takes care of him, and continues to visit him every day after he is moved to her Uncle Homer Zuckerman's barn across the road. But it's Wilbur's friendship with Charlotte the spider that ultimately saves him from the "smoke house" when Charlotte's talent for weaving praiseworthy words about Wilbur into her...

"In The Spider Silk Scientists, readers enter Randy Lewis' lab where they come face to face with golden orb weaver spiders and genetically engineered goats, whose milk contains the proteins to spin spider silk--and to weave a nearly indestructible fiber. Learn how this amazing material might someday be used to repair or replace human ligaments and bones, improve body armor, strengthen parachute rope, and even tether an airplane to an aircraft carrier!...

SPIDERS live on every continent and in almost all terrestrial habitats capable of supporting life. Some spiders have ventured into the world of freshwater, and a few can even tolerate salt water. There is a huge variety in color among species, and sizes can vary from smaller than a grain of rice to exceeding the span of an adult's hand. Many are beautifully marked and fascinating to look at. For some, such as the crab spiders, the coloration serves...

A young spider named Walter tries to weave a very sturdy web. Can you pick out the different shapes that are formed while he is working?

Long ago in Germany, an old woman cleans her house and decorates her Christmas tree, hoping that this year she will witness some special Christmas Eve magic.

"Canticos collects the most beloved nursery rhymes and classic songs from all over the Spanish-speaking world. [The] goal is to foster bilingual play that promotes child development including language, counting, music, pattern recognition, and fine motor skills"--Insert.

The farm animals try to divert a busy little spider from spinning her web, but she persists and produces a thing of both beauty and usefulness. The pictures may be felt as well as seen.