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Review by Louann Jones
Maybe it's the rollicking verse and sly tone of David Kirk's writing, maybe it's his glowing, strong-hued illustrations, maybe it's just that I'm shopping for a new car -- whatever, I love "Miss Spider's New Car"!
An invitation from Miss Spider's mother for tea raises the question of how to travel. Says new husband Holley, "It's much too far. Let's buy a car instead for heaven's sakes!" Thus the great shopping expedition for their dream car begins. The dealership names are entertaining in themselves -- Bub Bumbles Buggies, Mantis Motors, Hop Daddy's Hop Rod -- Miss Spider and Holley make the rounds, although she had seen what she liked at the very first stop.
Finally after the Flamo Super Spark (a supercharged but definitely used bug buggy) explodes on them, they return to Bub Bumble Bee's, only to find that "A moth paid cash and drove it home."
Ah, but isn't hubby Holley the sly one? He has made arrangements on the side, and "Moth Sue came through" as he hoped she might. By the last page, all is well except for mom's suggestion that she take them shopping for a boat.
Introduced to children in "Miss Spider's Tea Party" (1994) and "Miss Spider's Wedding," the bright yellow arachnid has already become a much-beloved character. She has received notice from Rosie O'Donnell and Katie Couric, and now her creator Kirk is at work on a full-length animated movie from Universal Studios. Let's hope he includes the car shopping episode. It's one you'll enjoy reading to your children again and again.
Louann Jones reviews children's books in Saint Louis, Missouri.
©1997, ProMotion, inc.
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