Why is That Spider Dancing? The Amazing Arachnids of Aotearoa
By Simon Pollard and Phil Sirvid
Publication date: October 2021
NZ RRP (incl. GST): $29.99
Extent: 112 pages
Format: Limpbound
ISBN: 978-0-9951338-9-1
Buy Why is That Spider Dancing? from Te Papa Store
What are arachnids? How do spiders differ from harvestmen, pseudoscorpions, mites and ticks? What makes the arachnid species that are unique to Aotearoa so special? How are webs made? How do they hunt prey, eat and defend themselves? Where do they live? Which are venomous? Which can you find in your house? What makes some arachnids the stuff of nightmares?
In this fun-filled, fact-rich, and highly illustrated book, award-winning science writer Simon Pollard and Te Papa spider expert Phil Sirvid share the magic, secrets, mysteries and marvels of Aotearoa New Zealand’s abundance of eight-legged beasties, from microscopic mites to spiders as large as your hand. They also profile some of the men and women who have helped build our knowledge in this area.
Awards
Chosen as a Storylines Notable Book 2022, non-fiction (age range from 3 years to 18 years).
Seatoun School produced this awesome video for the 2022 Back-a-Book Challenge as part of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Winner of best Children’s Book at the 2022 MAPDAs (Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards). The judges said: “Authoritative design makes the content less terrifying. Consistently good and clear design elements to make the content accessible for all ages.”
Why is That Spider Dancing? was a finalist for the Elsie Locke award for non-fiction in the 2022 Book Awards for Children & Young Adults. From the judges: “This fun, comprehensive and revealing book about Aotearoa’s amazing eight-legged marvels will be a source of wonder for young arachno-lovers. With clear, easy to understand text, stunning close-up photos, and a helpful glossary that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Why is That Spider Dancing? will weave a web of fascination around readers.”
Review highlights
NZ Booklovers, reviewed by Lyn Potter. “I think these two experts have done an incredible job of bringing the fascinating world of arachnids alive for junior readers in this fun and fact-filled book.”
Kids BooksNZ, reviewed by Maria Gill. “Over the years, Simon Pollard has answered many perplexing questions for children. Stunning books with well researched information. This is another one. All you've ever wanted to know about spiders.”
Read NZ Te Pou Muramura, reviewed by Carola Crawford (English teacher, Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College, Kaiapoi). “This book bursts with useful information augmented by colourful and detailed illustrations … the writing is easy to read with enough colour blocks, illustrations and photographs to make it appealing to even young children.”
Author interviews
Interview with Simon Pollard by Jesse Mulligan on RNZ Afternoons
About the authors
Dr Simon Pollard is a spider biologist and award-winning natural history photographer and writer. He has written and illustrated a number of children’s books in New Zealand and the United States and has twice won the LIANZA Elsie Locke non-fiction book of the year. His last two books, both published by Te Papa Press, are Why Is That Lake So Blue? (2018) and The Genius of Bugs (2017), which was shortlisted for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Simon has also been an advisor, scriptwriter and presenter on a number of natural history documentaries, including the BBC’s Planet Earth. In 2007 he was awarded the New Zealand Association of Scientists’ Science Communicator of the Year Award. Since 2009, Simon has been Adjunct Professor of Science Communication at the University of Canterbury.
Dr Philip Sirvid is Assistant Curator in the Natural History Team at Te Papa. Phil has a broad general knowledge of New Zealand entomology but specialises in the arachnids, particularly spiders and harvestmen. He has published on the taxonomy, systematics and evolutionary history of New Zealand spiders as well as on medical entomology and arachnid conservation. Phil has been involved in science outreach at Te Papa for many years and contributed to 100 Natural History Treasures of Te Papa, and Nature—Stilled, both published by Te Papa Press.
Publication date: October 2021
NZ RRP (incl. GST): $29.99
Extent: 112 pages
Format: Limpbound
ISBN: 978-0-9951338-9-1
