The St John’s Cross Spider

About the Book

A mother and baby living in a rainforest in Far North Queensland, Australia, form an unlikely friendship with an orb spider in this poem highlighting the circle of life. The rainy season comes and goes, bringing with it tree frogs and dragonflies. As the mother’s baby boy grows, they watch a spider wiggle a leaf from her home up above. The mother and baby boy watch as the spider weaves a sign of the cross. Then they watch the spider weave a small pouch that spills out babies of her own. But then the story takes a turn: On the day our friend The spider died. I couldn’t help it— I cried and cried. What to do with her body? I couldn’t decide. So in the cross she stayed, All withered and dried. But then something wondrous happens, providing a glimpse into the thrilling spectacles that can come naturally happen when you let nature run its course.

About the Author

Sara Whincup has five grown children, three grandchildren, and lots of experience reading to youngsters. This story is based on her experiences while living in the rainforest in Far North Queensland, Australia. She now lives in the Great Western Woodlands in Western Australia.