Westly: A Spider's Tale

by Bryan Beus

Overview

When Westly emerges from his cocoon, not as a beautiful butterfly, but as a spider, he is rejected byt he butterfly kingdom and undertakes a journey to discover who he really is. But not even the dirt eaters can offer him answers. Not the dragonfly, the centipede, the moth, or even Zug Zug, the fly. None have ever seen an eight-legged creature who can spin webs. However, Westly's new friend the Raven has offered to help. If only the Raven could get inside the glass menagerie where Westly and the other bugs live. Yes, yes, the Raven is sure he could change everything. But sometimes things don't turn out the way we plan.

Delightfully illustrated by the author, Westly: A Spider's Tale is a story about discovering one's true potential, learning that being different is not a bad thing, and that even misfits can grow up to be heroes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781629733906
Publisher:	Deseret Book Company
Publication date:	09/29/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Lexile:	790L (what's this?)
File size:	6 MB
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Bryan Beus is the winner of the Kirchoff/Wohlberg Award from The New York Society of Illustrators. He has done illustrations for magazines and book covers and now works full time as an artist of fine art illustrations. This is his first book.

Read an Excerpt

The metamorphosis was the most important ceremony of the year. For the caterpillars, there was nothing greater than the day they revealed their true colors. In fact, the color of their wings determined much of the rest of their lives. A butterfly's wings had to complement specific flowers in the chandelier, which determined which tier the butterfly would live in. Those born to the highest rank-usually those with ultramarine blue wings-were selected for the council of the king-blue being the natural complementary color to monarchial orange.

Unlike the other caterpillars who were anxious about the metamorphosis, Westly was more anxious about what came after that. It was no secret to him how he would look: all monarchs bore a similar design of orange and black with white spots. What concerned him the most was the role he would need to play as a butterfly prince.

His father had reminded him that, as the prince, Westly would be responsible for the future of the chandelier. But what if I make a mistake as the prince? What if I lose the respect of the others? What if our chandelier home is overrun with weeds? It would all be my fault.

Editorial Reviews

2016 Kansas State Reading Circle Recommendation

Kansas State Reading Circle

"A fantastic novel...a dramatic story of arachnid coming of age, Westly: A Spider's Tale is especially recommended for public and school library collections." 

Midwest Book Review

"Westly unites the insect and spider worlds and saves the day. Rich language paints lush images of life under the glass, and the author's illustrations capture the characters' cartoonish charm." 

Booklist

"A sweet and endearing tale of acceptance, both of one's self and by others.  The main character, Westly, is a relatable young bug who does his best to overcome the challenges that come his way.  Despite rough patches, and a few bad judgment calls, Westly grows as a character throughout the book and through his challenges he learns that you don't have to have big, beautiful wings to be a leader. The story is a wonderful coming of age story that exudes a charming innocence. With a message that speaks to all ages, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read for all young readers." 

Compass Book Ratings

"Westly's The Ugly Duckling twist is actually perfect for younger kids who are not quite sure where they fit into this world. Westly learns there's nothing wrong with being different. In fact, it is our differences that allow each of us to contribute in our own way. An insightful and fun read-aloud story about honesty, courage, and individual worth."

Middle Shelf magazine

"This simple story of a misfit spider is surprisingly sophisticated and shares a message of accepting oneself that should appeal to children of all ages. Beus does a masterful job developing characters that teach lessons through their words as well as through their actions."

Deseret News

"Westly unites the insect and spider worlds and saves the day. Rich language paints lush images of life under the glass, and the author's illustrations capture the characters' cartoonish charm." 

Booklist