The Deadlies

I posted this review earlier in my blog, but have moved it here to my Good Books for Boys page.

Picture from Chapters.ca

As part of my research, I recently read a book that I just happened to stumble upon at the library. (Libraries are so great for that!)

It is called The Deadlies: Felix Takes the Stage and it is written by Kathryn Lasky, author of theGuardians of Ga’Hoole series.

This book, which launches a new series, is an absolute delight. It tells the story of a family of brown recluse spiders, a variety of spider with very toxic venom. In the book, the family has to leave its home in a philharmonic hall in Los Angeles to escape the exterminators who are coming because of an accident involving young spider, Felix, and the orchestra’s conductor. It is a lovely story that deftly weaves (pardon the pun) facts about many varieties of spiders, early New Englanders, and the city of Boston with a fictional tale that includes valuable life lessons, adventure and suspense.

Felix, like many other male protagonists, is different from others of his species—he wants to become an artist, not hide in a dark corner. A “career” in the arts would involve being seen—a definite no-no for Felix’s reclusive mother Edith.

Edith initially has reservations about her son’s desire to explore, but in the end, she allows all of her children—not just her son—increased freedom. Edith is strong, smart and resourceful, as are her daughters, who rescue another spider from an attack by pirate spiders. Edith is also very accepting of her son’s different nature.

The brown recluse spider is something of a pariah in the spider world and is certainly feared by humans. This situation is used by the author to convey subtle lessons about prejudice and tolerance.

Although there is no father character, he is acknowledged and missed (It is noted that he died before his children were born and Edith has fond memories of him.) He is replaced to some degree by a male cat who accompanies Edith and her children on their journey—not that Edith couldn’t manage on her own.

Edith can sometimes seem overprotective. This trait could be misunderstood as a stereotype of the smothering mother, but is really justifiable given Edith’s past experiences with exterminators and frightened humans.

I do not subscribe to the belief that all boys like stories about bugs, but I will note that this book includes facts about spiders that will appeal to budding entomologists, male and female. For the record, my almost-8-year-old son told me repeatedly how good this book is.

Sample quote: “Felix asks not to be judged by the poison in his fangs, but by his character.” Good for ages 6 and up, but it will have to be read aloud to the younger set.