Westly: A Spider’s Tale by Bryan Beus-Blog Tour Review {Also, Reviews from a 2nd Grade Class}

Product Details

• Title: Westly: A Spider’s Tale
• Author: Bryan Beau
• Genre: Fantasy for ages 8+
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (September 29, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1629720682
• FTC, FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
• Reviewed by Sheila and her 2nd grade class

 

He  didn’t look like anyone else

He didn’t act like anyone else.

But Westly was destined to be extraordinary.

This is tale of a caterpillar named Westly who is destined to be a Monarch butterfly and the next king of the butterfly kingdom. But sometimes things don’t turn out the way we plan. When Westly emerges from his cocoon he is nothing like he expected. He’s a spider! And he must navigate the social hierarchy with butterflies at the top and insects at the bottom and Westly somewhere in-between. Adopted by the “dirt eaters,” Westly is determined to make a difference. He is determined to belong, to be loved, and most importantly, to become who he was born to be.

My Review:
I was very excited to read Westly: A Spider’s Tale to my 2nd grade class. I have to say, they were enchanted from the first chapter. They really loved the characters and they also liked the different voices I used as I read the novel to them. This book is perfect for the age group I teach, 7-8 year olds. They couldn’t wait each day until after lunch when it was time for Read-Aloud. They all groaned when I ended a chapter and put the book away to do something else. They learned the main message from the book, {which impressed me} without me telling them.

I decided to have my class help me write this review. When we finished the book, I had them write down what they liked the most about Westly. Who better to see how kids liked the book than hear from kids themselves? So here is what they had to say, at least those who turned their paper in…{There may be some spoilers here :) and the spelling has been corrected in order for you to read their comments. ;) }

Beckett: “My favorite character was the raven. I liked the book because Westly became a hero and saved all the insects.”

Cole: “My favorite characters were Westly, Zug Zug and the Raven.”

Ava:  “I like when Westly turns into a spider. My favorite characters is Zug Zug the fly.”

Gretta: “My favorite part was when Wesley was in the menagerie and he almost died, but it was super, duper sad…I would think every body would like Westly. It is awesome; my favorite book! 

Ty: “Westly learned being different was fine.”

Serg: “I learned that at the end Westly became King of the menagerie.”

Aryianna:  “I learned it doesn’t matter if someone is different. I just love Westly. It’s a good book!”

Brooklyn: “I liked the part where Westly’s dad hugs him. I want to share it with my friends.”

Evan: “I liked that we don’t have to be sad if we are different. I like the book because it is exciting!”

Brody: “I liked the story because of the moth…you should buy it and Westly.”

Lillian: “I loved when Westly stuck up for his friends, even the raven. I recommend 2nd grade and up will like this book.”

Jaslene: “I like Westly and Zug Zug. They live in the menagerie. I recommend it.”

Edison: “I love Westly and the Raven KIng and learned that different is good. The story was very funny…a good book for all ages.”

Will: “I learned that you should never give up.”  

Charlie: “Westly was a very good spider. I like how he got the key from the worms.”

Dyson: “My favorite characters were Westly, Zug Zug, the worms, the raven and the dragonfly.”

Owen W. “I liked the pictures. It is a good story. You should read it.”

Jordan: “The raven was scary and they all looked awesome. I liked it!”

 
 So there you have it! It’s a great book, with a good message for kids, and very entertaining.  So from my 2nd grade class, they recommend this book to other kids. 

Meet Author Bryan Beus:

Bryan Beus – which rhymes with Zeus – is the winner of the Kirchoff/Wohlberg Award from The New York Society of Illustrators. He works full time as an illustrator for magazines, book covers, film and game conceptual art, and more. When not writing and drawing, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda, mindful meditation, drinking root beer floats, and eating far too many Sour Patch Watermelons. Westly is his debut novel.

What did you think of my student’s reviews?  Please leave a comment about how you think they did?