Spider, the Horrible Cat

There may be a scowling, ill-mannered, sullen young lout in some school, somewhere, who needs this story; there may also be a hopeful, patient, loving adult, trying hard with that young lout, who needs it equally. I found the story of this horrible cat, driven always to test the love of the dear old lady who adopts him, oddly moving. Spider is redeemed in the end by the fear of losing his only friend, and both of them survive to find contentment. Children will take from the story what they need; to most it will be a demanding and satisfying picture book to read or listen to ... but for one or two it may mean considerably more.