The Deadlies - Felix Takes The Stage product reviews

This is a story about a family of Brown Recluse spiders. Edith the mother spider, and her 3 children; Jo Bell, Julep, Felix and their Godspider - Fatty the cat.

This is not just an ordinary story of spiders. The novel also cleverly inserts facts about the Brown Recluse spiders, and other species of spiders that the family meets along their journey.

The Brown Recluse spiders are supposed to be exactly what their name says - recluses. Young Felix however, feels he is destined for bigger and better things.

The family begin living in a philharmonic hall, where there are lots of nooks and crannies to hide in. But Felix has a love of music and when he tries to meet the conductor of the orchestra their lives are turned upside down. They now have to leave the only home they have ever known before the exterminators turn up to kill them. Do they leave in time?

This is a well written story, with pictures throughout each chapter to help children identify with the story. There are also a few big words - like philharmonic - so if the child reading doesn't know what it is, then it gives them a great opportunity to broaden their minds and learn new words.

This book definitely suits the 7 to 9yrs age range. I especially enjoyed the facts at the back of the book about the species of spider, which for me helps reinforce what the reader has just learnt in the story.