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A Reason for Gratitude
Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy follows a little spider and his cricket friend as they discover what it means to choose joy. Where did the idea for this book come from?
As I was looking at a homeschool curriculum that included teaching the fruits of The Spirit, I wanted to highlight that joy is more than just fleeting happiness. Given that children easily recall animal stories, I got the idea for Spiker and his friends to show children how to find joy in commonplace events.
Are any of your own childhood experiences included in Spiker’s story?
I remember complaining a lot as a kid when things didn’t go my way! One day, I overheard someone tell another that I griped too much. Realising that I wanted to be different, I asked God to show me how. It took a long time, but I am never more joyful than when I get to do something for someone else!
What were some themes you felt it was important to include in your book?
The themes that I felt were important to include in this book were:
Things will not always go as planned, but there is still a reason for gratitude
Treasure friendships and kindness
Help others to enjoy life too.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am hoping to publish Pari the Panda Learns about Patience in a few months.
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Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy
I just finished reading Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy by J.M. Ashmore with my little one, and it was such a sweet surprise. The story follows Spiker, a cheerful little jumping spider, and his cricket buddy, Crispin, as they learn what it means to have joy—even when things go wrong. From thunderstorms to getting lost and even helping a crying grasshopper with a hurt knee, the two friends (plus a few others they meet) figure out that being glad and doing nice things for others is what true joy is all about. It’s based on the idea that joy is one of the “Fruits of the Spirit,” and it sneaks in those gentle faith-based lessons in a fun, relatable way.
As a mom, what really got me was how naturally the story worked in those big feelings and life lessons. The way Spiker builds a silk tent to shelter them while Crispin sulks had my daughter wide-eyed. It’s such a simple but powerful message—make the best of a situation and find something good, even if it’s small. And that scene under the peach tree where Spiker wants to complain but then finds a buffet of ants? We both laughed at how fast he changed his tune. I’ve seen my kids do the exact same thing when they realize things aren’t that bad. The illustrations are absolutely charming as well. They’re colorful and soft and do a great job of conveying the emotions of the characters.
I also really appreciated how the book doesn’t shy away from everyday disappointments and frustrations kids face. When Sully the spider is sad because he can’t jump like the others, or when Gerry the grasshopper cries after bumping his knee, the story slows down and shows kindness, problem-solving, and how friends support each other. It reminded me to pause and ask my own kids how they’re feeling, even over the little stuff. Plus, there’s something precious about the way Spiker realizes that “the best way of all to have joy is to do something nice for somebody else.” That’s something I want my kids to really take to heart.
This children’s book is a gem for kids around 3 to 7, especially if you’re looking for something uplifting that gently weaves in Christian values. It’s got heart, humor, and just the right touch of silly bug antics. Parents, Sunday school teachers, or even grandparents looking for a read-aloud with a meaningful message—this one’s worth adding to your shelf.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0BSQPK29K
LITERARY TITAN 