Milton the Megastar

In our 2020 Read Aloud winner, ‘Milton the Mighty’, Emma Read introduced us to this loveable little arachnid and his friends, teaching us all not to be scared of spiders! In this, his second adventure, Milton is finding his superstardom is all too stressful and is missing his dad who was last seen in Hawaii. Whilst his friends are as supportive as ever, they can’t help feeling that he has become a bit of a diva. Zoe is also finding things difficult. Although she likes dad’s new girlfriend, Greta and home has been happier recently, so much change takes a lot of getting used to. When a trip to Hawaii comes up, Zoe is determined to take Milton along- it could be his chance to find his dad! But an active volcano and a dodgy hotel developer mean that this might not be the relaxing holiday they were hoping for!

This wonderful story has so much to recommend it! Milton’s anxiety is dealt with sensitively and he is supported by his friends, but not completely indulged as they help him to deal with his feelings. Zoe is also supported and reassured by her father as she struggles to come to terms with her very mixed emotions about her changing situation. The story shows that sharing your feelings and not bottling them up is so important.

Caring for the environment is a strong theme running through the book. Spiders continue to be championed, but this book also raises questions about the impact of travel and tourism. Bradley O’Hair’s extreme views have rubbed off on his son, Dillon, but once presented with another point of view, he is prepared to listen and develop his own ideas.

With wonderful touches of humour and lots of spidery facts, ‘Milton the Megastar’ is every bit as delightful as ‘Milton the Mighty’. Another must read for spider-lovers and arachnophobes alike!

Milton the Megastar

Emma Read, illustrated by Alex G Griffiths

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626069

Milton the Mighty

Branded a deadly killer by the media, tiny false widow Milton decides to clear his name. Working with his arachnid friends, Audrey and Ralph, he must make contact with his house human, Zoe, and convince her that he is harmless. But with her father terrified of spiders and Felicity, the owner of BUGKILL, having moved into their street, can this tiny troupe achieve the impossible?

Milton is possibly the loveliest spider in fiction since Charlotte appeared on her web! A wonderful tale of friendship and of what can be achieved by teamwork and perseverance, ‘Milton the Mighty’ also presents a compelling case for respecting spiders and trying to understand rather than fear them. Perhaps #NotScaredOfSpiders should become a real campaign!

Full of humour, the book really tackles the issue of ‘fake news’ and challenges the reader to dig deeper, find out more and use some common sense before believing everything they read. Individuals taking action and standing up for what they believe in, even in the face of ridicule is such a powerful message, beautifully embodied in Milton who has to overcome his self-doubt and feelings of insignificance to achieve his goal.

Just as humans judge spiders, spiders themselves seem to judge one another and it is Ralph who realises that not all garden spiders want something as One Short (who wishes she was called Petal) becomes a valuable ally - and friend, showing the importance of not being prejudiced against others, but getting to know them.

‘Milton the Mighty’ would make a great read aloud, offering plenty to discuss and consider along the way. Hopefully, this ‘teeniest superhero’ will have more adventures very soon!

Milton the Mighty

Emma Read, illustrated by Alex G Griffiths

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1911490814