I'm absolutely delighted — and just a little bit giddy — to share some wonderful news about Simmie the Nine-Legged Spider: Simmie’s Search for Friendship!

My very special little spider has been reviewed by LoveReading4Kids and has received their Indie Books We Love badge! This means so much to me because Simmie’s story is all about something wonderfully universal: the search for friendship, belonging and someone who sees you for who you really are. Simmie may have nine legs, but what he really wants is a friend. As he sets off on his search, he discovers that being different doesn’t mean being alone — and that friendship can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.

To have this story recognised by LoveReading4Kids, who help families, educators and young readers discover wonderful children's books, is a very special moment for me. It gives Simmie’s journey another opportunity to reach children who might see a little of themselves in him — or perhaps discover the joy of welcoming someone who seems a little different. And, as an independent picture book, receiving an Indie Books We Love badge is particularly meaningful. Every copy bought, shared, recommended or read aloud helps an independent story like Simmie’s find its way into more little hands.

Bring Simmie home! 🕷️You can get your copy of Simmie the Nine-Legged Spider: Simmie’s Search for Friendship from Amazon, or support your local community by finding a copy at the Gateshead Central Library Gift Shop. For parents, teachers and educators, Simmie’s story also offers lots of opportunities to talk with children about friendship, kindness, difference, inclusion and belonging. I've also developed a free companion Educators’ Pack to help families and schools explore the book further, with activities and ideas inspired by Simmie’s adventures. Join my newsletter here to receive your free copy and news about Simmie and future adventures.

Thank you, LoveReading4Kids, for giving our nine-legged friend this wonderful recognition. I'm so excited to see where Simmie’s search for friendship takes him next! 💛🕷️

Will you join Simmie on his search?