The Tarantula in My Purse

The Tarantula in My Purse is a collection of true stories about author Jean Craighead George's experiences raising wild animals in her home. Through a series of standalone chapters, she recounts her family's adventures with creatures including owls, raccoons, birds, and the titular tarantula. The book follows George's life as a mother and wildlife enthusiast who turns her suburban home into an informal animal sanctuary. Her three children participate in caring for the steady stream of injured and orphaned animals that come to live with them. The stories document the practical realities and daily challenges of sharing a house with wild animals, from feeding schedules to escape attempts. George includes scientific observations about animal behavior alongside personal anecdotes about each creature's unique personality. These interconnected tales reflect broader themes about the relationship between humans and wildlife, and the delicate balance between helping animals while respecting their wild nature. The narrative demonstrates how close observation of animals can lead to deeper understanding and compassion.

Readers describe this as an engaging collection of true stories about the author's experiences raising wild animals. Many reviewers note it works well for elementary/middle school students interested in wildlife. Liked: - Educational yet entertaining format - Personal, humorous tone - Detailed information about animal care - Strong messages about responsibility and respect for wildlife - Short chapters good for reluctant readers Disliked: - Some found certain stories repetitive - A few readers wanted more depth about specific animals - Several mentioned it feels dated (published 1996) Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (90+ ratings) One teacher reviewer noted: "My students were fascinated by the practical details of keeping wild animals as temporary pets." Another parent wrote: "The stories taught my kids about wildlife while keeping them laughing." The book appears on multiple school reading lists and won a Children's Choice Book Award.

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🕷️ Jean Craighead George kept over 173 wild animals in her home throughout her life, many of which became characters in her books. 🌲 The author learned wilderness survival skills from her father, a naturalist, and incorporated these lessons into many of her stories, including her Newbery Medal-winning novel "Julie of the Wolves." 🐾 The tarantula mentioned in the title was named Martha and lived in George's purse for several weeks while the author gave lectures at schools and libraries. 📚 The book is a collection of true stories about the various wild animals that lived with the George family, including a crow that could speak, an owl that loved to take showers, and a mallard that followed the children to school. 🏆 Jean Craighead George wrote over 100 books about nature and animals during her career, earning her numerous awards and establishing her as one of the most respected authors of children's environmental literature.