About

Spid’s adventures for children aged 4-10 years

Coming from a lowly background, Spid is a determined arachnid who learns from his mistakes and wants to better himself. Written by author John Eaton, his misadventures help children learn to read, grow and succeed in life. He does this by role modelling what psychologists call a ‘growth mindset’.  His mission is simply to inspire your kids to greater things!

His children’s adventures provide lots of giggles for mums and dads too. With imaginative wordplay, they allow you to invest lots of dramatic licence when reading to, and with, your children. This makes for fun reading.

Spid’s books are available now; Spid’s latest adventure is Spid the Spider Goes on Holiday published just in time for the school holidays. And Spid the Spider Helps Save the Planet publishes on 11th September. This is an inspiring book to help children understand the effect of litter on our environment and empowers them to help save the planet and all species. It comes with an A3 ‘litter cycle’ poster, and supports and is supported by World Cleanup Day (16th September).

All books are available in paperback, audiobook and EPUB formats. So you can enjoy them on tablets, E readers, PCs, streaming and in-car devices – at home, on holiday or on the go! They are available from all good bookshops, and streaming services as well as Spid’s shop.

All books are also supported by FREE parent and teacher resources.

Spid’s stories are illustrated by Melissa Shephard and Julia Vasina. Read more about Julia and how John is Supporting the Ukraine Relief Effort by publishing albums of songs in English and Ukrainian.

Sing-along with Spid

Each story also has at least two songs and animations, thus enabling children to sing-along and further engage with the stories. To listen to musical versions of the songs, just scan the QR codes in the books. All songs are also available on Spid’s albums, We’re Having Fun, and The Fun Goes On. 

Stream or buy the songs from Spid’s shop or alternatively from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and other good music services.

About author John Eaton

John lives and works in Taunton, Somerset.  John started writing in the middle of the lock-down as a means of staying sane, and keeping in touch, and building relationships with his granddaughter, Evaleigh. He has always had an affinity with the English language, and space and time provided the opportunity to create. He is passionate about encouraging literacy, and love of the English language.

Some of the themes in Spid’s books mirror John’s own life. When he left school, he did not know what, if anything, he would be good at. Being one of eight children and growing up on a council estate he did not aspire to higher purpose.

Working in a psychiatric hospital, and then qualifying as a Mental Health Nurse (RMN) and then as a Registered General Nurse (RGN) led him overseas. Then to establish a successful healthcare training business and care home in Somerset. The people, punishment, pathos, and humorous proclamations encountered in his day job inspire his writing.

He hopes Spid the Spider’s adventures will engage and empower children to love reading and make the most of themselves.

Thus far John has also written ten Spid the Spider children’s adventures, a book of poetry, or what he calls ‘proetry’. Thoughts from a Faraway Place published in 2021 (Austin Macauley). John has also written over 120 songs. Mostly with Pete Dymond (who has worked with greats such as Sir Paul McCartney, David Essex and Mickie Most).