Ariane the weaver lives happily in a cottage in the woods, surrounded by her friends the animals. When Queen Heartless sees a princess wearing a dress even more beautiful than her own, she orders her guards to capture Ariane so that she can weave for no one else. She is locked in a dungeon and told to weave exquisite silks for the Queen's ballgowns. Ariane is in despair - until some tiny spiders come to her rescue. They weave a web of rare and magical silk, which will help Ariane escape back to her cottage in the woods.

 

There are 32 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2004 by Hachette Children's Group .

As well as being a widely published author, Kate Petty has worked in publishing for many years. She is currently responsible for the children's books published by the Eden Project and divides her time between Cornwall and her London home. Mary Claire Smith lives in Whitstable, Kent with her husband and son. She graduated in Fine Arts and holds a post graduate degree in Illustration from central St Martin's, London. As well as being a widely published author, Kate Petty worked in publishing for many years. She died in 2007.