J.W. Paris

Brought up in a large family, I was always a keen reader and enjoyed the kids short stories that my mum used to get me from the library. Personally I feel I missed out on the whole 'bedtime story' thing, as the family was so big that my mum hardly had time to read to us at all.

Now however I realise that reading children bedtime stories is a fantastic way to bond with them, and also a great time to teach them morals and values that will last their lifetime.

Even as a kid, I used to enjoy reading as it was a great way to escape the trials of life, and in some way to enjoy places that I could not imagine ever visiting, and live a life 'outside the box' of hardship.

Yes life was tough sometimes, but reading helped me cope - and still does!

Archie the friendly spider is a series of short stories that I hope you and your children find exciting,and in some way beneficial on many levels.

Oh...and maybe help remove the fear of spiders :)