It's the anniversary of the 1952 publication of Charlotte's Web, and what better way to honor the wisest, kindest, best spider in the world than to invite readers to learn about other animals like her?

So we asked our expert NYPL library staff to recommend other books in which creepy-crawlies (arachnids, insects, and anything in between) play a starring role, just like Charlotte.

Firefly Hollow by Alison McGhee. In the great big world, four uncommon dreamers struggle to find their own way. Firefly, Cricket, Vole, and Peter—these four creatures from different “nations” become friends despite their differences. This luminously illustrated 2015 middle grade title for kids is full of poignant observations, wild hopes, and threads of love and loss. —Stephanie Whelan, Seward Park

I recommend Laline Paull’s The Bees. Flora 717 is born a lowly sanitation worker in an orchard beehive, but it quickly becomes apparent that she is special. In a society where everyone must worship the queen and follow orders without question, Flora dares to defy authority, think for herself, and in the end must work to save her hive from destruction. The bees seek out the spiders’ wisdom to ensure their survival, but they ultimately must rely on Flora and her leadership. It’s an exciting peek into the secret world of bees, as well as a thrilling tale of hero working against all odds to save her colony. — Rabecca McDonald, Kingsbridge

At the end of George Selden’s classic, The Cricket in Times Square, Chester the musical cricket plays a concert on his wings in the middle of Times Square. The frenetic crowds pause to listen, all the traffic stops, and the busiest place in the world stands still for a few moments to listen to one tiny cricket. Chester teaches us about the power of bringing our cacophanous world to a temporary, blissful halt. —Gwen Glazer, Readers Services

What about Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott?  This is one of my favorites. —Shayla Titley, Membership Programs

I have a vivid childhood memory of watching Wishbone trotting around as the popular African folktale character Anansi the spider. Anansi, the third most famous spider (after Charlotte and Shelob, of course), is a wise and cunning trickster that is also known as the god of all stories. In one tale, Anansi accidentally drops a pot containing all the world’s wisdom, spreading it to every creature. Several picture books feature Anansi, including Anansi the Spider by Gerald McDermott and the Caldecott-winner A Story, A Story by Gail E. Haley. An older crowd may also enjoy Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. —Crystal Chen, Hamilton Grange

I love the picture book Aaaarrgghh! Spider! by Lydia Monks, about a clever spider who wants to become a family pet. Every time she tries to show what a good pet she’d be (by dancing on the living room floor, taking a bath in the tub, feeding herself, etc.), the family shouts, “Aaaarrgghh! Spider!” Luckily, she wins them over with her amazing sparkly web weaving in the end. —Susan Tucker Heimbach, Mulberry Street

Can't get enough books about spiders and bugs? Check out dozens more online.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend.