Rico Maranto

Terry the Trustworthy Tarantula Rico Maranto

Terry the tarantula has a problem that only Darcy the duck can solve. In this story, these two strangers consider an unlikely friendship. One must learn to trust and the other must demonstrate trust. Can they forge a friendship through the power of trust? Note to Parents, Teachers, etc.: This story teaches the value of trust and the characters in the story define what it means to be trustworthy: "Trustworthy means we do what we say. We are honest, true, and kind every day. We keep every promise and defend every friend. Then everyone knows they can trust us to the end." Additionally, the author subtly addresses how prejudice and racism affect trust. "You cannot judge all for the acts of a few. You cannot judge one by what others might do. For all are not bad and all are not good. Judge others, not by their looks, but by the works that they do." This book could encourage conversations with children to help them better understand racial strife and prejudice and how they can erode trust and societal relations.