Challenge
Spid the Spider is a character devised by author John Eaton. John asked us to help launch his children’s books and music to the world.
Approach
Initially we researched mums, dads, and teachers with children across a range of age groups. Firstly, we asked them to chose, read and review the stories. Then via Zoom discussions, we understood their needs and reactions to the stories and illustrations. This enabled us to determine the optimum target market and what made the books different and better. Also to guide how to improve the stories, create a ‘brand’ proposition’ and tell a compelling brand story.
Subsequently, working closely with the author, John Eaton, and some fantastic copy editors, illustrators, animators, and PR experts, we worked up a series story arc, optimised the stories, created illustration briefs, artwork for the books, and commissioned printers. Thus far resulting in sixteen books with a further four stories at various development stages and due to publish in 2026-2027.
All books are promoted in phases; first via book trade cataloguing systems, media, the book trade itself, then to book reviewers, influencers and finally to consumers. We manage awareness and interest raising activity working with social media experts, media companies and independent and multiple booksellers. This includes direct mail, telemarketing, advertising, and social media promotion via all main consumer and B2B channels, partner collaborations, primary schools and also via in-store display both in the UK and beyond. To do this we’re working with a multi-national team based in Ukraine, Canada, Australia, the USA and South Africa as well as the UK.
As all books include songs, with animated music videos of the songs accessible by scanning QR codes; these have also been packaged as singles and albums.
We also produce fun children’s activities to further engage and help them learn to read, grow and succeed in life. These are available on Spid’s website.
Via a growing multi-media company, work continues on projects spanning children’s, poetry, comedy-crime fiction, television and musical theatre.
Results
Spid, a lowly spider, who loves to write songs and wants to better himself, though he is prone to hilarious mishaps mostly of his own making. His books are great fun for mums and dads to read with their children and are unusual in empowering them to read, grow and succeed in life.
Kris Plazier, Primary School Teacher and Blogger, The Children’s Bookshelf
The first sixteen children’s books are available globally via stores including Foyles, Waterstones, Blackwell, Amazon and BN.com. The seventeenth story Spid the Spider Helps SuperSpid publishes in March 2026. This adventure teaches the importance of staying safe online. Spid loves to watch the adventures of super-hero SuperSpid on TV. But when Bid has her money stolen through an Internet scam, he suddenly finds himself working with the real-life SuperSpid to catch the thief. Together, will they be able to track down the scammer and get Bid’s money back?
Spid the Spider’s songs are also available individually and in three albums. His debut album, We’re Having Fun includes the single, I’m Having Fun. His second album is called The Fun Goes On, and the third – Fun, Fun, Fun. Hear Spid’s songs via music streaming services including Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music. And watch the music video of his debut single below. Thus far Spid has amassed over 8k followers on YouTube. To help on our journey do get in touch.
