'Along Came the Spiders' by Tina Hallock highlights UR’s community and Spider mascot
University News
All net proceeds from this new children’s book will go toward the University of Richmond scholarship fund.
Along Came the Spiders, a new children’s book written by Tina Hallock, the first lady of the University of Richmond, tells the tale of how the University has the only Spider mascot in collegiate sports.
When traveling with her husband, University of Richmond President Kevin F. Hallock, she is often asked about UR’s mascot, WebstUR. Hallock was inspired to write the book after reading many accounts of how the mascot came to be. All net proceeds from the book will go toward the University of Richmond scholarship fund.
“The basis of the mascot story is that in 1894, a sports writer in Richmond used the term ‘spider’ to describe the baseball team’s pitcher, who had lanky arms and legs, and the nickname stuck,” Hallock said. “What started as a tale became part of a larger story that celebrates this incredible university community.”
Hallock taught elementary school for many years and has been a champion for reading from an early age, which is why she wanted to write a children’s book, though she hopes people of all ages will enjoy it.
“As a teacher by training and a proud parent of two, I find reading paramount in a child's development, and there are few things more special than a child being read to by their loved ones,” Hallock said. “I hope the story and vibrant illustrations promote this love of literacy in our greater community.”
The book is illustrated by Kaitlin Jones Stasiunas, the University of Richmond’s health promotion coordinator and an artist.
“I was honored when Tina approached me about illustrating this book, and it was so fun to draw many places I have come to know and love since I started working at UR,” said Stasiunas. “We created a mini-Spider mascot and called him Hank after the baseball player, Henry, who originally inspired the name. He helps lead readers through the story.”
Hallock and Stasiunas are now sharing their tale with the campus and broader community. In April, the SpiderShop hosted a launch party for the book, which drew dozens of people from the UR community to campus.
On May 3, the alumni engagement team hosted another launch party, which provided a family-friendly venue for the alumni and their families and friends to enjoy the book — and meet the author and illustrator. Kids enjoyed a live reading by Hallock and other creative activities. The two are finalizing plans for a book signing during reunion weekend later this month, and they also hope to engage with schools and libraries.
“The support from so many Spiders has been amazing,” said Hallock. “We’ve been thrilled but not surprised at the turnout at these events. It’s a testament to the fact that so many people love UR as much as we do.”
Along Came the Spiders is now available for purchase at alongcamethespiders.com and online retailers.