Tarantulas on the Brain — Marilyn Singer

Was having a tarantula for a pet really so much to ask for? YES!

Tarantulas. What would anyone like about these creatures with hairy legs and fat, fuzzy bodies? Well, Lizzie can't understand how anyone doesn't like them. After all, a tarantula won't bother her mother's allergies, and it won't make noise. Tarantulas are soft and gentle, and look as if they're made of beautiful velvet. In fact, Lizzie is sure a tarantula will make the perfect pet.

The big problem is how to get one. Once Lizzie and her best friend Tessa manage to find a pet store that sells tarantulas, they run into more problems. How will Lizzie come up with $46.25 to buy the tarantula and its supplies? And how will she sneak it into her room and keep anyone from finding it?