I am at the part where I have to go into the sewer to get the mud but the spider scares Simon away.

I cannot for my life figure out why I can't tie the bungee rope to the bucket and lower it down to scoop the mud out.

It's the most logical solution and the game won't let me do it.

You'll get the mud from the swamp and only way to get there is through the sewers.

I don't want to spoil the puzzle, so I'll just give you a hint: You have to use rain to wash the spider away.

Ask again if you have trouble figuring out how to make the rain and I give you exact directions how to get rid of the spider.

Oh, I know how to make it rain, well, not exactly. I mean I know what to do to make it rain, doing so is a different matter. Thanks :3

To get the joke book, you have to wait til the costume shop owner is distracted. Give it to the jesture.
You also have to take the bat from Calypso's store and give it to the dancers. They'll post a flier in the town square. You'll need to take it and give it to someone.

Did all that ages ago, but thank you :3

(I wish I could flag this as answered)