Book Review: The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani
Updated: 3 days ago
The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani takes the song everyone knows and keeps it going. The little spider climbs a spout, a kitchen wall, a pail, a rocking chair and a tree before she finally spins her web. It's a sing-along book kids ask for again and again.
What it's about
After the rain washes her down the waterspout, the itsy bitsy spider doesn't give up. She tries a kitchen wall, a yellow pail, a rocking chair and a maple tree. Each climb ends with a new problem, like a fan, a mouse or a cat. Finally, she reaches the top of the tree and spins her web in the sun.
Why we like it
Kids already know the tune, so they can "read" along from the very first page. The bright, soft paintings show the spider as a brave little climber, which makes it a great book for kids who feel unsure about spiders. And the message is simple: keep trying.
How to read it with your little one
Sing it! Add the hand motions you know from the song.
Ask, "Where will she climb next?" before you turn each page.
Count her climbs on your fingers. How many tries did it take?
Good to know
Best for: ages 1–4
Read time: about 5 minutes (longer if you sing it!)
Pairs with: today's Spider or Insect? worksheet and weaving lesson
Get the book: Get it on Amazon · It's also easy to find at your local library.
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More for this week: see all our Spider activities, Letter G activities and Number 7 activities.
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