The Itsy-Bitsy Spider

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider

by Jeanette Winter

This nursery rhyme has enchanted children for generations. Now Jeanette Winter's warm, evocative illustrations make this classic as delightful to look at as it is to share with little ones, who will be eager to hear - and see - again and again.

Already a classic children's song, you and your little one can now enjoy it in book form. This board book is actually itsy-bitsy itself, and is arranged so that readers must turn it sideways to see the pictures right-side-up. The pages then flip from the bottom up. This unique format makes the pictures taller and the visual different and fun. The painted cartoon pictures clearly demonstrate the actions of the words and are attractive in their wide variation of bright colors. Our star, the itsy-bitsy spider consists of contrasting colors, orange, black, and white, which pop off of each page. He's always easy to find! The font is fun and rounded, arranging itself around the pictures. The words are the same as the song, so you and your little one will be familiar with it. Feel free to sing your heart out - the more you have fun with it, the more smiles and fun your child will have hearing it.

Even those who think spiders are icky or scary will find this itsy bitsy spider endearing when it whips out a handkerchief to pat its face dry after being washed out of the waterspout. You can't help but cheer for the little guy, hoping he escapes all of the odds against him. As your child grows, they may start to notice that the crow is watching the spider the whole time as a potential meal, and just as the crow gives up at the end, part of a cat's face appears - the adventure is not over for the itsy-bitsy spider! This book is also great for learning to recognize some common objects or characters like 'rain' and 'sun'.

When my niece was just a few months old, I read this book to her quite a few times while babysitting. The first time we read it, Emily sat on my lap and wanted to hold the book and turn the pages a few times - although usually not in the right direction. Once we made it through the book, I put it down and sang and danced the song for her. She really liked that! I won a big smile and some arm wiggling, which I believe is 'baby' for applause.

--Audra