The Itsy-Bitsy Spider

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

Children's Literature

This chunky board book joins several others by Jeanette Winter (Hey Diddle Diddle, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Rock-A-Bye Baby). The unusual format has each image filling two pages and the book must be held in a vertical position. It works quite well for this nursery rhyme, as the spider climbs up the spout, the rain comes down and washes her out. When the sun appears, the intrepid little spider does it all over again. Another story runs parallel in the pictures--a black bird watches every move, but does not seem too intent on making a meal of the spider. He flies away when a cat appears on the scene. 2000, Red Wagon/Harcourt, Ages 6 mo. to 3, $4.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot—Children's Literature