Review: A Cozy Evening with "Itsy Bitsy Spider"
As a mom, there are evenings when it feels impossible to settle my little whirlwinds into the calm they so desperately need before bedtime. On one such night, I found myself rummaging through our beloved stack of board books, hoping to declutter my mind as well as their energy. That’s when I stumbled upon "Itsy Bitsy Spider", an expanded version of the timeless nursery rhyme, beautifully illustrated by Stef Murphy. Just the thought of it brought back such fond memories of sitting with my kids, watching their eyes light up with each turn of the page.
This charming little book captures the spirit of determination through the journey of the itsy bitsy spider. As she bravely climbs up the water spout, rain, wind, and snow put her tenacity to the test. This wonderful narrative ties in wonderfully with the perseverance that every parent hopes to instill in their little ones. Each time I read it, my kids are right there with me, cheering on the spider, and usually chiming in with the familiar tune. There’s something about those catchy rhymes that brings us together in laughter and excitement.
What stands out in this edition are the delightful illustrations! Stef Murphy’s whimsical depictions add a sprinkle of magic to every page. The colors are vibrant and engaging, which made my toddler squeal with delight as she pointed out the spider’s silly facial expressions during her ups and downs. The clear, bright illustrations encouraged my preschooler to create his own story around the pictures, prompting a delightful discussion about what we thought the spider might do next.
An addition I absolutely adored was the QR code on the back cover leading to an audio reading of the story. One chilly afternoon, cuddled under a thick throw, I let my kids listen along as we took turns flipping the pages. They loved hearing the story come to life with the narrator’s animated voice. It turned that quiet little corner of our living room into a mini theater, and for a moment, we were all completely absorbed in the adventure.
But it was my youngest’s reaction that made my heart skip a beat. At a particularly challenging point in the story, she clapped her hands and shouted, “Keep going, little spider! You can do it!” Moments like these remind me how books can bridge the journey of growing up with essential life lessons.
I highly recommend "Itsy Bitsy Spider" for little ones aged 1 to 3, especially those who love a bit of fun mixed with a lesson on resilience. Perfect for cozy bedtime stories or daytime cuddles, this book has quickly become a family favorite in our home. Each reading brings us closer together, igniting conversations and building connections—what more could you ask for in a picture book?
This sweet little tale has not only earned a cherished spot on our shelf but has also woven itself into our family storytelling tradition. In this busy, chaotic life of parenting, finding these nuggets of joy will forever be a treasure!
Discover the charm of the Itsy Bitsy Spider in this delightful little board book! >>
