ITSY BITSY SPIDER

A smiling arachnid surfs a drainpipe surge.

The fuzzy, chunky, charcoal-gray spider’s admiring audience gathers: A pastel-pink-striped worm peers curiously, while an adult and child beetle look on as they shelter from the rain under a red-and-white-spotted mushroom. More friends arrive, among them a blue-shelled snail and a ladybug, and the gleeful Itsy Bitsy Spider invites them all to join in the fun. But after they sensibly realize that this is a potentially perilous game and decline, Itsy Bitsy becomes sad. Admirably sensitive to their friend’s feelings, the critters “put their heads together” and cleverly adapt a leaf to serve as an “Itsy Bitsy boat.” Not only can they all have fun together, but their collective creative powers also lead to the surprise appearance of a Bug Water Park, with a long spiral slide and other pleasures. A rainbow collection of pastel flowers and gigantic mushrooms forms a pleasing backdrop in this close-up garden excursion. Cabrera employs a naïve style, with thin layers of color. There’s no shortage of versions of this nursery rhyme, but Cabrera’s choice to build on the story, the themes of kindness and inclusion, and the delightful, kid-friendly art make this one special. It’s a strong read-aloud option, with illustrations that will show well at a distance for classroom or library audiences—and the titular spider’s so fetching that even avowed arachnophobes will change their tune.

Blends appealing art with gentle rhymes for storytime magic.