Review Detail

We are all familiar with the Itsy Bitsy Spider, who climbs up the water spout before being rained out- but then persists in climbing up again. This book is a twist on the song, where Pete the Cat and his friends cheer on the spider after she gets washed out until on the third try- she makes it! The moral of the story is about encouragement and cheering on your friends as they try and try again.

What I loved: The story is simple for young readers and easy to read. While the text aside from the song is not meant to be sung, the song appears a couple times in the book. The images are full of bright colors and animals which will certainly appeal to young readers. The spider is also cute and makes quite the star! The details in the illustrations add some extra fun, such as the sunscreen pictured when the sun comes out, and the spider wearing shoes during the final climb.

What left me wanting more: It would have been nice for the spider to have some clear goal and/or to have some feelings about not being about the climb the spout. As it is, the story feels a little flat without clear motivations. On the flip side, this does keep it simpler for young readers.

Final verdict: This is a fun story about supporting your friends and persistence leading to achievement. PETE THE CAT AND THE ITSY BITSY SPIDER will endear itself to young readers with its bright colors and simple text, as well as the featured nursery rhyme.