THE EENSY-WEENSY SPIDER
adapted by Mary Ann Hoberman & illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
Readers all know that the eensy-weensy spider went up the spout again, but then what did she do? In this expanded version of the song by the pair that collaborated on Miss Mary Mack (not reviewed) the plucky purple spider in a spunky blue hat encounters one adventure after another, as she rhymes her eensy-weensy way from morning ’til night. Whether hugging a baby bug, swimming with a frog, or buying new shoes (three pair please!), this minute arachnid heroine marches blithely along, courtesy of Hoberman’s ear-catching verse. Finally “The eensy-weensy spider slept right through the night. / When she awoke the sun was shining bright. / ‘Good,’ said the spider, ‘there isn’t any rain!’ ” (Savvy readers will know what comes next.) Westcott’s lush garden scenes are filled with critters large and small and provide a bug’s-eye-view of the world. Riotous color and clever details add to the appeal. Begging to be read aloud, this is a sure-fire hit for story time. (Picture book. 4-8)