Today’s book pick is There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback, a silly rhyming picture book for ages 3–7. This Caldecott Honor version of the classic folk rhyme has peekaboo cut-out pages, which makes it a lively read-aloud for story time.
What Is This Book About?
An old lady swallows a fly. Then she swallows a spider to catch the fly, then a bigger animal to catch the spider, and on it goes. Each page adds a new creature and repeats the growing list, and a die-cut hole on the old lady’s belly lets kids peek at everything she has swallowed. The rhyme ends with a dark-humor finish, so you may want to read it first if your child is sensitive.
Why Kids Love There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
The repeating pattern invites kids to join in, and many children can chant along after a read or two. Taback’s bright artwork mixes bold colors, collage pieces, and funny side comments, and the cut-out pages add a surprise with every turn. The book won a Caldecott Honor in 1998. Its goofy, slightly gross humor also makes it a fun read around Halloween, though a few very young kids may find the wild-eyed art a little creepy.
Who Is This Book Best For?
Publishers list it for ages 3–7, from preschool through second grade. It is a good fit for toddlers and preschoolers who love rhythm and repetition, and for early readers who are building confidence with a pattern they already know. Because the list of animals grows with each page, it is also a fun way to practice remembering things in order.
Talking About the Book Together
After reading, you can ask: What do you think she will swallow next? Can you remember the whole list in order? Why do you think the illustrator cut a hole in the page?
More Book Picks Like This
Want more silly read-alouds? See all of our Book of the Day picks . You can also read children’s books online for free on Epic.
