Happy Birthday to The Very Busy Spider!

The Very Busy Spider Turns 25

Did you know that our very busy friend celebrated her birthday this week?  

It’s a sheer coincidence that M and I picked up several of Eric Carle’s books from the library yesterday. Looks like this is going to be Eric Carle week at our home. The first book that caught my eye, for some reason, was Draw Me a Star. I hadn’t read this one before and as it usually happens with his books, one glance was all it took to make both of us want to  start reading it right away. After that, of course, you just have to take it home to enjoy some more. There’s a fascinating story behind this book and it comes with directions to draw a star – a beautiful book and interactive experience to share with your child. Definitely check it out if you haven’t already.

Anyway, as I cuddled up with M in the library’s children’s section to read the book, I pointed to the author’s name, and asked her, “Have we read any other books by Eric Carle?”  And, without blinking, she said, “The Very Busy Spider”!! (Don’t you just love it when kids learn to make connections and associations and remember the things you hope they will?)

Happy Birthday to The Very Busy Spider

I just realized that The Very Busy Spider’s 25th birthday just went by. So, I’m thinking of ways to celebrate with M this weekend. Here’s what I’ve thought of so far for our Spider party:
* Read The Very Busy Spider together! (Like most kids her age, she loves to say the line ” The spider didn’t answer. She was very busy spinning her web.” on each page)
* Watch a video of The Very Busy Spider.
* Invite friends and get the kids to act out the different parts – taking turns being the spider. (Or volunteer to help organize the play at daycare)
* Do spider crafts and play games. 1)Use yarn and masking tape to make a spider on the floor and ask kids to walk around it without touching the Spider. The one who touches the spider first is out of the game.
 2) Make paper spiders and hang them from the ceiling, under tables, chairs and shelves. Whoever collects the most spiders wins.
3) Children take turns being the “Spider”. The Spider pretends to spin a web  and must not talk or get distracted no matter what the other kids do. The others, of course, try to provoke, make jokes, ask questions and try different ways to distract the “Spider”. When she gives in, she’s out of the game.
* Sing Eensy Weensy Spider and other spider songs.

The Very Busy Spider, with the characteristic, simple, brilliant and childlike quality of Eric Carle’s books leaves us smiling…but not before delivering its message quietly and effectively.

In Eric Carle’s words, “Despite the many diversions in life, we must do our work!”

So, a very Happy Birthday to you dear Spider. May you enjoy many, many more busy years bringing smiles to countless more children. And may we continue to learn from you the important lessons of goal setting, focus and tireless perseverance.