The Very Busy Spider

Outline

The Very Busy Spider (1984) tells the story of a spider who spends the whole day spinning her web while farm animals invite her to play. She keeps working patiently, and by evening her web is finished and ready to catch a fly. Eric Carle’s picture book, with raised lines that children can trace with their fingers, gently teaches the value of focus, patience, and hard work.

• A spider spends the whole day spinning her web while farm animals keep inviting her to play.
• She stays patient and keeps working, and by evening her web is finished and ready to catch a fly.
• The story teaches children the value of focus, patience, and hard work in a gentle way.
• Raised lines in the picture book let children trace the web with their fingers as the story unfolds.
• Finishing what you start is shown as something to be proud of, even when distractions pull you away.

Eric Carle (1929–2021) was an American author and illustrator known for his bright collage artwork and books that invite young children to touch, count, and explore. His books have sold many millions of copies worldwide. His works include The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Busy Spider, and The Very Quiet Cricket.