What do you think?
Rate this book
Miss Spider
Miss Spider's Tea Party
The modern classic about a sweet spider and her friends is now available for the first time in a Scholastic Bookshelf paperback version
"Miss Spider can't understand why insects flee in panic at her approach. Being a florivore herself, she only wants to invite them over for cakes and tea. The ironic air wafting through Kirk's rhymed tale will not be lost on young readers, and the insects in the big, brightly colored illustrations beear comically apprehensive expressions as they hastily depart . . . At last, Miss Spider is able to convince a rain-soaked moth of her good intentions . . . A sweet tale" --School Library Journal
"Miss Spider can't understand why insects flee in panic at her approach. Being a florivore herself, she only wants to invite them over for cakes and tea. The ironic air wafting through Kirk's rhymed tale will not be lost on young readers, and the insects in the big, brightly colored illustrations beear comically apprehensive expressions as they hastily depart . . . At last, Miss Spider is able to convince a rain-soaked moth of her good intentions . . . A sweet tale" --School Library Journal
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
About the author
David Kirk
171 books38 followersDavid Kirk is the creator of children's books that follow the character Miss Spider. Before writing books, he made colorful toys that were sold in hand-painted boxes. He was urged to write children's books when his toys caught the interest of a book packager. It wasn't difficult to figure out what he would use as characters in his stories: his daughter, Violet, had a liking for bugs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_K...
Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_K...
Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
January 8, 2022
Tremendous children’s book
September 25, 2009
I liked this better than the original "Miss Spider" story but I doubt I will continue the series. Despite the tea party theme (I do so love tea parties!), I just was not captivated. I am sure David Kirk's vibrant, fun illustrations will appeal to many, they just are not my cup of tea (no pun intended). Still, this is a nice counting book (up to twelve) and presents a good message about not being afraid of someone simply based on appearances or preconceived notions.
August 18, 2015
I liked the bright illustrations, but the girl had a hard time sitting still for the entire thing. I thought she would like counting the bugs. Maybe we'll try this one again when she's older.
August 29, 2011
We LOVE this childrens book! The story is a charming parable for our time--don't judge a book by it's cover. Miss Spider just wants to have tea with friends, but everyone assumes she wants to EAT them with her tea! The pages are gorgeous (including the way the paper feels, I know, I'm weird) and the illustrations are vibrant and just a little quirky. I love the poetry of the story as well. One kids book I could read a million times and I still love it just as much!
August 8, 2021
I forgot how much I love this book! My mom used to read it to me and my siblings over and over again and do voices. It was magical! The colors are beautiful, and the story is cute!
June 14, 2022
6/13/22 Read with Julia and Andres
July 22, 2023
Charming and colorful drawings, with a delightful story told in a sweet rhyming poem. Loved it he tea party theme!
September 24, 2024
I loved the vibrant illustrations as a kid. It’s a sweet story.
October 13, 2020
A counting book without numerals. Automatic deduction.
Little Miss Spider wants to throw a tea party, but the insects don't trust her because she's a spider. Told in rhyme.
Little Miss Spider wants to throw a tea party, but the insects don't trust her because she's a spider. Told in rhyme.
April 10, 2008
It seems no one wants to be invited to Miss Spider's Tea Party, after all, what self-respecting insect could hope to escape alive? Yet, Miss Spider persists in her invitation throughout this fun Memorable Animal tale. The colorful, full page, illustrations are coupled with rhyming text. The variety of characters, a different number of each on every succeeding page, surely speak in different voices making this picture book ideal for storytime. Children will enjoy finding and counting out the different insects as they flee Miss Spider. Will Miss Spider dine alone? Read and find out!
CIP Summary
"When lonely Miss Spider tries to host a tea party, the other bugs refuse to come for fear of being eaten!"
From Publishers Weekly
What's a sociable spider to do when no one will accept her invitations to tea? Seemingly unaware of her own predatory reputation, the eponymous arachnid is perplexed and saddened when a parade of potential guests scuttles, scampers and scurries away "in mortal dread." A timely rainstorm provides the perfect opportunity for Miss Spider to prove her good intentions, however, as she lovingly nurtures a rain-soaked moth with sweets and warm brew. Good news travels quickly, and before long her web is abuzz with a full-scale tea party. "Her friends were glad to watch her feast / Upon the floral centerpiece. / It was a great relief to see / She ate just flowers and drank just tea." First-time author Kirk's rhyming text, with its singsong rhythm and counting motif (two beetles are followed by three fireflies, then four bumblebees, etc.), is slack and predictable, but his illustrations are thoroughly original. The stylized paintings are flecked with a shimmery light that accentuates the bold, often garish, juxtaposition of colors and increases the whimsy of the appropriately bug-eyed cast. All ages.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-Ingenuous Miss Spider can't understand why insects flee in panic at her approach. Being a florivore herself, she only wants to invite them over for cakes and tea. The ironic air wafting through Kirk's rhymed tale will not be lost on young readers, and the insects in the big, brightly colored illustrations bear comically apprehensive expressions as they hastily depart. Miss Spider is depicted as a freckled, green-eyed beauty with a bulbous black-and-gold body; she and her would-be guests are seen in a slightly softened focus that sometimes sharpens to a glossy solidity reminiscent of William Joyce's figures. At last, Miss Spider is able to convince a rain-soaked moth of her good intentions, and, "Before too long our hostess knew/Each bug who crawled or hopped or flew/And all their lovely children too." A sweet tale-pair it with Mary Ann Hoberman's Bugs (Viking, 1976; o.p.).
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
CIP Summary
"When lonely Miss Spider tries to host a tea party, the other bugs refuse to come for fear of being eaten!"
From Publishers Weekly
What's a sociable spider to do when no one will accept her invitations to tea? Seemingly unaware of her own predatory reputation, the eponymous arachnid is perplexed and saddened when a parade of potential guests scuttles, scampers and scurries away "in mortal dread." A timely rainstorm provides the perfect opportunity for Miss Spider to prove her good intentions, however, as she lovingly nurtures a rain-soaked moth with sweets and warm brew. Good news travels quickly, and before long her web is abuzz with a full-scale tea party. "Her friends were glad to watch her feast / Upon the floral centerpiece. / It was a great relief to see / She ate just flowers and drank just tea." First-time author Kirk's rhyming text, with its singsong rhythm and counting motif (two beetles are followed by three fireflies, then four bumblebees, etc.), is slack and predictable, but his illustrations are thoroughly original. The stylized paintings are flecked with a shimmery light that accentuates the bold, often garish, juxtaposition of colors and increases the whimsy of the appropriately bug-eyed cast. All ages.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-Ingenuous Miss Spider can't understand why insects flee in panic at her approach. Being a florivore herself, she only wants to invite them over for cakes and tea. The ironic air wafting through Kirk's rhymed tale will not be lost on young readers, and the insects in the big, brightly colored illustrations bear comically apprehensive expressions as they hastily depart. Miss Spider is depicted as a freckled, green-eyed beauty with a bulbous black-and-gold body; she and her would-be guests are seen in a slightly softened focus that sometimes sharpens to a glossy solidity reminiscent of William Joyce's figures. At last, Miss Spider is able to convince a rain-soaked moth of her good intentions, and, "Before too long our hostess knew/Each bug who crawled or hopped or flew/And all their lovely children too." A sweet tale-pair it with Mary Ann Hoberman's Bugs (Viking, 1976; o.p.).
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
January 28, 2015
Miss Spider's Tea Party is a clever tale of spider who only wants to invite some fellow bugs over for tea. However, the bugs are cautious - thinking they will be caught in Miss Spider's web and eaten. Colorful illustrations reveal that Miss Spider might not be what they believe. Children will enjoying counting the bugs throughout the story.
October 11, 2011
You will like Miss Spider's Tea Party because of the illustrations at the end. My favorite detail is the how they are friends and they will always be together. If you like bugs you will like this book. Ella
November 7, 2009
I am disappointed she didn't eat them in the end.
March 23, 2015
Thought this was delightful and the 3.5 year old also loved it. The illustrations alone are wonderful and the rhyme is great. Recommend
October 29, 2014
Miss Spider wants to have a tea party but all the bugs are afraid of her.
March 1, 2023
Miss Spider is just a proper lady who wants to be a good tea party host to the other insects, who are unfortunately afraid of her.
Absolutely stunning illustrations with richly saturated colors, the paintings that accompany this story are so lovely. The font is also very elegant and the story has a great rhythm, though the vocabulary might be a little advanced.
One star off because my heart just hurts so much for Miss Spider, my childhood self was always very sad for her. She doesn’t end up making friends by any sort of problem solving or effort on her part, a helpless bug that is a victim of circumstance just happens to be unwillingly exposed to Miss Spider’s hospitality, making the story lack a moral or any sort of applicable lesson from which a child could benefit from in their own life.
Absolutely stunning illustrations with richly saturated colors, the paintings that accompany this story are so lovely. The font is also very elegant and the story has a great rhythm, though the vocabulary might be a little advanced.
One star off because my heart just hurts so much for Miss Spider, my childhood self was always very sad for her. She doesn’t end up making friends by any sort of problem solving or effort on her part, a helpless bug that is a victim of circumstance just happens to be unwillingly exposed to Miss Spider’s hospitality, making the story lack a moral or any sort of applicable lesson from which a child could benefit from in their own life.
February 26, 2024
This is a cute book about a spider who wishes some of the insects she sees would stay for tea and cakes. However for some reason they all run away in fear of her. Finally, after a storm one soaking wet moth does partake of her hospitality. After they had had their tea and cakes she dries them off and sends them on her way. She then finds her generosity is rewarded. the story is told in rhyme and the illustrations are quite nice. The book advertises itself as for ages 4 to 6, which is the age at which most children are starting to learn to read. Thus this can be read to a child or they try reading it for themselves. As I said a cute book and one that is sure to please that young child of yours. Happy reading.
March 7, 2022
Quirky, colorful illustrations highlight the tale of a lonely spider as she tries to invite others to tea - ants and moths, butterflies and bees. No one will dine with the lonely spider, fearing they will be her next meal. But one act of kindness by Miss Spider shows her neighbors that they have nothing to fear - and soon she has a full table of tea companions! Inside the fanciful rhyme is tucked a lesson in counting - every page features one more creature invited to the party. As my daughter grew, I gave away most of our children's book collection, but this is still in my library and will soon be read to my grandchildren!
April 9, 2019
Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk creeped me out as a little kid, but I loved it. Although this book is simply a plot driven counting book, when it was read to me it always had a haunting tone. I think that this book has many uses in the classroom. It could be used for lessons about tone; the way it's read makes it silly, sad, or scary. It also teaches perspective; from Miss Spider's side the story is about exclusion, yet the other insects felt they were being threatened and may even be eaten. Of course, there is also the counting element that could be emphasized in other lessons.
September 30, 2019
This is a favourite for our daughter - which little girl doesn't like a tea party? Even if it is so 'spidery'!
David Kirk has an enchanting way with words, and his rhyming prose is brilliant. The illustrations are bright and colourful, and appear to be created digitally.
The underlying story is great as well, it will teach children that not everyone is as how they appear or how they are presumed to behave based on stereotypes etc.
We've read this countless times, and I am sure we'll read it countless more times.
David Kirk has an enchanting way with words, and his rhyming prose is brilliant. The illustrations are bright and colourful, and appear to be created digitally.
The underlying story is great as well, it will teach children that not everyone is as how they appear or how they are presumed to behave based on stereotypes etc.
We've read this countless times, and I am sure we'll read it countless more times.
January 18, 2020
Miss Spider just wants to make friends by giving them tea and baked goods but all the other bugs are terrified of her. I think my kids love this book so so so much because Miss Spider is sad, frustrated, and misunderstood for most of the story. They also like making up dialogue or thinking for the Ike and May bugs that can be found on most pages. For me, the artwork is absolutely mesmerizing. The rhymes are hard to read at times but kids have no standards so there's no use stressing about it.
August 10, 2023
I had a stack of books that I would read to my girls nightly when they were little. It was a wonderful ritual filled with love, laughter and bonding. It was also important that I enjoyed the books we read since I was the one doing the reading! This one was always on top of the stack. Not only are the illustrations bright and bold but the story incorporates counting, colors, and lots of unexpected characters. It is written in rhyme which has led to me having the entire story committed to memory even now, decades later.
September 12, 2017
Such a fun book about forming friendships and being nice to one another. Every line ends with a word that rhymes with the previous sentence and is very well written. Children can also learn or work on how to count from one to twelve in the story. Each illustration is very bright, colorful, and fun. This book will draw children young and old in and will keep their interest throughout the story as they will be interested to see how it ends.
September 7, 2022
Miss Spider wants to have a tea party, but the insects she invites are all afraid of her.
This book also teaches counting up 1-to-12.
I’m not sure how I feel about this story. On one hand, it shows how prejudice and stereotypes can be hurtful. But on the other hand, spiders are carnivorous and eat insects, so the insects are right to be afraid of spiders even if Miss Spider happens to be an atypical vegetarian.
This book also teaches counting up 1-to-12.
I’m not sure how I feel about this story. On one hand, it shows how prejudice and stereotypes can be hurtful. But on the other hand, spiders are carnivorous and eat insects, so the insects are right to be afraid of spiders even if Miss Spider happens to be an atypical vegetarian.
April 16, 2018
This was one of my favorite childhood books! I am personally not a big fan of spiders but this book has a great story line which will encourage children to not judge a book by its cover. I would read this book to children ages from 4-6 year old's because this book shows different emotions from each character.
April 30, 2018
I loved reading this series when I was little! I even would watch the tv show. This book is great because it's about a story on how everyone is not always who they may appear to be. The bugs had judged Miss Spider and would avoid her because they thought she was scary, but they soon came to learn that she was sweet and meant no harm.
October 10, 2018
Ages: 4 - 8
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
April 13, 2021
Dispelling harmful myths about Miss Spider takes courage to stand alone and once that individual takes the first steps to ignore these myths, a great party happens for all new friends. If only someone is courageous enough to break tradition, to choose kindness over fear, everyone moves forward together. A valuable lesson for all!
May 30, 2024
This book was a childhood favorite of mine. The illustrations are beautiful, vibrant, and detailed. As you follow Miss Spider's journey, children can learn not to judge by one's appearance and the power of empathy. This is also a counting book. Children learn to count up to 12 throughout the story. This can be a great book to use in the classroom when working with beginner counters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews