Astounding Arachnids: 30 Books About Spiders for Early Learners

From the totally spider-obsessed kids to the child who prefers only looking at spiders in a story, these books about spiders are for everyone. You’ll find books with real photographs, unique takes on favorite nursery rhymes, short and long picture books, and spider board books for toddlers.

Even if spiders kinda make your skin crawl, they are fascinating and important critters. This spider book list is perfect for helping parents and educators share about spiders with toddlers, preschoolers, and Kindergarteners.

Want to extend the learning even more? Check out these interesting (and kinda creepy) facts about spiders for kids.

Itsy Bitsy Spider Books

As it turns out, there are a whole lot of books based on the Itsy Bitsy Spider nursery rhyme. So I did a little round-up of my personal favorites. You’ll find sensory books, fun twists on the classic, and interactive versions too.

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The Itsy Bitsy Spider

By Emily Bannister

First, this book is adorable. Second, sensory-rich books are perfect for babies and toddlers. The ability to feel and interact with the story makes this board book stand out.

Itsy Bitsy Spider

By Kate Toms

I love a patchwork illustration, so I immediately fell in love with this version visually. This version of a classic focuses on the spider problem-solving their way out of their predicament.

Pete the Cat and the Itsy Bitsy Spider

By Kimberly Dean and James Dean

Who doesn’t love a literary crossover? If you are searching for a book for a spider lesson plan or choosing a gift for a Pete the Cat fan, I recommend this story.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

By Iza Trapani

This board book is an extended version of the favorite classic nursery rhyme.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider: Finger Puppet Board Book

By Little Hippo Books, Illustrated by Anna Jones

This book and the next are bizarrely similar. After reviewing both, my personal preference is this one. I thought the illustrations were more cutesy-adorable (versus the bolder graphics in the next book). Plus, the unique rectangular shape of this board book makes it easier to use the finger puppet.

Itsy Bitsy Spider: Finger Puppet Board Book

By Cottage Door Press

Interestingly, this is another highly-rated purple spider finger puppet book. See above for my recommendation.

Indestructibles: The Itsy Bitsy Spider

By Maddie Frost & Amy Pixton

Indestructibles are rip-proof, washable books for babies and toddlers. These unique books are perfect for early readers who are still learning how to handle books gently.

Check out more of my favorite Indestructible books here.

Itsy Bitsy Spider: Sign & Singalong

By Annie Kubler

Baby sign language and singing are both powerful ways to support language development.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider: Sing Along with Me!

By Nosy Crow, Illustrated by Yu-Hsuan Huang

This version of the Itsy Bitsy Spider is interactive. Readers can use the sliders throughout the book to help the spider move through the nursery rhyme.

Itsy-Bitsy Spider

By Melissa & Doug

This soft fabric “activity” book is a great way to introduce babies and young toddlers to books. Sensory-rich book experiences support brain development. This hands-on version of the Itsy Bitsy Spider can be crinkled and stretched. The pages include lift-a-flaps too.

Board Books About Spiders

In addition to the Itsy Bitsy Spider board books above, here are some more board books about spiders. What is a board book?

I indicate which of these board books come in paperback or hardcover versions too.

The Very Busy Spider

By Eric Carle

An Eric Carle classic, enough said. Actually, one more thing, you can also find this book in hardcover or paperback.

Never Touch a Spider!

By Make Believe Ideas Ltd. & Rosie Greening, Illustrated by Stuart Lynch

I’ve said it before (even on this list!), I love an interactive sensory book for kids. This series of books includes textures on each page that enhance the story.

The Not-So-Scary Hairy Spider

By Rosie Greening, Illustrated by Stuart Lynch

Rosie and Stuart did it again! Here is another sensory-rich spider board book, but this time with soft, furry, and hairy textures for readers to explore.

Web Opposites

By Rob Hodgson

This high-contrast board book is one of my favorites on this list. Readers are introduced to the concept of opposites while they explore black and white illustrations with pops of color.

Bear’s Scare

By Jacob Grant

This book explores several themes including emotions, cleaning up, characteristics of spiders, and friendships. You can also find Bear’s Scare in hardcover.

Children’s Picture Books About Spiders

Spider!

By Carrie Hyatt, Illustrated by Tatiana Kamshilina

This interactive book helps readers practice what to do if they feel scared.

Nothing Scares Spider

By S. Marendaz, Illustrated by Carly Gledhill

Follow along with a brave spider on an adventure!

The Tickly Spider

By Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Linda Bleck

Yes, that’s the author of Goodnight Moon! This story opens a conversation about not being afraid of spiders.

Walter’s Wonderful Web

By Tim Hopgood

Learn about shapes while following the story of a very persistent spider named Walter.

Spider on the Floor

By Raffi, Illustrated by True Kelley

This is a classic children’s book that is impossible not to sing along with. As an extension activity for the book, have children act out the story.

A Web

By Isabelle Simler

This book is also a nature guide for children and features delicate, colorful illustrations. While reading, take a moment to search and find the spider hiding on each page.

More Critter Book Lists:

• Astounding! 30 Ant Children’s Books
• 25 Books About Butterflies for Kids
• Oh Honey! 30 Bee Books
• 15 Dragonfly Books for Kids

The Spider

By Elise Gravel

This goofy, quirky book is a fun way to learn about spiders.

Longer Picture Books About Spiders

As a parent and former educator, I know that sometimes we want a little warning if a picture book requires extra time to read. These spider picture books have more text for longer reading times.

Seaver the Weaver

By Paul Czajak, Illustrated by The Brothers Hilts

Follow along with Seaver as he learns all about shapes in nature.

Are You a Spider?

By Judy Allen, Illustrated by Tudor Humphries

Discover all about spiders and how they interact with the plants and animals in their habitats.

Spinning Spiders

By Melvin Berger, Illustrated by S. D. Schindler

This information-packed book features realistic artwork. It’s perfect for children who want to learn about spiders.

Just Itzy

By Laura Krumwiede, Illustrated by Gregg Pizzoli

Just Itzy, no bitsy. This spider story includes throwbacks to all the classic spider songs and nursery rhymes. Think tuffets, old ladies, and water spouts.

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Books About Spiders with Real Photographs

Time to really captivate your early learners! These books about spiders have photographs that capture spiders (and webs!) in all their creepy, beautiful, astounding glory.

National Geographic Kids: Spiders

By Laura Marsh

Web-Spinning Spiders

By Laura Hamilton Waxman

Next Time You See a Spiderweb

By Emily Morgan

Scurry!: The Truth About Spiders

By Annette Whipple

One time, my step son stopped me to ask, “Have you ever seen a spider super close up? They’re adorable!” That sentiment is this entire book cover.

Why Share Spider Books with Kids?

The early childhood experts in the Office of Head Start know that school readiness includes literacy and STEM skills. Books about spiders manage to target both of these areas of learning development. These books can also inspire endless other activities, including scavenger hunts, creative activities, and sensory play.

Early childhood experts believe children learn best when they are interested and engaged. And we know children are obsessed with bugs, even if they only want to observe from a distance. Conveniently, they can learn about spiders and their webs in almost any environment, indoor and outdoor.

Speaking of the outdoors, I’m on a mission to help parents and educators raise nature-loving, planet earth protecting humans. That means we have to protect the spiders too.

Final Thoughts on Books about Spiders

Spiders already enthrall some children, but others may need a little bit of coaxing before learning to love spiders. This spider book list covered books with real photos, board books, nursery rhyme books, and more. Hopefully, you were able to find the perfect spider book for your home or classroom.

I recommend BookShop.org as an alternative to amazon. Each purchase on BookShop.org supports local and independent bookstores. You can explore my book lists for early learners or search for any books (new and used).