"The Spider and the Fly" by Mary Howitt and Illustrated by Tony Diterlizzi

Howitt, Mary (2002). The Spider and the Fly. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi

2003 Caldecott Honor Book

Mary Howitt's 19th century cautionary tale warns that "Not everyone that talks sweetly offers sweets." (William Bennet, 1993). What else would one expect from a story about a spider and a fly? It's timeless lesson is overshadowed by the artistry of the author and her wonderful use of poetry to weave of web of wonderful words into a highly amusing tale!

Along comes DiTerlizze and in 2002 brings Howitt's tale to a whole new level with his visual art! I am a total fan of DiTerlizze's art and stories, and when I met him at ALA in Washington D.C., he was so welcoming and approachable that I was privileged to learned firsthand how much his art of words and images mean to him!

The "Spider and the Fly" coupled with DiTerlizze's art just made one of my favorite poems from my childhood become an adult favorite with a new depth and appreciation!