There’s a reason our kids can’t get enough of “There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly…”. Cumulative stories – the kind of books where words and phrases are repeated over and over, building upon new additions with every page! – are as entertaining as they are memorable, and for good reason.
Brain imagery provided by neuroscientists suggests that reading relies heavily on brain circuits already in place to further develop language. In short? The more words our kids hear – and the more often they hear them! – the easier they are to read, retain, and utilize in the future!
Ready to delight your little with a happy, cumulative co-read? Check out a few of our favorites below:
The Napping House, by Audrey Wood
A cozy bed, a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing–WAIT! There’s a surprise in store, and little ones will want to discover it over and over again.
Available for $12 here.
A Bear Sat on My Porch Today, by Jane Yolen
What to do if a rather insistent bear squats on your porch today? Followed in short order by a shaggy squirrel, a spraying skunk, a playful possum, and a bevy of forest critters large and small? This hilarious cumulative tale of reluctant hospitality and generous inclusivity will leave readers chanting, “OKAY. OKAY! YOU CAN STAY.” But watch out! That porch is starting to sway. . . .
Available for $11 here.
The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred, by Samantha R. Vamos
This is the story of how the farm maiden and all the farm animals worked together to make the rice pudding that they serve at the fiesta. With the familiarity of “The House That Jack Built,” this story bubbles and builds just like the ingredients of the arroz con leche that everyone enjoys. Cleverly incorporating Spanish words, adding a new one in place of the English word from the previous page, this book makes learning the language easy and fun.
Available for $8 here.
One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, by Daniel Bernstrom
A sneaky snake has no idea that the captives in his belly are planning their escape! In the spirit of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback, the reader sees a cutaway of the snake’s belly and can even guess how the tale ends!
Available for $16 here.
There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight, by Penny Parker Klostermann
We all know that “there was an old lady” who swallowed lots of things. Now meet the old dragon who swallows pretty much an entire kingdom! Will he ever learn a little moderation?! This rollicking rhyme is full to bursting with sight gags, silly characters, and plenty of burps! Parents and kids alike will delight in Ben Mantle’s precisely funny illustrations and in Penny Parker Klostermann’s wacky rhymes.
Available for $15 here.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, by Simms Taback
Everyone knows the song about the old lady who swallowed a fly, a spider, a bird, and even worse, but who’s ever seen what’s going on inside the old lady’s stomach? With this inventive die-cut artwork, Simms Tabak gives us a rollicking, eye-popping version of the well-loved poem.
Available for $13 here.
The House that Jack Built, by Diana Mayo
This classic children’s rhyme gathers pace and complexity as it tumbles across the pages. Children will delight in repeating the rhymes and following antics of animals and characters of every size and shape.
Available for $6 here.
Around the Table That Grandad Built, by Melanie Heuiser Hill
In a unique take on the cumulative classic “This Is the House That Jack Built,” a family gathers with friends and neighbors to share a meal around a table that brims with associations: napkins sewn by Mom, glasses from Mom and Dad’s wedding, silverware gifted to Dad by his grandma long ago. Not to mention the squash from the garden, the bread baked by Gran, and the pies made by the young narrator (with a little help).
Available for $16 here.
The Apple Pie That Papa Baked, by Lauren Thompson
A father lovingly prepares a treat for his daughter in this charming story. The cumulative text begins with the apples (“These are the apples, juicy and red, that went in the pie, warm and sweet, that Papa baked”) and then moves on to the tree that grew the fruit, its roots, the rain,” the clouds, the sky, the sun, and finally the world (“blooming with life”). While the text blossoms out to encompass the whole world, the illustrations focus on the homey setting and the affection shared by father and daughter, keeping the story grounded until its sweet conclusion. A delightful and engaging read.
Available for $19 here.
Move Over, Rover, by Karen Beaumont
It’s raining cats and dogs! Good thing Rover is snuggled safe and dry inside his doghouse–until, one by one, a soggy menagerie of creatures shows up looking for a cozy place to sit out the storm. But who’s the very unwelcome surprise visitor? Skunk, of course. Suddenly that doghouse isn’t quite so crowded after all!
Available for $7 here.
There’s a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake, by Loren Long
A cumulative text featuring repetition and tongue-twisters combine with gorgeous illustrations from New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long for a book kids will clamor for at storytime. Endpapers include sheet music and lyrics for kids and parents to have their own singalong!
Available for $10 here.
p.s. Any of the above would pair perfectly with a fairy tale, don’t you think?