BRAVE MISS MUFFET

Miss Muffet proves that there is more to fear than itty-bitty spiders.

In this adorable update to the nursery rhyme about a girl who’s a bit of an arachnophobe, brave Miss Muffet eats a delicious bowl of curds and whey. Nothing is going to scare her away—no, not a spider, nor a tiger, nor a bear, nor a crocodile, nor a dragon. The unseen narrator assumes the girl will bolt in terror (“And frightened Miss Muffet away!”), but this levelheaded cutie isn’t about to get the willies over some silly creatures, and the narrator responds in confusion (“Wait! What’s going on here? Miss Muffet, aren’t you afraid?”). It’s an old-fashioned tale with a tilt, and adding to the carnival-ride thrill of the book are the vibrant illustrations. Beckett brings the story to life with bright colors, swirls, and exaggerated character reactions. This will be a delight to read aloud or read alone. Miss Muffet is brown-skinned with dark pigtails. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A charming take on the well-known nursery rhyme that recasts its timid protagonist as a strong, capable heroine.