The Picture Book Perspective: There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bat

 


Hello, book-loving friends!

Today, we’re fluttering into the hilariously spooky world of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bat by Lucille Colandro, illustrated by Jared Lee. This whimsical twist on the classic cumulative rhyme "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" is perfect for the Halloween season. It’s silly, it's absurd, and it’s bound to have kids—and maybe even parents—giggling.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bat takes a well-loved nursery rhyme and gives it a Halloween makeover. The original rhyme has been around since at least the 1940s, delighting children with its nonsensical storyline. Colandro’s version, first published in 2002, keeps the spirit alive with a spooky twist. This adaptation not only entertains but also introduces children to the concept of parodies and how stories can evolve over time to fit different themes and occasions.

Social-Emotional Content

While the story of an old lady swallowing increasingly bizarre items is primarily meant for fun, it also opens the door to discuss themes of cause and effect. Each item swallowed leads to the next, showing how one action can trigger a chain of events. Additionally, the old lady’s eccentric behavior can be a playful way to discuss that it’s okay to be different and that everyone has their quirks.

Using the Book for Kids: Tips for Parents and Teachers

  1. Rhyming and Sequencing: This book is fantastic for teaching rhyming and sequencing. Encourage kids to predict what the old lady will swallow next based on the rhymes and patterns.

  2. Creative Writing: Have children create their own versions of the story. What else could the old lady swallow? Maybe she’s getting ready for Thanksgiving and swallowing turkeys, pumpkins, and pies!

  3. Cause and Effect: Discuss the concept of cause and effect by mapping out what happens when the old lady swallows each item. Why did she swallow the ghost after the bat? What might happen next?

  4. Art Projects: Kids can draw or craft the different items the old lady swallows. This can be a fun way to engage them in the story and reinforce comprehension through art.

  5. Halloween Fun: Use the book as a starting point for Halloween-themed activities. Host a costume day where kids come dressed as their favorite character from the book, or plan a themed snack time with bat-shaped cookies and ghostly milkshakes.

Humorous Takeaway

Now, let’s address the elephant (or rather, the bat) in the room. What on earth is going on with this old lady’s diet? Is this a cautionary tale about chewing your food properly or a reminder to avoid late-night snacks? Either way, it’s a good thing she didn’t swallow an entire haunted house—though I’m sure Jared Lee’s illustrations would have made it hilariously spooky!

For parents, this book is a delightful reminder that stories can be both entertaining and educational, even when they feature characters with questionable dietary choices. So, the next time your little ones ask for an extra treat, just tell them about the old lady and her unusual Halloween feast. They might think twice before reaching for that second candy bar—or at least they’ll do it with a giggle.

Until next time, keep those imaginations wild and those bookshelves full, and remember:

Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way.

Happy reading!

Adam

To buy your own copy (and support this blog) click here

Do you have a picture book for Adam to review? Email us your suggestion at beastlybanterblog@gmail.com

About the Author

Adam Williams is a dedicated elementary school teacher with a passion for literacy and children's literature. Married to Leigha, Adam is a proud father to a son named Tate and a daughter named Emery. He is known for his engaging read-aloud videos on his YouTube channel, "Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way," where he brings picture books to life for his audience. The Picture Book Perspective is published every Sunday. In his blog, he explores the historical and cultural contexts of picture books, delves into their social-emotional content, and offers insights for parents and teachers on how to use these books effectively with children. 

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