What reading level is Spider and the Fly?

Spider and the Fly by Tony DiTerlizzi is at a Level 2 reading level. Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Spider and the Fly appropriate for?

Spider and the Fly is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 7LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is Spider and the Fly?

Spider and the Fly is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Spider and the Fly have any content warnings?

Spider and the Fly has a HootRating of 7LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Spider and the Fly?

Spider and the Fly by Tony DiTerlizzi is 40 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated June 9, 2026

Spider and the Fly

Tony DiTerlizzi

Spider and the Fly

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

10th Anniversary Edition

by Tony DiTerlizzi

Reading Level 2 7LE Ages 5-8 Heads Up

Caldecott Honor

The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Have you ever heard a spider invite a fly into its parlor? Imagine a shimmering web filled with danger and glittering promises. But can the fly resist the spider’s clever words, or will it be caught in a trap?

Themes

PoetryChildren's poetryCautionary TaleFriendship Family

Quick Assessment

This beautifully illustrated edition of the classic cautionary poem 'The Spider and the Fly' teaches children the importance of being wary of flattery and deceit. Appropriate for early readers ages 5 to 8, it combines engaging verse with atmospheric artwork inspired by vintage horror films to create a memorable reading experience. The 10th Anniversary Edition includes new illustrations, an author’s note, and a collectible poster, making it a valuable addition to any child's library.

Why we rated Spider and the Fly 7LE

Spider and the Fly is written at a Level 2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Spider and the Fly works for readers up to grade 4.0.

We rate Spider and the Fly as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, Spider and the Fly explores poetry, children's poetry, cautionary tale, friendship, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about poetry, children's poetry, cautionary tale.
✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — Spider and the Fly carries an award.