Brave Miss Muffet

by Dori Graham, Kyle Beckett (Illustrator)

When Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, a spider scared her away . . . or so the story goes. Not this Miss Muffet, however! Not only does she find the spider interesting, but she isn't afraid of a series of other so-called frightening animals. Can the narrator find anything to scare this brave Miss Muffet away?

Brave Miss Muffet is a delightful picture book that starts off a whole new spin on the classic nursery rhyme. The book

A Fresh, Modern Look at an Old Story: See how one of the world's most famous nursery rhymes can be retold in a way that defies expectations and presents an updated and more enlightened version of the familiar title character. A Brave Young Female Protagonist: Watch this new version of Miss Muffet display her fearlessness as she is confronted by a succession of seemingly scary animals that fail to frighten her. Humor: Smile at the book's lighthearted, charming storytelling approach, in which the narrator actively tries to find animals that will scare Miss Muffet-and even gets into an extended conversation with her throughout the storyline. Vibrant, colorful illustrations: Gaze at the unique, expressive, fun visuals that help bring the story to life.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fairy Tales, Storytime

32 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2022

Reviews

[Jeanne K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! What a delightful re-telling of Miss Muffet's story, with a child who's not scared away at all, but instead enthusiastic is about her encounters with spiders and tigers and dragons - Oh my! The art that helps to tell the story is absolutely perfect, as well. I'm keeping my copy of this delightful book for myself, but am buying a copy for my town's library - it'll be a great addition, and story hour with it will be wonderful!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, eating her curds and whey
When along came a spider and sat down beside her...

But Miss Muffet loves spiders and isn't scared at all.
She's also not scared of crocodiles, dragons, or bears.

How is the nursery rhyme supposed to go if Little Miss Muffet isn't scared of anything?

[Erika Heidinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic take on a classic. This Miss Muffet isn't afraid of spiders or being herself; a strong brown female role model. The books reads as a back and forth conversation between the narrator and Miss Muffet so it's a great read aloud. Vibrant illustrations bring the dialogue to life.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Muffet isn't scared of the spider in this version! Or a tiger, or a crocodile, or dragon. Funny with cartoony illustrations. The illustrations were a bit too exageratted for my taste but I enjoyed the humor of the text. Would work in my storytime settings.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book shows a young girl who is fearless. I love that more and more books are dispelling the myth that fear and timidity is feminine. I love that the culture is turning to loving strong and fearless girls.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great twist on a classic. Would make a fabulous storytime choice.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fearless child - can we have too many girls who engage directly in life, embrace all it has to offer, and foil expectations? I think not.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It was a delightful take on the Miss Muffet story and the artwork was amazing.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun take on a classic.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny spins on the well-known rhyme with fabulous illustrations that give my a Fairy Odd vibe

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Muffet is definitely not afraid of spiders, or tigers, dragons, snakes, or anything. A cute girl power book.

[Meg Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I loved the story and I loved the pictures. So, so good.

[Heather Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pictures, funny. I think it will make a great read aloud.

[Anna Laprade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this story of a brave little girl and her hilarious interactions with the frustrated narrator. The illustrations by Kyle Beckett are the perfect fun/funny pairing with the story.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/24/2025 ~ ALL my students loved this read-aloud, even my 4th and 5th graders. They laughed out loud at the interplay between the narrator and Miss Muffet.