Books About Cumulative Stories

The Best Cumulative Stories Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about cumulative stories? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm!
The Shortlist

Our 6 Favorite Books About Cumulative Stories

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly!
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly!

By Lucille Colandro, Jared Lee (Illustrator) · There Was an Old Lady series

An old lady swallows a series of animals in an attempt to catch a fly.

32 pages· 320 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 835 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: In a whimsical twist on a classic tale, an old lady swallows a fly, a spider, and more, all to create a home brimming with unexpected pets. With each gulp, the mystery deepens—what will she swallow next? This playful story, filled with rhyming text and hilarious illustrations, invites young readers to join the fun and discover the surprising outcome. Dive into this wacky adventure and see how the old lady's peculiar appetite turns into a delightful menagerie. Perfect for curious minds and lovers of the unexpected!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick!
Sale price
$674
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2009

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick!

By Lucille Colandro, Jared Lee (Illustrator) · There Was an Old Lady series

A quirky old lady swallows a series of increasingly large objects, including a chick, straw, egg, candy, basket, and bow, all in the name of celebrating Easter.

32 pages· 340 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,490 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: In a whimsical twist on a classic tale, an old lady swallows a chick, straw, and more, creating an unexpected Easter basket. As she hops along, a chance encounter with the Easter Bunny leads to a surprising outcome. What happens when she trips? With rhymes and humor, this story promises delightful surprises for young readers.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog!
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2014

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog!

By Lucille Colandro, Jared Lee (Illustrator) · There Was an Old Lady series

An old lady swallows a series of objects with unexpected consequences.

32 pages· 334 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 456 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: An eccentric old lady with spring fever swallows peculiar items, each with a purpose. As she gathers these strange objects, a whimsical garden begins to take shape. What will she swallow next, and how will it all come together? With rhyming text and playful illustrations, this quirky tale invites young readers to discover the magic of spring in the most unexpected way. Join the fun and see what blooms from her unusual appetite!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose!
Sale price
$674
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2012

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose!

By Lucille Colandro, Jared Lee (Illustrator) · There Was an Old Lady series

An old lady swallows odd items for a mysterious Valentine's gift.

32 pages· 338 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.7/5 Goodreads · 802 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Join the quirky old lady on a whimsical Valentine's Day as she swallows a rose, lace, and glitter. What peculiar gift is she crafting for her valentine? With rhymes and humor, this adventure promises surprises and laughter. Discover the unexpected in this playful twist on a classic tale.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rainbow!
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rainbow!

There Was an Old Lady series

An old lady swallows a series of objects, each one leading to the next in a chain of events.

32 pages· 332 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.6/5 Goodreads · 83 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm!
Sale price
$674
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2024

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm!

By Lucille Colandro, Jared Lee (Illustrator) · There Was an Old Lady series

An old lady swallows a worm, sparking a wild Earth Day adventure.

32 pages· 354 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.7/5 Goodreads · 112 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Join the quirky old lady as she embarks on an Earth Day escapade, swallowing a worm, dirt, a flower, and more! Each gulp leads to unexpected surprises and giggles. What will she swallow next, and why? This playful twist on a classic rhyme promises laughter and curiosity for young readers, inviting them to guess the next bizarre item on her menu. Dive into this whimsical tale and discover the peculiar journey of the old lady who just can't stop swallowing!
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