<
BOOK LIST

The Hilarious Books in the There Was an Old Lady Series

Kids in preschool through second grade will delight in the silly Old Lady's strange and funny feats.

By Scholastic Editors
February 20, 2025

Ever since the Old Lady gobbled up a fly (then a spider, then a bird, and then a cactus...), she keeps coming back for more and even weirder snacks!

The sing-song prose and fun word play in these books help to reinforce phonemic awareness, a foundational reading skill that involves the ability to identify, recognize, and differentiate letters and sounds.

These read-alouds will also help encourage a love of reading in your preschool through second grade students. When kids get hooked on a book that makes them laugh, they often fall in love with reading for life. This will encourage them to read independently and even pick up picture books on their own at home. 

Shop There Was an Old Lady books below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store.

(If you’re stocking up on books for your classroom, be sure to also check out Books From the If You Give... Series and 25+ Favorite Fly Guy Books.)

$5.24$6.99
out of stock
save to wishlist

That lovely old lady has returned just in time for the first day of school. Now she's swallowing items to make the very best of her first day back.

$5.24$6.99
out of stock
save to wishlist

This time, the hungry old lady swallows a chick, some straw, an egg, some candy, a basket, and a bow! And just as she's hopping and skipping along, who should she meet but the Easter Bunny! 

Scholastic's Old Lady is more popular than ever, and in celebration she's swallowing a cake...and a candle, and a sign, and some balloons, and a hat, and some gifts. Can you guess why?

$5.24$6.99
out of stock
save to wishlist

There was an old lady who swallowed a ghost. I don't know why she swallowed a ghost but she didn't boast.

$5.24$6.99
out of stock
save to wishlist

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat!—not to mention an owl, a cat, a ghost, a goblin, some bones, and even a wizard!

$4.46$5.95
out of stock
save to wishlist

This autumn-themed book takes the traditional rhyme to new heights of silliness. It all starts when the old lady, known to many laughing children from her previous books, swallows some leaves. 

Paperback Book

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey

Grades Pre-K - 2
$5.21$6.95
out of stock
save to wishlist

The old lady is at it again, and this time she's swallowing a Turkey...she's always been quirky! You won't believe why this old lady swallowed a turkey, a ball, a hat, a balloon, a boat, some wheels, and a horn of plenty! Read this book and find out why!

The old lady is at it again, and this time she's swallowing a spoon... while humming a holiday tune! You won't believe why this old lady swallowed a spoon, a bowl, some flour, a pan, and more!

Paperback Book

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell!

Grades Pre-K - 2
$5.24$6.99
out of stock
save to wishlist

It all started when the old lady swallowed a bell, one that jingled and jangled and tickled as well.

Paperback Book

There was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow

Grades Pre-K - 2
$5.21$6.95
out of stock
save to wishlist

This bundled-up gal isn't playing in the snow; she's slurping it up as fast as she can. A pipe, a scarf, two lumps of coal...What could she possibly be up to?

Paperback Book

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose!

Grades Pre-K - 2
$5.24$6.99
out of stock
save to wishlist

That lovely old lady has returned just in time for Valentine's Day. Now she's swallowing items to make a very special gift for her valentine!

Paperback Book

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Clover

Grades Pre-K - 2
$5.24$6.99
out of stock
save to wishlist

That lovely old lady has returned just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Now she's swallowing items to make the perfect rainbow to hide a pot of gold.

There was an old scientist who swallowed a dinosaur. I don't know why she swallowed a dinosaur but she needed to explore.

In this spin-off, the old lady turns into an old astronautwho travels through space, swallowing a moon...along with a star, a planet, a comet, a meteor, a rocket, and a satellite. Why? Well it went down just right, that bright satellite!

There was an old lady who swallowed a cow. I don't know why she swallowed a cow but she did it somehow!

There was an old lady who swallowed a truck. I don't know why she swallowed a truck but it didn't get stuck. You won't believe why the Old Lady swallowed a truck, a tire, a chain, some wood, some metal, some tools, and some screws!

$5.24$6.99
out of stock
save to wishlist

Spring is in the air, and everyone's favorite old lady is ready to celebrate!

Want more great content? Subscribe to our Teacher Newsletter below and get teaching ideas delivered right to your inbox.