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I Worked Hard on That!
A spider sets out to make the most perfect, awe-inspiring web only to have her artistic efforts destroyed again and again in this delightful picture book about the creative process and perseverance.As a spider, Kiara has always made webs to catch food, but one day, she discovers a web so beautiful that she’s inspired to spin a masterpiece of her own. So, Kiara starts creating, but even though she works hard on her webs, they are carelessly destroyed by others. How frustrating! It’s not until Kiara meets Orb, a spider who eats every web he weaves, that she gains a fresh the artistic process isn’t about the destination but the journey and the friends you make along the way.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2024
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 17, 2025
This was a fun book to read to my grandsons. It gives good suggestions for younger kids to learn how to deal with disappointment and frustration.
October 8, 2024
Creativity sparkles and shines...and saddens and glooms...with an inspiring little spider, who has so much to learn.
Kiara is a busy, little spider and has mastered creating her small webs to collect lunch. She's very satisfied until, one day, she sees a very amazing web between the trees. She's inspired! It takes quite a bit of practice...after all, she needs to learn some new web-making skills...but she is determined to create a masterpiece of her own. Every time she is on the cusp of achieving her goal, something destroys her web. Once or twice, she can handle, but when it happens again and again, her joy dwindles until she wants to give up. But that's when things might turn around in a way she didn't expect.
While Charlotte's Web did fleet through my thoughts as this tale began, it takes an entirely different twist. Instead, Kiara stumbles across the joy of creativity and is inspiring in her readiness to make the effort and take the time to learn how to achieve her goals. Through trial and error, she discovers how to weave her web in ways which open up new possibilities to her skills. It was wonderful to watch her try and fail, and try again until she finally makes one small step after the other. Even when others destroyed her webs the first time or two...just as she thought she was about to achieve something new...she continues on. The tale doesn't down-play the hard work it takes to reach dreams. Kiara's growing frustration is understandable, and it's interesting to watch how this accidental destruction from others irks her, while her own mishaps don't. But this also steps nicely into a message about forming friendships and working together. So, there's quite a bit of development in these pages.
The tale flows very smoothly and keeps listeners engaged the entire way through. This makes it a lovely read-aloud or even works as a read-alone for those who have a good handle on their words. The illustrations are adorable and detailed. The webs and emotions come across with a tiny touch of fantasy, which makes the tale shine. It's an enjoyable book in many ways.
Kiara is a busy, little spider and has mastered creating her small webs to collect lunch. She's very satisfied until, one day, she sees a very amazing web between the trees. She's inspired! It takes quite a bit of practice...after all, she needs to learn some new web-making skills...but she is determined to create a masterpiece of her own. Every time she is on the cusp of achieving her goal, something destroys her web. Once or twice, she can handle, but when it happens again and again, her joy dwindles until she wants to give up. But that's when things might turn around in a way she didn't expect.
While Charlotte's Web did fleet through my thoughts as this tale began, it takes an entirely different twist. Instead, Kiara stumbles across the joy of creativity and is inspiring in her readiness to make the effort and take the time to learn how to achieve her goals. Through trial and error, she discovers how to weave her web in ways which open up new possibilities to her skills. It was wonderful to watch her try and fail, and try again until she finally makes one small step after the other. Even when others destroyed her webs the first time or two...just as she thought she was about to achieve something new...she continues on. The tale doesn't down-play the hard work it takes to reach dreams. Kiara's growing frustration is understandable, and it's interesting to watch how this accidental destruction from others irks her, while her own mishaps don't. But this also steps nicely into a message about forming friendships and working together. So, there's quite a bit of development in these pages.
The tale flows very smoothly and keeps listeners engaged the entire way through. This makes it a lovely read-aloud or even works as a read-alone for those who have a good handle on their words. The illustrations are adorable and detailed. The webs and emotions come across with a tiny touch of fantasy, which makes the tale shine. It's an enjoyable book in many ways.
August 8, 2024
Review copy provided by publisher, however, all thoughts an opinions are my own.
“I Worked Hard on That!” is a children’s picture book written by Robyn Wall that explores the themes of creativity, perseverance, and even the frustrations of the creative process. The story follows Kiara, an adorable spider, as she strives to create the most perfect and awe-inspiring spider web. However, her efforts are repeatedly interrupted as her webs are accidentally destroyed again and again.
The book touches on Kiara’s journey, emphasizing how easy it is to lose sight of the joy in the process when focused solely on achieving a perfect product. Kiara’s determination to build her dream web and her obvious frustration (her little face scrunches up) when things don’t go as planned should resonate with young readers. Ultimately Kiara learns a valuable lesson: that creation is a journey that includes practicing your craft, and the willingness to start over.
The illustrations by A. N. Kang in “I Worked Hard on That!” are particularly adorable. The geometric designs beautifully represent the intricate webs that Kiara builds, and they effectively show the fragility and complexity of her work. Additionally, the illustrations clearly show Kiara’s frustration each time her web is destroyed, adding an emotional element that young readers can relate to.
Overall, “I Worked Hard on That!” is a delightful book that encourages children to embrace the creative process and find joy in the things they like to work on, regardless of the outcome.
“I Worked Hard on That!” is a children’s picture book written by Robyn Wall that explores the themes of creativity, perseverance, and even the frustrations of the creative process. The story follows Kiara, an adorable spider, as she strives to create the most perfect and awe-inspiring spider web. However, her efforts are repeatedly interrupted as her webs are accidentally destroyed again and again.
The book touches on Kiara’s journey, emphasizing how easy it is to lose sight of the joy in the process when focused solely on achieving a perfect product. Kiara’s determination to build her dream web and her obvious frustration (her little face scrunches up) when things don’t go as planned should resonate with young readers. Ultimately Kiara learns a valuable lesson: that creation is a journey that includes practicing your craft, and the willingness to start over.
The illustrations by A. N. Kang in “I Worked Hard on That!” are particularly adorable. The geometric designs beautifully represent the intricate webs that Kiara builds, and they effectively show the fragility and complexity of her work. Additionally, the illustrations clearly show Kiara’s frustration each time her web is destroyed, adding an emotional element that young readers can relate to.
Overall, “I Worked Hard on That!” is a delightful book that encourages children to embrace the creative process and find joy in the things they like to work on, regardless of the outcome.
November 29, 2024
I've read a LOT of children's books over the years—everything from Tikki Tikki Tembo to The Stinky Cheese Man to Dr. Suess’s poem “The Pale Green Pants.” So, I thought there weren’t any new ideas left in children’s books. But Robyn Wall proved me wrong. Her new children’s book I Worked Hard on That! takes the reader on a delightful journey with a spider named Kiara as she spins her webs and learns about beauty and creativity.
When I began writing, I wish I’d known how the journey of creativity goes. How each experiment in making something new leads you on an exploration that hones your skills and voice. But don’t think the creativity journey is only for writers and artists. The same principles apply to writing a mathematics proof, programming, even engineering.
I must mention the illustrations by A.N. Kang are gorgeous—they tell the story in pictures as Kiara’s webs grow more beautiful along the way.
I’d encourage you to pick up this book for a child you love. Or, buy it for yourself you’ll it.
When I began writing, I wish I’d known how the journey of creativity goes. How each experiment in making something new leads you on an exploration that hones your skills and voice. But don’t think the creativity journey is only for writers and artists. The same principles apply to writing a mathematics proof, programming, even engineering.
I must mention the illustrations by A.N. Kang are gorgeous—they tell the story in pictures as Kiara’s webs grow more beautiful along the way.
I’d encourage you to pick up this book for a child you love. Or, buy it for yourself you’ll it.
May 30, 2025
Kiara the spider sees a web that inspires her to think beyond a web that fills her stomach to something that stirs her heart. But the path to creating what she envisioned is filled with ups, down, and numerous creatures walking through her creations. Is Kiara’s artistic endeavor foolishness, or worth the effort?
This story asks to you contemplate if art is worth it even if it is temporary. Is the creative process itself something to be celebrated? Or just the creation? I know I would have been super frustrated in Kiara’s place, but I like her persevering spirit, and how she sees each new piece as a chance to improve and grow and expand and collaborate in new ways. It will also have some readers feeling bad about walking through the next spider web instead of just annoyed.
This story asks to you contemplate if art is worth it even if it is temporary. Is the creative process itself something to be celebrated? Or just the creation? I know I would have been super frustrated in Kiara’s place, but I like her persevering spirit, and how she sees each new piece as a chance to improve and grow and expand and collaborate in new ways. It will also have some readers feeling bad about walking through the next spider web instead of just annoyed.
October 9, 2024
Robyn Wall's new book really spoke to my youngest. I really enjoyed the metaphor of creativity when I first read it and I thought my son would love the pictures. But I didn’t expect how much the story would resonate with him as well. I suppose I was forgetting how frustrating it must be to be so little and create amazing big play dioramas and then have to put them all away before bedtime!
Anyway, he instantly got the metaphor and seems to be very encouraged. Thanks Robyn for giving heart to a whole little generation of artists! 😍
Anyway, he instantly got the metaphor and seems to be very encouraged. Thanks Robyn for giving heart to a whole little generation of artists! 😍
August 7, 2025
Kiara the spider is so inspired by a beautiful web that she sets to spin a new one. However, when she's almost done, it gets ruined! When she spins another one, it gets ruined again and again and again. Just when she's about to give up for good, she meets a friend who gives her new perspective.
Kiara learns from squirrel that with each creation, she learns or experiences something new that will help her in her next attempt. This is a good growth mindset book and speaks to the journey of creativity where growth is continual and failure doesn't mean the end.
Kiara learns from squirrel that with each creation, she learns or experiences something new that will help her in her next attempt. This is a good growth mindset book and speaks to the journey of creativity where growth is continual and failure doesn't mean the end.
October 9, 2024
"I Worked Hard on That!" tells the adventure of Kiara as she wishes her artistic endeavors would last longer than they do. As the webs get destroyed, she becomes more determined until she loses hope. But with the help of some kind friends, she learns how to create more beautiful webs, while becoming resilient through inevitable changes in life. The book is such a creative work of art from the author herself, and will be a great read to share with little ones!
November 6, 2024
Age: 4+
Bug: Spider
SEL: Destruction of art, disappointment, persistence
Kiara the spider has always made her webs for catching bugs until she is inspired by a beautiful display of craftmanship in web design. Wanting to make her own, the journey to that final product is hard--especially when her art keeps getting ruined by other creatures. But with emotional support from a fellow web-spinner and an appreciation of the creative process, Kiara succeeds in the end.
Bug: Spider
SEL: Destruction of art, disappointment, persistence
Kiara the spider has always made her webs for catching bugs until she is inspired by a beautiful display of craftmanship in web design. Wanting to make her own, the journey to that final product is hard--especially when her art keeps getting ruined by other creatures. But with emotional support from a fellow web-spinner and an appreciation of the creative process, Kiara succeeds in the end.
April 13, 2025
This spider is bored with making webs only for eating. When she sees a masterpiece of a web, she tries to build one herself. Unfortunately, animals, including a human, destroy them without recognizing them as art work. It takes time and meeting some other artists along the way for this spider to learn to enjoy the process of creativity.
I liked this book and certainly think my students will, as well. I will share the story with my art teachers as it fits their process well!
I liked this book and certainly think my students will, as well. I will share the story with my art teachers as it fits their process well!
October 24, 2024
"I Worked Hard on That" contains an important lesson for creative kids. Every work of creativity is not appreciated by others, and doesn't always last very long. But it's important to keep creating, and with continued practice, skills will become better and better. Creativity is important in and of itself!
November 14, 2024
A cute book about the creative process and how sometimes you can work hard on something and it gets destroyed by mistake. But that's ok! you learn from it and use what you learned to make something better the next time. The illustrations are cute, and the string like webs are beautiful.
February 27, 2025
I gave this to a friend of mine today, who was really going through it at the moment. To me, this is Charlotte before the web. She's perfecting her craft. She's enjoying her web-building. She's frustrated that everyone walks right through her masterpieces.
April 18, 2024
A delightful book about creativity and community!
October 4, 2024
Perfect to use for message - growth mindset, perseverance, not giving up when it's hard.
October 7, 2024
A spider learns that not all art is meant to last, and that the enjoyment one gets from creating something beautiful is the important thing.
October 11, 2024
A unique take on teaching creativity and the impermanence of art.
Plus a little nod to Charlotte's Web
Plus a little nod to Charlotte's Web
October 22, 2024
cute book about creativity. the writing on the webs reminded me of charlotte's web. 3.5
November 11, 2024
My four year old girl wants to read this again and again!
November 13, 2024
Beautiful illustrations!
Great lesson about starting anew and collaborating for success.
Great lesson about starting anew and collaborating for success.
December 10, 2024
Spiders work hard to make beautiful webs 🥱
December 15, 2024
An excellent book if you want your children to embrace growth mindset!
February 12, 2025
I got this one for my seniors! Can’t wait to read it to them. Fun undies and endies!
February 17, 2025
This is a sweet book about grit, creativity, and starting over. It encourages kids to learn from the process and not just the end result.
February 20, 2025
Ages 4-8. A spider sees her beautiful webs wrecked. A valuable lesson in frustration, cooperation and the creative process.
April 7, 2025
Feel this one in the gut.
Art is glorious.
Art is glorious.
April 19, 2025
A delightful reminder to keep creating
October 30, 2025
Storytime: Bugs; possible for Tiny Hands Art Class?
November 7, 2025
Sometimes I need a reminder that the process can be just as meaningful / rewarding as the end product. This book also served as a reminder that people are more important than things!
December 19, 2025
Great read about perseverance and learning from our mistakes. The illustrations are cute.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews