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Fly Guy #1
Hi, Fly Guy!
From bestselling author/illustrator Tedd Arnold, creator of PARTS and GREEN WILMA, comes the hilarious FLY GUY! It's easy to read and it comes with a shiny foil cover!
"A fly was flying. He was looking for something to eat. Something tasty. Something slimy. A boy was walking. He was looking for something to catch. Something smart. Something for The Amazing Pet Show."
The boy and fly meet and so begins a beautiful friendship. Er, and so begins a very funny friendship. Using hyperbole, puns, slapstick, and silly drawings, bestselling author/illustrator Tedd Arnold creates an easy reader that is full of fun. With an eye-catching holographic cover. This is the first in a series of four.
"A fly was flying. He was looking for something to eat. Something tasty. Something slimy. A boy was walking. He was looking for something to catch. Something smart. Something for The Amazing Pet Show."
The boy and fly meet and so begins a beautiful friendship. Er, and so begins a very funny friendship. Using hyperbole, puns, slapstick, and silly drawings, bestselling author/illustrator Tedd Arnold creates an easy reader that is full of fun. With an eye-catching holographic cover. This is the first in a series of four.
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2005
255 people are currently reading
4281 people want to read
About the author
Tedd Arnold
202 books297 followersTedd grew up with three brothers. His family lived on a farm in Pennsylvania for several years then returned to Elmira until Tedd was ten years old. His father's work then required that they move to Gainesville, Florida. There, Tedd's first art lessons in an abandoned dentist's office over the Happy Hour pool hall eventually led to a fine arts degree from the University of Florida.
He and his wife, Carol, started their family in Tallahassee where Tedd worked as a commercial illustrator. Carol, a kindergarten teacher, drew Tedd's attention to children's books. Their first son, Walter, inspired his breakthrough picture book, NO JUMPING ON THE BED!.
He and his family now live in Elmira. His second son, William, now stars in NO MORE WATER IN THE TUB!, a sequel to his first book. He has now published over 50 books as author and illustrator.
He and his wife, Carol, started their family in Tallahassee where Tedd worked as a commercial illustrator. Carol, a kindergarten teacher, drew Tedd's attention to children's books. Their first son, Walter, inspired his breakthrough picture book, NO JUMPING ON THE BED!.
He and his family now live in Elmira. His second son, William, now stars in NO MORE WATER IN THE TUB!, a sequel to his first book. He has now published over 50 books as author and illustrator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews
September 18, 2019
Neo chose to re-read this one to practice his reading, as well as revisit a great series.
Neo's found a new series he likes and wants to share it with the world. One day, a fly is out looking for something to eat when he runs into Buzz, a little boy who is looking for a pet. After they collide, Buzz takes the fly home and convinces his parents that it is the greatest pet ever, especially since it is capable of saying his name. After registering his new pet--Fly Guy--in The Amazing Pet Show, Buzz is mocked by everyone, even the judges. Cue Fly Guy and his amazing abilities. Thus begins a wonderful friendship. Neo mentioned that he wanted to read this entire series to me, so we started with this one. I can see some interesting adventures to come!
Neo's found a new series he likes and wants to share it with the world. One day, a fly is out looking for something to eat when he runs into Buzz, a little boy who is looking for a pet. After they collide, Buzz takes the fly home and convinces his parents that it is the greatest pet ever, especially since it is capable of saying his name. After registering his new pet--Fly Guy--in The Amazing Pet Show, Buzz is mocked by everyone, even the judges. Cue Fly Guy and his amazing abilities. Thus begins a wonderful friendship. Neo mentioned that he wanted to read this entire series to me, so we started with this one. I can see some interesting adventures to come!
January 24, 2026
Does any series delight beginning readers more than Tedd Arnold's Fly Guy? This tenacious bug has earned a place in the hearts of kids, and it all started in 2005 with the release of Hi, Fly Guy!. The fly doesn't seem extraordinary on page one. He crosses paths with a boy who is wandering the neighborhood hoping to capture a pet to enter in The Amazing Pet Show. The boy scoops up the fly in a glass jar, but is amazed when the insect seems to say his name. "Buzz!" A creature that can speak human language is a shoo-in to win a prize at the pet show. Buzz's parents are initially skeptical—his father comes at his son's new pet with a flyswatter—but they too are amazed when the fly seems to say Buzz's name. Fly Guy, as Buzz decides to call him, becomes permanently loyal after the boy feeds him an entire hotdog with mustard. Yum...No other housefly eats so well. Fly Guy could get used to this.
Buzz is proud of his pet, but the judges at The Amazing Pet Show mock him for entering Fly Guy in the contest. Are they right, Buzz wonders? Is he silly for thinking Fly Guy can be his pet as a dog, cat, or...giraffe (?) would be? Buzz sadly opens the jar to free his winged friend, but Fly Guy isn't ready to give up. He likes this kid, and is more than competent to prove himself to the judges. Fly Guy just might earn the most coveted prize of the night—one based on merit rather than good looks or physical measurements—as he and Buzz begin a friendship to rival any in children's literature. The two have lots of adventures ahead.
How should you react when people say you can't possibly be friends with someone different than you? The scorn can pressure you to distance yourself from a valued relationship, but if your pal is like Fly Guy, he won't stand by while you're goaded into taking action you'll regret. He'll use his smarts and other assets to prove that quirky pairings can be the most rewarding of all. Hi, Fly Guy! is a nice story, and pound for pound one of the funniest easy readers you'll encounter. Tedd Arnold's knack for humorous visuals and writing is superb. I'd consider rating the book two and a half stars, and this is a series worth reading more of. I'm not surprised kids love it.
Buzz is proud of his pet, but the judges at The Amazing Pet Show mock him for entering Fly Guy in the contest. Are they right, Buzz wonders? Is he silly for thinking Fly Guy can be his pet as a dog, cat, or...giraffe (?) would be? Buzz sadly opens the jar to free his winged friend, but Fly Guy isn't ready to give up. He likes this kid, and is more than competent to prove himself to the judges. Fly Guy just might earn the most coveted prize of the night—one based on merit rather than good looks or physical measurements—as he and Buzz begin a friendship to rival any in children's literature. The two have lots of adventures ahead.
How should you react when people say you can't possibly be friends with someone different than you? The scorn can pressure you to distance yourself from a valued relationship, but if your pal is like Fly Guy, he won't stand by while you're goaded into taking action you'll regret. He'll use his smarts and other assets to prove that quirky pairings can be the most rewarding of all. Hi, Fly Guy! is a nice story, and pound for pound one of the funniest easy readers you'll encounter. Tedd Arnold's knack for humorous visuals and writing is superb. I'd consider rating the book two and a half stars, and this is a series worth reading more of. I'm not surprised kids love it.
December 2, 2008
Tedd Arnold combines humor and creative illustrations to create this winner of the Geisel Award.
Ages 4-8
I can see why this book is so appealing to kids. It is funny, fast moving, sweet, and just a little bit gross: a winning combination for the learning to read set. As a beginning reader, though, it seems a bit disjointed. One page will have very easy, rhythmic text like that of a very early reader, then, there are other pages that have longer words, such as surprise and rescue. Most of the sentences are short and under five words, with few words per line, however, that is not consistent. A child might need help with some of the longer words and I would not call this a beginning, beginning reader. None of the pages has more than fifteen lines and the book does a good job of introducing chapters.
This silly story of a fly that wins the smartest pet contest is a good choice for this format. The illustrations are fairly simple and go along with the story. The addition of sound effects written into the illustrations just adds to the fun. I would recommend this to new readers.
Publishers Weekly
A fly went flying," opens Arnold's (Parts) brief, playful tale, structured in three chapters. At the same time, "A boy went walking." The winged fellow is looking for food and the boy is searching for a critter for the upcoming Amazing Pet Show. The two equally and comically bug-eyed beings meet when the fly collides with the human hero's nose ("boink") and the lad captures it in a glass jar. After the infuriated insect stomps his foot and says, "Buzz!" the amazed boy replies, "You know my name! You are the smartest pet in the world!" Buzz shows his new pet, which he names Fly Guy, to his parents; his father announces that flies are pests and grabs a swatter-until the sly fly lands on Buzz's nose and calls him by name. In one of the book's funniest pictures, Fly Guy is dwarfed by the hot dog Buzz places in his jar, most of which he happily consumes. Though the pet show judges tell Buzz that flies don't qualify as pets, Fly Guy rises to the occasion and wows the judges with various feats, clinching the prize for smartest pet. Suitably wacky cartoon art accompanies the text, which is simple enough for beginning readers ready to soar to a chapter-book format. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature
A good solid review with a nice summary of the plot. They capture the essence of the story with what they chose to include.
Who says a fly cannot be a pet? Buzz knows better, and he sets out to prove it when he captures a fly for The Amazing Pet Show. At first, the fly was not too happy, but when Buzz's dad decides to dispatch him, the fly heads right for his buddy Buzz. He even gets a name—Fly Guy. The judges at the pet contest are just as incredulous, but Buzz and Fly Guy prove them wrong—even winning a prize! Arnold's amusing flight of fancy is illustrated with plenty of humor. Fly Guy and Buzz are both bug-eyed cartoon characters. Kids should enjoy this Level 1 early reader in the "Scholastic reader" series.
School Library Journal
Yes, this should be an enjoyable book for the level one early reader. There is not much critique, but then, this is a simple book that accomplishes what is intended - a silly, easy reader.
K-Gr 2-A boy goes out searching for a smart animal to take to "The Amazing Pet Show" and bumps into a fly that is intelligent enough to say the child's name, "Buzz." Although his parents and the judges feel at first that a fly is only a pest, not a pet, the insect puts on a performance that astounds them all and wins an award. The cartoon illustrations showing characters with exaggerated wide eyes are delightful, but the text is somewhat weak and disjointed.-Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
The only critical review and I read this after I wrote mine. I find it interesting that we both chose the word 'disjointed' to describe the story. And while the text might be a bit weak, it is a beginning reader and it is challenging to keep the story interesting with such a limited vocabulary. Working under the restraints of being a beginning reader, I did not find the text weak.
Pest-or Pet? A fly changes some minds in this diminutive tale-first, by astounding the lad who captures him in a jar ("BUZZ!" "You know my name! You are the smartest pet in the world!"), then, thanks to some fancy flying, by convincing the lad's parents and ultimately even the judges of the Amazing Pet Show that he's more than just a nuisance. A pop-eyed, self-confident mite in Arnold's droll cartoon illustrations, Fly Guy's up to any challenge, whether it be eating a hot dog (well, most of it, anyway), or performing amazing aerial acrobatics; readers drawn by the flashy foil cover will stick around to applaud this unusually capable critter. Any similarity to Ezra Jack Keats's Pet Show! (1972) is surely coincidental. (Picture book. 6-8)
I've never read Keat's Pet Show, so I cannot comment. The illustrations are droll and the cover flashy. It all adds to the fun.
Ages 4-8
I can see why this book is so appealing to kids. It is funny, fast moving, sweet, and just a little bit gross: a winning combination for the learning to read set. As a beginning reader, though, it seems a bit disjointed. One page will have very easy, rhythmic text like that of a very early reader, then, there are other pages that have longer words, such as surprise and rescue. Most of the sentences are short and under five words, with few words per line, however, that is not consistent. A child might need help with some of the longer words and I would not call this a beginning, beginning reader. None of the pages has more than fifteen lines and the book does a good job of introducing chapters.
This silly story of a fly that wins the smartest pet contest is a good choice for this format. The illustrations are fairly simple and go along with the story. The addition of sound effects written into the illustrations just adds to the fun. I would recommend this to new readers.
Publishers Weekly
A fly went flying," opens Arnold's (Parts) brief, playful tale, structured in three chapters. At the same time, "A boy went walking." The winged fellow is looking for food and the boy is searching for a critter for the upcoming Amazing Pet Show. The two equally and comically bug-eyed beings meet when the fly collides with the human hero's nose ("boink") and the lad captures it in a glass jar. After the infuriated insect stomps his foot and says, "Buzz!" the amazed boy replies, "You know my name! You are the smartest pet in the world!" Buzz shows his new pet, which he names Fly Guy, to his parents; his father announces that flies are pests and grabs a swatter-until the sly fly lands on Buzz's nose and calls him by name. In one of the book's funniest pictures, Fly Guy is dwarfed by the hot dog Buzz places in his jar, most of which he happily consumes. Though the pet show judges tell Buzz that flies don't qualify as pets, Fly Guy rises to the occasion and wows the judges with various feats, clinching the prize for smartest pet. Suitably wacky cartoon art accompanies the text, which is simple enough for beginning readers ready to soar to a chapter-book format. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature
A good solid review with a nice summary of the plot. They capture the essence of the story with what they chose to include.
Who says a fly cannot be a pet? Buzz knows better, and he sets out to prove it when he captures a fly for The Amazing Pet Show. At first, the fly was not too happy, but when Buzz's dad decides to dispatch him, the fly heads right for his buddy Buzz. He even gets a name—Fly Guy. The judges at the pet contest are just as incredulous, but Buzz and Fly Guy prove them wrong—even winning a prize! Arnold's amusing flight of fancy is illustrated with plenty of humor. Fly Guy and Buzz are both bug-eyed cartoon characters. Kids should enjoy this Level 1 early reader in the "Scholastic reader" series.
School Library Journal
Yes, this should be an enjoyable book for the level one early reader. There is not much critique, but then, this is a simple book that accomplishes what is intended - a silly, easy reader.
K-Gr 2-A boy goes out searching for a smart animal to take to "The Amazing Pet Show" and bumps into a fly that is intelligent enough to say the child's name, "Buzz." Although his parents and the judges feel at first that a fly is only a pest, not a pet, the insect puts on a performance that astounds them all and wins an award. The cartoon illustrations showing characters with exaggerated wide eyes are delightful, but the text is somewhat weak and disjointed.-Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
The only critical review and I read this after I wrote mine. I find it interesting that we both chose the word 'disjointed' to describe the story. And while the text might be a bit weak, it is a beginning reader and it is challenging to keep the story interesting with such a limited vocabulary. Working under the restraints of being a beginning reader, I did not find the text weak.
Pest-or Pet? A fly changes some minds in this diminutive tale-first, by astounding the lad who captures him in a jar ("BUZZ!" "You know my name! You are the smartest pet in the world!"), then, thanks to some fancy flying, by convincing the lad's parents and ultimately even the judges of the Amazing Pet Show that he's more than just a nuisance. A pop-eyed, self-confident mite in Arnold's droll cartoon illustrations, Fly Guy's up to any challenge, whether it be eating a hot dog (well, most of it, anyway), or performing amazing aerial acrobatics; readers drawn by the flashy foil cover will stick around to applaud this unusually capable critter. Any similarity to Ezra Jack Keats's Pet Show! (1972) is surely coincidental. (Picture book. 6-8)
I've never read Keat's Pet Show, so I cannot comment. The illustrations are droll and the cover flashy. It all adds to the fun.
June 6, 2017
نهایتا برای گروه سنی 5 تا هشت سال مناسبه. جذابیت های تصویری خوبی داره و متن روان و ساده و کمش کودک رو به خوندن و ادامه ترغیب می کنه. پنج جلدش رو خوندم. خیلی ساده و یکنواخت بود و تنها برای همون گروهسنی جذابیت داره که واقعا هم خوب تصویرگری شده و رنگبندی های شاد و خوبی داشت
October 22, 2008
Illustrated by Tedd Arnold
Level: Elementary
Copywright-2005
Scholastic,Inc.
This books is so amazing! I teach first grade and I am dealing so many students who are trying to read chapter books because alot of their friends are ready for them. I am teaching them to find good fit books.
This is a chapter book that is a very low level. The story is heart warming and silly at the same time. There are many high frequency words which make the story an easy read.
Level: Elementary
Copywright-2005
Scholastic,Inc.
This books is so amazing! I teach first grade and I am dealing so many students who are trying to read chapter books because alot of their friends are ready for them. I am teaching them to find good fit books.
This is a chapter book that is a very low level. The story is heart warming and silly at the same time. There are many high frequency words which make the story an easy read.
March 14, 2023
مجموعه مگسک و پسرک
که توسط عرفان حسن زاده فارسی سازی و توسط فرهاد حسن زاده طنز پردازی شده، و چه حلوای قندی از اب درامده😍🤩(منظورم ترجمهی نشر پرتقال این مجموعه هست که اقای فرهاد حسن زاده طنز پردازش بودن، اطلاعی از باقی ترجمه ها ندارم)
مگسک یا همان ویزگول و پسرک یا همان ویز، طنز لطیف و جذاب و کودکانه ای را رقم زده اند.
متن ها بسیار کوتاه و بار بیشتر داستان بر دوش تصاویر خوب کتاب هستند
پسر کوچکم با خیلی از جلدها حسابی خندید و حالش جا آمد
https://taaghche.com/book/83677
که توسط عرفان حسن زاده فارسی سازی و توسط فرهاد حسن زاده طنز پردازی شده، و چه حلوای قندی از اب درامده😍🤩(منظورم ترجمهی نشر پرتقال این مجموعه هست که اقای فرهاد حسن زاده طنز پردازش بودن، اطلاعی از باقی ترجمه ها ندارم)
مگسک یا همان ویزگول و پسرک یا همان ویز، طنز لطیف و جذاب و کودکانه ای را رقم زده اند.
متن ها بسیار کوتاه و بار بیشتر داستان بر دوش تصاویر خوب کتاب هستند
پسر کوچکم با خیلی از جلدها حسابی خندید و حالش جا آمد
https://taaghche.com/book/83677
October 4, 2009
In this Theodore Geisell award winning book a boy searches for the ultimate pet to take with him to 'The Amazing Pet Show'. Against all odds he decides on a fly. Why? Because his name is Buzz and when the fly "stomped his foot and said - BUZZ!"... well you can see where this is going.
In any case, some great silliness ensues and Buzz manages to convince not only his parents but the judges at the pet contest that they ought to at least consider the notion that a fly can be a pet.
This book can be a great early reader. The vocabulary is fairly simple, and the number of words per page is not high (ranging from 2 to about 20 words per page). In addition, the concept of chapters is introduced, although the whole book is only 30 pages.
Interest Level: Kindergarten - 1st Grade
In any case, some great silliness ensues and Buzz manages to convince not only his parents but the judges at the pet contest that they ought to at least consider the notion that a fly can be a pet.
This book can be a great early reader. The vocabulary is fairly simple, and the number of words per page is not high (ranging from 2 to about 20 words per page). In addition, the concept of chapters is introduced, although the whole book is only 30 pages.
Interest Level: Kindergarten - 1st Grade
April 8, 2022
The best book
November 30, 2017
This was one of my favorite books when mom read to me!!
December 1, 2024
Fly Guy, oh I love Fly Guy. I can't get enough.
October 29, 2022
Not a fan. My son brought home a Fly Guy book in 1st grade when we were deep in the trenches of losing library books between the library doors and the black hole of a young child’s Family Circus dotted-line style path through life. I don’t remember which book it was, but I remember being pissed about how much I was going to owe the school library when this glorified reader disappeared.
Fly Guy and Pinkalicious fall into the same bottom-scraping category for me. “Boys like bugs!” Write a 100 word book using 1 to 4 letter words about a bug and you’ve got a winner! Do the same thing x50 and you’ve got a highly-profitable franchise! “Girls like the color pink!” Etc... Gag me with a spoon.
I’m still less than thrilled when I see Fly Guy books (usually Flugo, his Swedish translation) in school libraries or my student’s hands. My overly harsh criticism comes from seeing children get stuck at this level, when they should move on to better, more rewarding books. The students who get stuck here are being lauded for reading books as a consumer (Great job! You finished a book!) instead of a reader (You finished a book! Was it exciting? What was your favorite part?).
So why the 3 stars? Eight years on, I’m in a different stage of parenting and haven’t had to pay for lost library books in a few years. Fly Guy and his ilk have their place in reading education. They serve a specific phase well. Namely, giving sounding-out-simple-word level students a desk book that might give a classroom teacher 3 minutes to breathe. Contributing to teacher sanity- 2 stars.
This specific Fly Guy book centers on a fun pun with an onomatopoeia. A book that gives me reason to use my favorite word in the entire English language receives an extra star.
Mother Tongue notes: Because of the series’s popularity and prolific publishing, many students are reading these books in their Swedish translation. It’s a quick and easy trick to pull up the English version on You Tube and have students follow along in the Swedish book in their hands. The earliest readers are able to follow along by matching the illustrations in the video with the book. This makes for a good example of translation between the 2 languages, using a book and story that’s already familiar.
Fly Guy and Pinkalicious fall into the same bottom-scraping category for me. “Boys like bugs!” Write a 100 word book using 1 to 4 letter words about a bug and you’ve got a winner! Do the same thing x50 and you’ve got a highly-profitable franchise! “Girls like the color pink!” Etc... Gag me with a spoon.
I’m still less than thrilled when I see Fly Guy books (usually Flugo, his Swedish translation) in school libraries or my student’s hands. My overly harsh criticism comes from seeing children get stuck at this level, when they should move on to better, more rewarding books. The students who get stuck here are being lauded for reading books as a consumer (Great job! You finished a book!) instead of a reader (You finished a book! Was it exciting? What was your favorite part?).
So why the 3 stars? Eight years on, I’m in a different stage of parenting and haven’t had to pay for lost library books in a few years. Fly Guy and his ilk have their place in reading education. They serve a specific phase well. Namely, giving sounding-out-simple-word level students a desk book that might give a classroom teacher 3 minutes to breathe. Contributing to teacher sanity- 2 stars.
This specific Fly Guy book centers on a fun pun with an onomatopoeia. A book that gives me reason to use my favorite word in the entire English language receives an extra star.
Mother Tongue notes: Because of the series’s popularity and prolific publishing, many students are reading these books in their Swedish translation. It’s a quick and easy trick to pull up the English version on You Tube and have students follow along in the Swedish book in their hands. The earliest readers are able to follow along by matching the illustrations in the video with the book. This makes for a good example of translation between the 2 languages, using a book and story that’s already familiar.
February 22, 2020
Arnold, Tedd. Hi! Fly Guy (2005).
“Is he a pest or a pet?” is the question early readers must wrestle with in this 31-page, humor-filled story of a young boy, Buzz, and his very smart pet, a fly. Winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book Award, this first book in a series of eighteen stresses learning phonics as the story unfolds. The story is broken into short chapters. The text is large so that early readers learn the structure of chapter books as well. Page-filling, colorful illustrations resemble puppets, with large, round eyes on their giant heads and cartoonish expressions on their faces. Drawings that incorporate both lines for conveying shapes and squiggles for depth and shading indicate a sense of whimsy to the story. Hardback with thin, glossy pages. Target audience: indicative of a primary level reader, kindergarten to 2nd grade.
“Is he a pest or a pet?” is the question early readers must wrestle with in this 31-page, humor-filled story of a young boy, Buzz, and his very smart pet, a fly. Winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book Award, this first book in a series of eighteen stresses learning phonics as the story unfolds. The story is broken into short chapters. The text is large so that early readers learn the structure of chapter books as well. Page-filling, colorful illustrations resemble puppets, with large, round eyes on their giant heads and cartoonish expressions on their faces. Drawings that incorporate both lines for conveying shapes and squiggles for depth and shading indicate a sense of whimsy to the story. Hardback with thin, glossy pages. Target audience: indicative of a primary level reader, kindergarten to 2nd grade.
June 19, 2018
Such a cute book! This book follows Fly Guy and Buzz, a little boy that catches Fly Guy and wants to make him a pet. The audio book of this story is also very amazing with the cutest sound effects. I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages.
March 15, 2018
This is a good book for beginner readers because it uses repetition and sound words.
Read
October 17, 2018The book was amazing! My kids love this book! I would buy 5,000 of them and give them away, so people who can't afford it can have one.
December 23, 2018
Fantastic developing reader book, my son could not put it down.
January 23, 2023
Got this in a Wonderbook. Really cute story
May 22, 2025
#35 of 2025
December 5, 2021
I am drunk and read this to my boyfriend while he hugged a custom plush of me. 10/10
April 17, 2018
My daughter had a lot of fun reading this book. It's cute and it kept her interest.
January 10, 2020
Hi! Fly Guy by Ted Arnold is a story about a boy named Buzz who catches a fly. He decides to keep the fly as a pet and names him Fly Guy. The story goes as Buzz takes Fly Guy to a fair to be entered into a “best pet” show. Initially, the judges don’t see the fly as a pet but after showing them some tricks the judges let Fly Guy into the show.
This book is arranged in chapters. Reluctant readers will likely be willing to read this book because it is funny and full of pictures that help describe the text. This book could be used as a mentor text for teaching dialogue. Most pages have some sort of dialogue on it and this would give many examples around how to use commas, parentheses, and even speech bubbles. This book could also be used to show students features of a fiction text such as chapters. With this book containing a few chapters that change based on the setting, students can find inspiration to incorporate this feature into their own story writing.
This book is arranged in chapters. Reluctant readers will likely be willing to read this book because it is funny and full of pictures that help describe the text. This book could be used as a mentor text for teaching dialogue. Most pages have some sort of dialogue on it and this would give many examples around how to use commas, parentheses, and even speech bubbles. This book could also be used to show students features of a fiction text such as chapters. With this book containing a few chapters that change based on the setting, students can find inspiration to incorporate this feature into their own story writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2019
This book was such a sweet early chapter book. It tells a funny story of a little boy who meets a fly and wants to show people that he is a smart fly. The fly and boy go through a couple of different things together like a pet show, and introducing the fly to the boys family. This book would be great for grades 1-3. It gives children the opportunity to practice reading in early chapter books before they enter chapter books.
December 14, 2021
Fly guy and Buzz have an unusual friendship full of humorous adventure. This book would be great for introducing the chapter format to early readers.
November 27, 2013
We are always told to never judge a book by its cover, but this one featuring a close-up of Tedd Arnold’s friendly-looking, bug-eyed hero, Fly Guy, on a sparkly, silver holographic cover simply screams “Pick me! Pick me!” It would certainly appeal to reluctant readers. The story begins as a fly sets out looking for food just as a boy embarks upon a quest to find the perfect pet to enter into the town’s Amazing Pet Show. The boy, who’s name happens to be “Buzz” captures the fly in the hopes that he will be the perfect pet. Agitated at being caught, the angry fly exclaims “BUZZ!” at which the boy expresses amazement that the fly knows his name. Convinced that “fly guy” is the smartest, most perfect pet ever, Buzz is determined to enter him in the Amazing Pet Show—but everyone says that flies can’t be pets! They are pests! How can Buzz and Fly Guy convince the judges that he belongs? A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Winner for 2006, this book is appropriate for beginning readers because the sentence structure is simple, and features large, bold text that is easy for beginning readers to decipher. The story line is funny, and ridiculously absurd. Additionally, the concept of chapters is introduced, as the action is divided into short chapters four or five pages, and the pages are clearly numbered. Kids will like Fly Guy’s funny expressions and comic frustration. Arnold’s use of texture creates an interesting visual effect. His layered watercolor illustrations create bright, rich colors, and his use of graphite and colored pencil to incorporate his signature and omnipresent “controlled scribble” squiggles into the watercolor paints produce the effect of frenetic movement, consistent with “Fly Guy’s” personality. This book would be an excellent suggestion for reluctant readers who enjoy silly humor.
July 16, 2015
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Early Reader
Estimate of age level of interest: Grades Pre-K-3
Estimate of reading level: Grade 1
Brief description:
In this early reader book a fly and a boy named Buzz meet, win a pet show, and become best friends.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book:
Early readers have repetitive wording. Hi! Fly Guy has this repetition of words. At the beginning of the book, Buzz is “looking for something to catch—something smart, something for The Amazing Pet Show” (Arnold, 4). There is also a great deal of white space for the words. They are in a large, easy-to-read font, each line only holding 3-6 words per line.
Early readers often incorporate pictures in order to support the words, some of them new to the readers. Hi! Fly Guy does a nice job with big, colorful drawings that support and bring humor to the story. The characters each have these characteristic large eyes that bring them to life.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?:
Kids will love this book. It has a witty play on words that they will get (the kid’s name is Buzz…the only word Fly Guy can say!) and it is also a chapter book. Both of these facts will give kids the sense that they are reading a “big kid” book, but it’s one written at their level. It is humorous and would make an amusing readaloud.
Awards if any:
ALA Notable Children's Books 2006
Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor 2006
Links to published reviews from professional sources:
Horn Book Guide Spring 2006
Kirkus Reviews July 15, 2005
School Library Journal February 1, 2006
Estimate of age level of interest: Grades Pre-K-3
Estimate of reading level: Grade 1
Brief description:
In this early reader book a fly and a boy named Buzz meet, win a pet show, and become best friends.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book:
Early readers have repetitive wording. Hi! Fly Guy has this repetition of words. At the beginning of the book, Buzz is “looking for something to catch—something smart, something for The Amazing Pet Show” (Arnold, 4). There is also a great deal of white space for the words. They are in a large, easy-to-read font, each line only holding 3-6 words per line.
Early readers often incorporate pictures in order to support the words, some of them new to the readers. Hi! Fly Guy does a nice job with big, colorful drawings that support and bring humor to the story. The characters each have these characteristic large eyes that bring them to life.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?:
Kids will love this book. It has a witty play on words that they will get (the kid’s name is Buzz…the only word Fly Guy can say!) and it is also a chapter book. Both of these facts will give kids the sense that they are reading a “big kid” book, but it’s one written at their level. It is humorous and would make an amusing readaloud.
Awards if any:
ALA Notable Children's Books 2006
Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor 2006
Links to published reviews from professional sources:
Horn Book Guide Spring 2006
Kirkus Reviews July 15, 2005
School Library Journal February 1, 2006
October 4, 2008
Genre: K-3 Concept Book?
Grade: K-3
Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
This book is about a fly that finds a friend in a boy named Buzz. Buzz went out looking for a pet one day and literally runs into the fly. He decides he would be the perfect pet because he could say Buzz's name, so he puts him in a jar and names him Fly Guy. Disregarding his parents wishes, Buzz enters Fly Guy in the fair and Fly Guy wins the award for Smartest Pet.
Activity #1: This book would be great to use for teaching sequencing to students. The different parts of the story could be broken up and talked about. Also, the teacher could point out the events that led to other events, introducing the cause and effect concept to students. The teacher could have students write their own stories based on these ideas. The teacher could have students draw about their story on the two sides of a piece of poster board. Students could draw the cause on one side, and the effect on the other side.
Activity #2: Another activity could be to have students share about their own pets and what makes them special. If they were to give their own pet an award for being great at something, what would that award be? They could even make their own pet out of modeling clay or paper mache, set up a 'fair scene' (like a horse stable), and every member of the class could put their pet in a stall. The student could then put their award on their model pet and share with the class about why they think their pet is extraordinary. This would be a fun activity to share with the rest of the school or with parents.
Grade: K-3
Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
This book is about a fly that finds a friend in a boy named Buzz. Buzz went out looking for a pet one day and literally runs into the fly. He decides he would be the perfect pet because he could say Buzz's name, so he puts him in a jar and names him Fly Guy. Disregarding his parents wishes, Buzz enters Fly Guy in the fair and Fly Guy wins the award for Smartest Pet.
Activity #1: This book would be great to use for teaching sequencing to students. The different parts of the story could be broken up and talked about. Also, the teacher could point out the events that led to other events, introducing the cause and effect concept to students. The teacher could have students write their own stories based on these ideas. The teacher could have students draw about their story on the two sides of a piece of poster board. Students could draw the cause on one side, and the effect on the other side.
Activity #2: Another activity could be to have students share about their own pets and what makes them special. If they were to give their own pet an award for being great at something, what would that award be? They could even make their own pet out of modeling clay or paper mache, set up a 'fair scene' (like a horse stable), and every member of the class could put their pet in a stall. The student could then put their award on their model pet and share with the class about why they think their pet is extraordinary. This would be a fun activity to share with the rest of the school or with parents.
March 3, 2014
Hi! Fly Guy begins with a boy and a fly leading separate lives and unexpectedly intertwining. The cover shows a large fly with a happy face. The background is a hologram texture in silver. This background gives the cover a fun feel and intrigues me to read more. The story begins with a fly looking for something to eat when he bumps into a boy looking for a pet. The boy finds a pet and is immediately impressed by it because the fly says the boys name, "Buzz". Buzz thinks he is the smartest fly when really he is just making the fly sound. Buzz shows his new pet to his parents and they immediately shut him down saying flies cannot be pets. Until the fly shows he is smart by saying Buzz's name. Buzz then names the fly, Fly Guy and enters him in the amazing pet show. At the pet they do not let Buzz enter Fly Guy in the competition. After Fly Guy shows his smarts they let him enter and he wins an award for smartest pet. This is the beginning of their beautiful friendship. I thought this book had an interesting storyline and was very creative. The illustrations were colorful and visually appealing. I also like the use of small chapters. This aspect will encourage students to keep reading and feel accomplished when they are done. I think this would be a fun, quick read aloud to read before lunch or at the end of the day.
May 20, 2017
My Kiddo used to love bugs, and I don't. I was just hoping he wouldn't want to start collecting them or something. Then, abruptly, he started getting really freaked out by flies. This is a problem when you live in the Midwest. Flies are just something you have to deal with in the summer months. He would beg me to catch the flies and send them back outside-- something I'm not quick enough to do. So, what's a Mommy to do?
One day I remembered a school librarian reading this to one of the classes for which I worked as an aide. I thought it might be worth a try, so I checked it out from our Public Library. And my Kiddo LOVES it. He has since requested nearly all of the Fly Guy books! I enjoy Tedd Arnold's off-the-wall sense of humor, and am really amused by the concept of this book.
I don't, however, enjoy all of the Fly Guy books equally. "Shoo, Fly Guy!" is a little bit gross for me, and I expected Kiddo to be traumatized by the froggie "roadkill" but I don't think he yet understands that part.
Anyway, this first entry is a lot of fun, probably especially for little boys.
One day I remembered a school librarian reading this to one of the classes for which I worked as an aide. I thought it might be worth a try, so I checked it out from our Public Library. And my Kiddo LOVES it. He has since requested nearly all of the Fly Guy books! I enjoy Tedd Arnold's off-the-wall sense of humor, and am really amused by the concept of this book.
I don't, however, enjoy all of the Fly Guy books equally. "Shoo, Fly Guy!" is a little bit gross for me, and I expected Kiddo to be traumatized by the froggie "roadkill" but I don't think he yet understands that part.
Anyway, this first entry is a lot of fun, probably especially for little boys.
November 6, 2012
Grade/interest level: Primary
Reading level: 280 Lexile
Genre: Picture Book
Main Characters: Buzz, Fly Guy
Setting: Buzz's home and neighborhood
POV: Narrator
This book is a fun and quirky text that is sure to get young readers interested. A boy named Buzz is looking for an interesting pet to bring to "The Amazing Pet Show". He wants a pet that is going to be smart. He is happy when he finds his new little friend, Fly Guy! Buzz is impressed that this little fly can say his name... Buzz.
Unfortunately, everyone but Buzz thinks this little fly is not a pet but a pest. Don't worry, Fly Guy puts on a performance you wouldn't believe and ends up winning an award at "The Amazing Pet Show". So begins the adorable friendship between a boy and his pet fly.
I love this book. I was originally introduced to it by the two boys I nanny for. They both love the book and are trying to collect all the books in this series. I think this book is a great book to have in my classroom library. This book is a great book for kids to check out and read at their own level. Hopefully I will teach a grade in which I can have these books in my library.
Reading level: 280 Lexile
Genre: Picture Book
Main Characters: Buzz, Fly Guy
Setting: Buzz's home and neighborhood
POV: Narrator
This book is a fun and quirky text that is sure to get young readers interested. A boy named Buzz is looking for an interesting pet to bring to "The Amazing Pet Show". He wants a pet that is going to be smart. He is happy when he finds his new little friend, Fly Guy! Buzz is impressed that this little fly can say his name... Buzz.
Unfortunately, everyone but Buzz thinks this little fly is not a pet but a pest. Don't worry, Fly Guy puts on a performance you wouldn't believe and ends up winning an award at "The Amazing Pet Show". So begins the adorable friendship between a boy and his pet fly.
I love this book. I was originally introduced to it by the two boys I nanny for. They both love the book and are trying to collect all the books in this series. I think this book is a great book to have in my classroom library. This book is a great book for kids to check out and read at their own level. Hopefully I will teach a grade in which I can have these books in my library.
June 10, 2014
SUMMARY:
A boy is on the search for a pet to enter into the town's "Amazing Pet Show" when he comes across a fly. The two hit it off and the story begs the question: is a fly a pest or a pet? Triumphantly, Buzz the fly persuades the boy's family, town members, and even the contest judges to see just how multi-talented and "amazing" a fly could be!
EVALUATION:
A wonderfully easy fiction read for lower elementary students, with eye-catching illustrations that are likely to intrigue readers of any level. Author Tedd Arnold employs humor throughout, while keeping true to the theme: to not judge someone or their abilities before being able to see what they are capable of. As teachers, we do not want to limit a student's potential, and this story proves to share the same message.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How did everyone's feelings for Buzz the Fly change throughout the story?
2. Why did everyone think Buzz was so smart?
3. When was a time that you felt judged, or felt like someone told you you couldn't do something? Explain.
A boy is on the search for a pet to enter into the town's "Amazing Pet Show" when he comes across a fly. The two hit it off and the story begs the question: is a fly a pest or a pet? Triumphantly, Buzz the fly persuades the boy's family, town members, and even the contest judges to see just how multi-talented and "amazing" a fly could be!
EVALUATION:
A wonderfully easy fiction read for lower elementary students, with eye-catching illustrations that are likely to intrigue readers of any level. Author Tedd Arnold employs humor throughout, while keeping true to the theme: to not judge someone or their abilities before being able to see what they are capable of. As teachers, we do not want to limit a student's potential, and this story proves to share the same message.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How did everyone's feelings for Buzz the Fly change throughout the story?
2. Why did everyone think Buzz was so smart?
3. When was a time that you felt judged, or felt like someone told you you couldn't do something? Explain.
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