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I, Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are
Fly is fed up with everyone studying butterflies. Flies are so much cooler! They flap their wings 200 times a second, compared to a butterfly's measly five to twelve times. Their babies―maggots―are much cuter than caterpillars (obviously). And when they eat solid food, they even throw up on it to turn it into a liquid. Who wouldn't want to study an insect like that?
In an unforgettably fun, fact-filled presentation, this lovable (and highly partisan) narrator promotes his species to a sometimes engrossed, sometimes grossed-out, class of kids.
In an unforgettably fun, fact-filled presentation, this lovable (and highly partisan) narrator promotes his species to a sometimes engrossed, sometimes grossed-out, class of kids.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2015
2 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
July 14, 2015
My 5 year old enjoyed this book. It was fun and informative, and a little gross :)
September 14, 2016
Story Summary:
This little fly flies into a classroom only to discover the students are learning about butterflies. He gets so upset that he begins to tell these kids all about flies and why they are better than the plain old butterfly! Eventually the kids decide why not and capture him to learn more but he doesn't like that so much! So he asked to be released but still wanted them to learn more about how the common house fly.
Grade Level: 3rd-4th
Classroom use: I would personally use this to teach a small lesson on flies and how they can be useful to our environment.
Small Group: I would use this to go over metamorphosis and dive into the scientific vocabulary.
Whole Classroom: I would use this as an introductory into flies.
Individual use: If a student has a question about flies, this would be a easy tool for them to use with pictures.
Related Books: Bridget Heos has many books on animals that are Non Fiction.
Multimedia: There is an audio book available on audible.
This little fly flies into a classroom only to discover the students are learning about butterflies. He gets so upset that he begins to tell these kids all about flies and why they are better than the plain old butterfly! Eventually the kids decide why not and capture him to learn more but he doesn't like that so much! So he asked to be released but still wanted them to learn more about how the common house fly.
Grade Level: 3rd-4th
Classroom use: I would personally use this to teach a small lesson on flies and how they can be useful to our environment.
Small Group: I would use this to go over metamorphosis and dive into the scientific vocabulary.
Whole Classroom: I would use this as an introductory into flies.
Individual use: If a student has a question about flies, this would be a easy tool for them to use with pictures.
Related Books: Bridget Heos has many books on animals that are Non Fiction.
Multimedia: There is an audio book available on audible.
October 28, 2015
Gross! So gross, but also funny with great non-fiction information about flies.
January 7, 2016
Funny, creative way to learn about flies!
February 1, 2016
Cute, funny & informative for young students.
March 14, 2018
“Why Flies are Actually Beneficial!”
The author’s purpose in this book is to explain what flies do in our world that goes unnoticed but it important and critical to us for our survival. It gives in depth descriptions of how flies go about their daily lives and what they do and how they grow and develop. This book is great for children in the lower elementary ages; such as first or second grade. I think something that makes this book so special is its comparison to a beautiful butterfly and why/how flies are just as good, if not better, than butterflies. The fly’s voice is heard throughout this entire book and its reasoning on why they are so great and turns everything that sounds negative about them into a positive by stating facts that may come off as sounding gross but are actually beneficial. I think this book is very interesting because I did not know some of these crazy facts about flies and now I realize the differences between them and mosquitos and what makes flies different from all other insects. I think a school or library would benefit from having this book because it is a fun animated book full of facts that go unnoticed. The reader can relate to the book by going forward with not seeing flies as annoying insects that are just in the way, but rather why we need flies in our world. It is very easy to understand the concept of the book as an adult therefore will especially easily grab the attention of young readers. I liked this book and would recommend it to a friend to read to their children or a lower grades elementary school teacher.
The author’s purpose in this book is to explain what flies do in our world that goes unnoticed but it important and critical to us for our survival. It gives in depth descriptions of how flies go about their daily lives and what they do and how they grow and develop. This book is great for children in the lower elementary ages; such as first or second grade. I think something that makes this book so special is its comparison to a beautiful butterfly and why/how flies are just as good, if not better, than butterflies. The fly’s voice is heard throughout this entire book and its reasoning on why they are so great and turns everything that sounds negative about them into a positive by stating facts that may come off as sounding gross but are actually beneficial. I think this book is very interesting because I did not know some of these crazy facts about flies and now I realize the differences between them and mosquitos and what makes flies different from all other insects. I think a school or library would benefit from having this book because it is a fun animated book full of facts that go unnoticed. The reader can relate to the book by going forward with not seeing flies as annoying insects that are just in the way, but rather why we need flies in our world. It is very easy to understand the concept of the book as an adult therefore will especially easily grab the attention of young readers. I liked this book and would recommend it to a friend to read to their children or a lower grades elementary school teacher.
May 19, 2017
I, Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are, written by Bridget Heos and illustrated by Jennifer Plecas, is a nominee for the 2017-18 South Carolina Children's Book Award.
A fly buzzes into an elementary school classroom and sees that a class is studying butterflies. Butterflies?! What's so great about them? Flies are far superior to butterflies, and this little housefly is going to tell these students exactly why.
Sure, flies spread diseases and are known for being kind of nasty, but there's so much more to these insects. They go through metamorphosis (just like those overrated butterflies), they get around on two wings instead of four, and their wings make cool buzzing noises when they fly. Sometimes, they even help solve crimes!
When it comes down to it, the earth would definitely be messier and much less awesome if flies were not around.
I, Fly is a very cute book that presents information on flies in a funny, accessible way. (Even the glossary has a bit of humor in it.) Many people may have never thought of flies (or maggots) as cute--and this book probably won't change that--but it could enlighten readers on the life cycle of flies, what/how they eat, their contributions to the earth, and more. This book is a great addition to studies of insects, and it could even inspire students to write their own books on misunderstood animals.
A fly buzzes into an elementary school classroom and sees that a class is studying butterflies. Butterflies?! What's so great about them? Flies are far superior to butterflies, and this little housefly is going to tell these students exactly why.
Sure, flies spread diseases and are known for being kind of nasty, but there's so much more to these insects. They go through metamorphosis (just like those overrated butterflies), they get around on two wings instead of four, and their wings make cool buzzing noises when they fly. Sometimes, they even help solve crimes!
When it comes down to it, the earth would definitely be messier and much less awesome if flies were not around.
I, Fly is a very cute book that presents information on flies in a funny, accessible way. (Even the glossary has a bit of humor in it.) Many people may have never thought of flies (or maggots) as cute--and this book probably won't change that--but it could enlighten readers on the life cycle of flies, what/how they eat, their contributions to the earth, and more. This book is a great addition to studies of insects, and it could even inspire students to write their own books on misunderstood animals.
April 30, 2020
(Informational text: Nonfiction pick)
This book explains the life of a fly, who comes into a class that's learning about butterflies. Not only does it provide science information, but it does it in a funny way that would be appealing for young readers. While some young students may think it's gross, I think it's a fun and interesting way for students to learn more about the importance of flies because we typically only think of the way they bother us. I chose this to be a wow book for me because of its illustrations, unique perspective, and light-heartedness! I think it's a great way for students to learn more about science related vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed. I would use this book in my classroom for fourth graders to introduce them to the process of metamorphosis and how flies are useful to the environment. I think it could also be extended into a writing activity because they could write using the new vocabulary that they learned in the book!
It could also be used for younger readers, such as second graders to be incorporated into a unit on butterflies. While butterflies look pretty, it can provide an interesting, maybe gross contrast of information about flies. They could use this book for a model of opinion writing!
This book explains the life of a fly, who comes into a class that's learning about butterflies. Not only does it provide science information, but it does it in a funny way that would be appealing for young readers. While some young students may think it's gross, I think it's a fun and interesting way for students to learn more about the importance of flies because we typically only think of the way they bother us. I chose this to be a wow book for me because of its illustrations, unique perspective, and light-heartedness! I think it's a great way for students to learn more about science related vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed. I would use this book in my classroom for fourth graders to introduce them to the process of metamorphosis and how flies are useful to the environment. I think it could also be extended into a writing activity because they could write using the new vocabulary that they learned in the book!
It could also be used for younger readers, such as second graders to be incorporated into a unit on butterflies. While butterflies look pretty, it can provide an interesting, maybe gross contrast of information about flies. They could use this book for a model of opinion writing!
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December 13, 2025I Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are
Heos, B. (2019). I Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are. Charlesbridge.
Genre and Format: Picture book; informational nonfiction.
I Fly introduces young readers to the fascinating world of flies, highlighting their biology, behavior, and ecological importance. The book combines humor and engaging facts to show that even creatures often considered pests play crucial roles in ecosystems, sparking curiosity and appreciation for all living things.
Format and Illustrations: The book features colorful, playful illustrations and diagrams that complement the text. Humorous captions, speech bubbles, and labeled visuals support comprehension and keep readers engaged with scientific content.
Content Area / Curriculum Tie-Ins:
- Science: Insect biology, life cycles, ecology, pollination, decomposition
- ELA: Informational text, cause and effect, sequencing, vocabulary development
- Social Studies: Human interactions with the environment, ecosystem awareness
- Writing: Observation journals, “All About” books, fact-based storytelling
- STEM: Scientific observation, classification, experimentation
- Social-Emotional Learning: Curiosity, appreciation for nature, critical thinking
Heos, B. (2019). I Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are. Charlesbridge.
Genre and Format: Picture book; informational nonfiction.
I Fly introduces young readers to the fascinating world of flies, highlighting their biology, behavior, and ecological importance. The book combines humor and engaging facts to show that even creatures often considered pests play crucial roles in ecosystems, sparking curiosity and appreciation for all living things.
Format and Illustrations: The book features colorful, playful illustrations and diagrams that complement the text. Humorous captions, speech bubbles, and labeled visuals support comprehension and keep readers engaged with scientific content.
Content Area / Curriculum Tie-Ins:
- Science: Insect biology, life cycles, ecology, pollination, decomposition
- ELA: Informational text, cause and effect, sequencing, vocabulary development
- Social Studies: Human interactions with the environment, ecosystem awareness
- Writing: Observation journals, “All About” books, fact-based storytelling
- STEM: Scientific observation, classification, experimentation
- Social-Emotional Learning: Curiosity, appreciation for nature, critical thinking
July 10, 2018
Bridget Heos provides many children with information about Flies. This story was published in 2015, unfortunately is has not won any awards. This nonfiction does well providing facts and information about flies. Heos story is full illustrations that provide her readers with images that help convey the information provided. As you read you will see cool fact that are interesting about correct about flies. I am on the fence of if I like this story of not. While flies can be interesting I believe it wouldn't spark a child's interest into reading this book. What I do enjoy about this book is how the author made a book about flies for kids. She used her knowledge about flies and made it relatable to children. As you read the story you become engaged through the information provided. Illustrations and interesting fact keep this book alive. I suggest showing this book to a child in order to teach them about flies. Overall the book was well written and shared great information about flies.
November 13, 2019
Move over, butterflies--who knew a book narrated by a fly could be so amusingly informative? Fly’s fascinating facts will surely engage readers and enlarge their knowledge of the insect world. I enjoyed how both the book’s tone (both informative and humorous, even gross, at times) and its first-person, err, first-insect narrative drew me in and made me want to know more about this familiar but perhaps lesser studied flier. I Fly would be a handy companion to a science unit on insect life cycles and might also inspire student writers to think creatively about perspectives in storytelling (informational picture book, gr 2-4).
April 20, 2018
Kids love getting grossed out. Learning about things like this gets them interested and they remember these kinds of facts. I love this book for two reasons. First off, it is acurate and informational. The book talks about how flies flap their wings 200 times in a second. I learned things that I would have never known if I had not opened this book! Second, the illustrations are appealing and cartoon-like. These illustrations draw kids in. If they were life-like, I do not think kids would be as interested.
February 2, 2024
Summary:
This book is about a little fly who ends up teaching the class about his life cycle. The fly is jealous because butterflies are always talked about, so he stepped in and taught them about himself. The book is a little gross but very informative. Towards the end, the kids love learning about flies and find it interesting!
This book is a little gross because it is about flies. Although, it is informative and the fly is silly which makes it fun. The kids asking questions in the book also bring it more to life.
I would use this book in language therapy when talking about plurals and non-plurals. For example fly vs. flies.
This book is about a little fly who ends up teaching the class about his life cycle. The fly is jealous because butterflies are always talked about, so he stepped in and taught them about himself. The book is a little gross but very informative. Towards the end, the kids love learning about flies and find it interesting!
This book is a little gross because it is about flies. Although, it is informative and the fly is silly which makes it fun. The kids asking questions in the book also bring it more to life.
I would use this book in language therapy when talking about plurals and non-plurals. For example fly vs. flies.
March 26, 2018
This is a fantastic informational text! It provides information about a fly in a charming and humorous way. The text is guided reading level M so it would be best in a second or third grade classroom. I do think if read out loud first grade students could enjoy it as well. I love that it took an unlikely character to explore, humanize, and celebrate. It shows how important these tiny insects are! It is SO funny!
November 14, 2019
This book is about the life of a fly, as told by a fly, and the benefits that flies provide for us in the human world. I chose this book because it gives a lot of information in a very funny, student friendly way that will engage students to want to learn more about insects. The genre is nonfiction, the grade I would recommend this for is 2nd-5th grade. I would use this as an introduction to an insect lesson, this way my students learn in a simple fun way and are encouraged to learn more.
June 29, 2017
This book points out everything that is awesome about flies and why they are important. Comparing them to other insects and showing readers why we have them and what they are good for.
3 because this offers information on something that everyone can relate to, such as why the heck we have flies and what they are actually good for!
3 because this offers information on something that everyone can relate to, such as why the heck we have flies and what they are actually good for!
February 22, 2018
Why haven't I seen this one before? Bridget Heos has a great time introducing common houseflies to her readers -- perhaps too much fun. This is a wonderful, light-hearted, informative look at one of our most common insects. Heos adds the right mix of science to make this a wonderful elementary classroom title.
August 10, 2018
Read for Battle of the Books. I'm not a fan of this one, because even after being told the benefits of flies, I can't see the benefits of flies. And to have the fly tell children to just leave their food lying around so flies can eat just bugs me (ha, bugs... not intended to be punny). The fact that they spread diseases is still one of my big ick factors with them too.
February 3, 2019
I, Fly follows the story about a little fly that flies into a classroom. This book would be a great introduction for a science lesson about flies or insects. Not only is the information factual, but the pictures and writing is creative and funny. While the topic may be gross to some, it most likely will bring a smile to your face.
February 24, 2020
This book is very funny, colorful but also very informant. It takes a twist on your typical "butterfly metamorphosis" lesson we all learned in school! The book is interesting and coming from a fly's point of view. Students can learn about fly's and their job in our environment while enjoying the illustrations.
March 18, 2021
Love the snarky tone of the fly who narrates this informational book about houseflies. He visits a school classroom and tries to convince students they should study flies rather than butterflies. Lots of interesting information with colorful illustrations.
Read it to my self-contained SpEd class and it got unanimous 5/5 ratings.
Read it to my self-contained SpEd class and it got unanimous 5/5 ratings.
September 23, 2023
Keyword:Informational,recommended reading age 4-8 years old
When we hear of fly's we automatically think of them as bacteria carrying insects. However, this Fly decides to teach us that he's more than that. While teaching a class he explains the benefits his existence creates and how interesting his short life is.
When we hear of fly's we automatically think of them as bacteria carrying insects. However, this Fly decides to teach us that he's more than that. While teaching a class he explains the benefits his existence creates and how interesting his short life is.
November 25, 2023
Award: Orbis Pictus or Robert F. Sibert
Copyright: 2015
This book is about a fly telling students interesting facts that people often don't know about flies. This book teaches readers about fly behavior and anatomy. This book is nice for elementary students because it talks about the butterfly studies that elementary students have, as well as interesting facts about flies.
Copyright: 2015
This book is about a fly telling students interesting facts that people often don't know about flies. This book teaches readers about fly behavior and anatomy. This book is nice for elementary students because it talks about the butterfly studies that elementary students have, as well as interesting facts about flies.
December 16, 2017
A fly is trying to show kids how awesome flies are, but the kids like butterflies but not flies. Through cartoonish illustrations and a funny fly narrator, Heos teaches readers about flies. Entertaining and informative book that teaches and busts myths about flies.
June 28, 2017
It's a cute story told by a fly who is mad that a class is learning about butterflies when he thinks that flies are much more interesting. I think it'd keep a child entertained with the artwork in the book and the storyline.
December 23, 2017
Used this book as a non-fiction companion to the "Fly Guy and his family" fiction book. The kids loved it. Even though the fly is telling the story which kind of throws off the book as totally informational but the kids are engaged and learning about flies (and all their grossness).
May 2, 2018
This book is an exciting way to teach your students about insects. There's a lot of character to this book. This book teaches students about the life of a fly and all of its stages of life.
Level
GR: K
Lexile: 375
Traits
Voice
Organization
Ideas
Level
GR: K
Lexile: 375
Traits
Voice
Organization
Ideas
April 14, 2020
Informational Nonfiction
2nd-3rd grade reading
What I love most of this book is how imformative it is. Flies get over seen a lot which make it hard for kids to learn about them but this book is super fun and interesting!
2nd-3rd grade reading
What I love most of this book is how imformative it is. Flies get over seen a lot which make it hard for kids to learn about them but this book is super fun and interesting!
June 11, 2020
Very interesting informational story about flies. It explains their lives such as their life cylcle from the fun perspective of a fly. This would definitely keep young readers attention especially with the gross parts.
September 28, 2020
Great book to open up students eyes to other interesting insects instead of them being viewed as pests only. Every animal and insect has a place in the ecosystem which can be introduced via this book.
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