Fly!

by Karl Newsom Edwards

A charming read-aloud picture book about learning to be yourself, filled with movement and including a page with fun facts about bugs!
Fly can't wiggle like a worm. He can't jump like a grasshopper. And he can't swing like a spider.
Don't give up, Fly! Keep trying, and with a little help from your garden friends, you'll find your own special talent.
From acclaimed illustrator Karl Newsom Edwards, this is a story about self-discovery through perseverance that encourages toddlers to get up and move to their own buggy groove!

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile, Kids

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 24, 2015

About the author

Karl Newsom Edwards began working as an illustrator in 1976 and has published several books for children. Kirkus Reviews said of Fly!, his first book for Alfred A. Knopf, “In fewer than twenty words, Edwards pieces together a story of grand willpower and discovery.” He lives in Portland, Oregon. Learn more about Karl and his work at karlnewsomedwards.com or on Twitter at @KarlEdwardsArt.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little fly learns how to be himself after he tries to copy everyone else...great lesson for young children.

[Gus Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. my 2 teenage kids and wife loved the story, baby fly tries so hard to do all the things the rest of the insects do until she finally figures out what fly does best, Fly!. Fun to see the fly's timeline and happy ending. Brilliant graphics on this well put together book that in my opinion is good for all ages. Quality hardcover book, pages are easy to turn, the pictures are clear and the story is great. We love it!
We wonder what other cute stories will the Fly be up to next time!. Thanks Karl!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the bug facts at the end, too.

[Jos M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big hit with my story time. Pleasant message about being one's self. We were able to recreate some of our favourite actions from the book which was good fun. It is also blissfully (BLISSFULLY) short. Sometimes the simple things are the best!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect bug storytime book for toddlers and preschoolers. Simple sounds and sweet images for the toddlers, and bug facts at the end for the preschoolers who might be a little more curious to learn a little about the motions a fly, a worm, a grasshopper, and more would make. I would read it and place it on display.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Fly can’t do what the other bugs in the garden can do. He tries to act just like them, but it doesn’t work out quite right. He can’t wiggle like a worm or jump like a grasshopper. He can’t march in formation like the ants or swing like a spider. He’s hopeless at digging and chewing leaves too. It’s not until some flying insects inspire him to try his wings that he figures out exactly what he’s meant to do – fly!

This very simple picture book works so well. The insect who is doing the movement or action states it with confidence and in their own unique font. Then Fly tries it too but always with a question mark wondering about it. So the book reads aloud well and offers plenty of options for tone and approach as a teacher or librarian. In other words, be just as silly as you would like and it will work well.

One of the huge strengths of this book is its illustrations. From the pop-eyed little fly to the other insects, they are all distinctive and brimming with personality. Sharp-eyed readers and listeners will hints of the next insect before you turn the page, creating a feeling of moving along a path of insects. Make sure to check out the Bug Facts at the end of the book for the names of the insects you meet in the story.

Simple and innately funny, this picture book has a zingy personality all its own. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this amusing, almost wordless tale, the title page shows a pint-sized fly contemplating what his distinct personal attribute might be. On the ensuing pages, after comparing himself to Worm, Grasshopper and his various other bug comrades, he discovers that he cannot wiggle or jump or do any of the things they do. It’s only after watching Bee, Butterfly and Dragonfly buzz, flutter and flit that Fly realizes that he is meant to fly! Fewer than twenty verbs comprise the text of this engaging story. The bright, colorful illustrations of Fly and his largely bug-eyed friends set against stark white pages dominate the spreads. This picture book is sure to delight toddlers and would be ideal for emerging readers. It definitely illustrates that “less is more” when appealing to a young audience. Several lessons or themes could be incorporated using this story. A final spread displays the bugs shown in the story with an interesting fact about each.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: "A charming read-aloud picture book about learning to be yourself, filled with movement and including a page with fun facts about bugs!
Fly can't wiggle like a worm. He can't jump like a grasshopper. And he can't swing like a spider.
Don't give up, Fly! Keep trying, and with a little help from your garden friends, you'll find your own special talent.
From acclaimed illustrator Karl Newsom Edwards, this is a story about self-discovery through perseverance that encourages toddlers to get up and move to their own buggy groove!"

My Review: This was a fun book that was included in Munchkin's personalized BookU subscription box. It is simple to ready for those ready to start sounding out familiar words, but it is also a great way to learn about different bugs and movements. Munchkin had a great time with this book trying to correct fly on what he isn't supposed to do. It certainly led to a lot of laughter.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Fly's friends attempt to teach him all of their moves in the garden one day. Worm gives wriggling lessons, Grasshopper tutors him in jumping, Spider models swinging, etc. But no matter how skilled the teacher, Little Fly doesn't quite catch on. Finally, and accidentally, Fly learns to do what he was meant to do all along.

This digitally illustrated picture book serves up strong verbs and use of exclamations and questions in a call and answer format. The lively, repetitive text invites comfort as well as celebration.

Perfect for first time readers. An illustrated section on "Bug Facts" included as back matter supplements the narrative with solid content.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could you not like this book? It is a picture book in the most true sense. The fly's actions and expressions makes the message...be happy with who you are, and do not try to imitate others....so clear. The simple words allow children to read with you or to you. The pictures at the edges of the pages help with making predictions, and they are just fun. You can also review facts about bugs and spiders and teach two types of sentences to even the youngest readers. The book is written in such a wat that little girls and boys (and big ones, too) will enjoy it. It is the most enjoyable picture book I have read in a while.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fly! is a clever book that focuses on the universal themes of differences and finding the right talent that suits us best. By using single words -- all action verbs -- the small fly tries to copy the actions of other animals until he finds what he is good at. A great mentor text for action verbs, clearly focused punctuation, orally reading with inflections, font presentation, etc. Edwards ends with two pages of fun "bug" facts to add to this book with multiple possible uses in classrooms.

[Nanci Booher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me access to this fun fun story. "Fly" can't quite figure out what to do. Fly can't roll or hop or jump...but when flying is figured out Fly knows what life if meant to be about. Fantastic illustrations and fun text. Another must own in my opinion.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of a cute baby fly, told with minimal words and adorable illustrations, and Fly tries to figure out what his movement should be. He encounters many other bugs who say the word of their movement, and tries each one, but none feels right until he realizes he is meant to fly. I'm thinking this will be a hit with the pre-K crowd!

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simple book is perfect is for a pre-schooler. It’s about a fly who is on a journey to discovering the best movement to make him soar. He encounters other bugs and attempts to mimic them finally discovering how he can fly. It also has a picture glossary in the back of the bugs used in the story

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little fly learns what he is meant to do in this touching easy reader. Spotlighting buggy-action verbs, students read how each insect or worm moves as the little fly learns what he is meant to do. Great end notes about bug facts!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story all told in just 20 words. Comic style illustrations add to the fun and a simple section on Bug Facts at the end adds interest to the book.

My one quibble - why use cursive on the final scene and the title?

[Erica Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is a beautiful story about self-discovery through perseverance told in a few simple action verbs. The illustration is vibrant and fresh. A great first book for the youngest readers!

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fly meets all sorts of other insects, who tell him to jump, dig, roll, wiggle, and lots of other actions. Although he can't do what they can, he can fly! Fun read aloud to dramatize & read together. Each insect featured in the book has a fun fact about in the back.

[Jill Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book with great visuals for early learners. Action words in artistic fonts combined with adorable illustrations and a two page section in the back that gives information on various insects/bugs. Perfect and fun for the beginning reader.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Movement picture book read aloud about poor Fly who can't do anything the other insects do (jump like a grasshopper, swing like a spider). Great for an insect or movement storytime for toddler or preschool!

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could make a fun readaloud for PreK, with all the movement ... although I probably won't have them roll across the floor. Could go through each page asking them to identify bug and then share the facts at the back.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

FLY
----------------
Adorably illustrated. Simple to understand. Great conversation starter for topics like individuality, celebrating unique talents, looking for skills in others, etc.

Ages: 0-7 or so

[Shayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute basic picture book with lots of movement. Great for wiggley toddlers.

[Elizabeth Rosenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fly is a book about a bug who doesn't know what his special gift is. He sees other bugs around him and wonders if he can do the things that they do. He tries to jump with grasshoppers, wiggle like worms, and march like ants. Each time he tries to do any of these things, he realizes that he isn't very good at them. After watching butterflies, bees, and dragonflies fly, he realizes that this is his gift! All of the other bugs cheer him on as the fly flies around.
I thought that this was a very sweet book. I loved how it showed the fly's distress as he tried to find a purpose in life. I thought that it had a great message, that everyone is good at something. And I also really liked how the book ended with all of the bugs gathering together to cheer on the fly when he finally discovered what he was good at.
I would use this book to teach my students that we are all talented at something. I would read the book to them and explain how, when the fly was struggling to discover his talent, all of the other bugs loved him enough to try and help him figure out what he was good at. They showed him their talents and let him try each one out. I would make sure that my students know that it is important to help their friends when they are struggling because we all aren't good at everything.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a fly who is trying to find out what he is suppose to do. He watches other bugs to see what they do and tries to copy their moves. The fly continues to fail until he finally discovers that he can fly!!
I love how there is like one word on each page. It is perfect for very young children and will be able to keep them entertained long enough. I am not a fan of the illustrations. While they do go along with the book, I feel they are very cheesy even for a children's book.
I would use this book in a science class. This book is perfect for when a class is talking about insects. I would have my students identify each bug as we read through the book, and afterwards we can do more research on the different types of bugs we saw.

[Amanda Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fly! is about a baby fly who sees other insects doing what they are best at, and he tries to imitate them. He has trouble copying the other animals. For instance, he can't jump like a grasshopper. Or he can't march like an ant. In the end, the fly figures out that he can fly. This sets him apart from the rest.
I think this is a great book for kids who are just learning how to read. It teaches them that everyone is different, and we all have our own strengths. Just because they may struggle in math, they may excel in writing. This would also be a good book to read for a science lesson on different insects and their abilities.

[Amy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book for a family story time focused on children 12 and under. The theme was bugs. It was a hit! The participants did the different movements on each page. I also added the question “do flies __?” after each movement. All participants enjoyed shaking their head no. I found it was important to over exaggerate the punctuation, add movement, and add the question to boost engagement. Some participants even told me this was their favorite book. I will for sure read this book again for story time!

[Arnela · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly simple book, as in it focuses on single verb statements. The art is simple and cute, easy for kids to copy. It's great for toddlers, due to simplicity, and also cause they can wiggle, and jump, and roll along with fly as it tries to figure out what it's good at.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple book, the fly can't figure out how to move. They observe other bugs, then finds the way that is right for them. There is very little text, but it is quite possible for kids to act the book out as you go along, which makes it work well for two-year-olds.

[Dannaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this for our bug themed storytime. Fly struggles to figure out what he's supposed to do and compares himself to a lot of other insects before he figure out how to be true to himself. This is a great one for really young kids because there are very few words and bold, engaging pictures.