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Diary of a...
Diary of a Fly: An Illustrated Story About Big Dreams and Flying High for Children
This is the diary...of a fly. A fly who, when she's not landing on your head or swimming in your soup, is trying to escape her 327 brothers and sisters who are driving her crazy!
Even though she's little -- just like her best friends Worm and Spider -- Fly wants to be a superhero. And why not? She walks on walls, sees in all directions at once, and can already fly!
Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss, the team behind the New York Times bestsellers Diary of a Worm and Diary of a Spider, reach hilarious heights with their story of a little fly who's not afraid to dream big. Really big.
Even though she's little -- just like her best friends Worm and Spider -- Fly wants to be a superhero. And why not? She walks on walls, sees in all directions at once, and can already fly!
Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss, the team behind the New York Times bestsellers Diary of a Worm and Diary of a Spider, reach hilarious heights with their story of a little fly who's not afraid to dream big. Really big.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
13 people are currently reading
1109 people want to read
About the author
Doreen Cronin
115 books444 followersDoreen Cronin (born 1966) is an American writer of children's books, including Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, a very well-received picture book illustrated by Betsy Lewin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
July 7, 2019
Following up on their earlier
Diary of a Worm
and
Diary of a Spider
, author/illustrator team Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss present the diary of Fly in this third picture-book. Opening in June, this chronicle of an insect's life follows Fly as she heads to school for the first time, as she plays with her many siblings, and as she spends time with her friends Worm and Spider. Throughout it all, her ever-present desire to be a superhero crops up, eventually finding support when Worm observes that the world needs all kinds of heroes...
Like its predecessors, Diary of a Fly pairs an engaging and humorous tale, one which blends fictional story and informative text, with colorful and appealing artwork. I appreciated the way that Doreen Cronin worked in so many facts about flies in her narrative, and was amused by the continuation of the Spider-Fly tensions begun in Diary of a Spider. When Grandpa Spider, on record in the earlier book as being distinctly unfriendly to insects (especially flies!) explains to Fly that she is an important part of the food chain, she is initially quite pleased. Then Worm explains what that really means, and she is less thrilled. As with the earlier books, I enjoyed the decorative end-papers here, and found Harry Bliss's artwork quite amusing. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the earlier two diaries, and to anyone looking for children's books that blend fictional and informative elements in an entertaining way.
Like its predecessors, Diary of a Fly pairs an engaging and humorous tale, one which blends fictional story and informative text, with colorful and appealing artwork. I appreciated the way that Doreen Cronin worked in so many facts about flies in her narrative, and was amused by the continuation of the Spider-Fly tensions begun in Diary of a Spider. When Grandpa Spider, on record in the earlier book as being distinctly unfriendly to insects (especially flies!) explains to Fly that she is an important part of the food chain, she is initially quite pleased. Then Worm explains what that really means, and she is less thrilled. As with the earlier books, I enjoyed the decorative end-papers here, and found Harry Bliss's artwork quite amusing. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the earlier two diaries, and to anyone looking for children's books that blend fictional and informative elements in an entertaining way.
September 23, 2017
Check out more picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
In this diary of a fly a young fly girl explains how she wants to be a superhero to her best friends Worm and Spider.
I'm not really a fan of the art style but it fit the comic book like diary entries. And my nephew was quite enchanted! He loved all the facts particularly the ones having to do with numbers! In the middle of the book you have to turn the book sides to be able to read it and he was quite taken with that aspect as well! And he's a fan of any spread where a character is making their own drawings so he was quite taken with fly girl's book! It was quite a fun book for him!!
It had a ton of words but we flew through the book! I was a little concerned about grandpa spider and the frog babysitter threat but they went right over my nephews head, lol. It's definitely something good to talk about with a child who is ready to understand about death and the food chain. The facts about flies were quite cool! The message about heroes was quite mixed up with all the fly facts but with all that is going on the book is quite re-readable especially for a child interested in insects!!
The fact the fly was a girl and not a boy was quite cool! I love the idea of boys understanding young that girls are their equal and not to be seen as non-friends. Except for the ribbons her sex wasn't talked about so much that only girls would enjoy it!
BOTTOM LINE: Perfect for fly loving children!!
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
In this diary of a fly a young fly girl explains how she wants to be a superhero to her best friends Worm and Spider.
I'm not really a fan of the art style but it fit the comic book like diary entries. And my nephew was quite enchanted! He loved all the facts particularly the ones having to do with numbers! In the middle of the book you have to turn the book sides to be able to read it and he was quite taken with that aspect as well! And he's a fan of any spread where a character is making their own drawings so he was quite taken with fly girl's book! It was quite a fun book for him!!
It had a ton of words but we flew through the book! I was a little concerned about grandpa spider and the frog babysitter threat but they went right over my nephews head, lol. It's definitely something good to talk about with a child who is ready to understand about death and the food chain. The facts about flies were quite cool! The message about heroes was quite mixed up with all the fly facts but with all that is going on the book is quite re-readable especially for a child interested in insects!!
The fact the fly was a girl and not a boy was quite cool! I love the idea of boys understanding young that girls are their equal and not to be seen as non-friends. Except for the ribbons her sex wasn't talked about so much that only girls would enjoy it!
BOTTOM LINE: Perfect for fly loving children!!
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
November 20, 2008
Genre: Juvenile Picture Book Reading level: Age 6+
This busy book is just the thing to address the nerves of the child who is about to begin school. The concerns of the Fly, unnamed, range from dietary to family to super hero. She is about to begin school and not at all sure that she will fit in. Does everyone regurgitate their food? Can a Fly be a super hero? Why can’t she have her own room? Her friends, Worm and Spider, will be familiar from previous Cronin and Bliss stories. Together they face the everyday challenges of being a young bug. Humans feature prominently in the story as sources of food and subjects for school assignments. Warning: this book may spoil your appetite! The very funny illustrations do not stop on the pages of the book, but can be found on the inside and back of the cover. The author’s humor and artist’s whimsical cartoons will please the younger child, while the subtleties will delight an older reader.
Other picture books for all ages featuring literary animals:
Dear Mrs. LaRue, Mark Teague
Diary of a wombat, Jackie French & Bruce Whatley
Letters from a desperate dog, Eileen Christelow
This busy book is just the thing to address the nerves of the child who is about to begin school. The concerns of the Fly, unnamed, range from dietary to family to super hero. She is about to begin school and not at all sure that she will fit in. Does everyone regurgitate their food? Can a Fly be a super hero? Why can’t she have her own room? Her friends, Worm and Spider, will be familiar from previous Cronin and Bliss stories. Together they face the everyday challenges of being a young bug. Humans feature prominently in the story as sources of food and subjects for school assignments. Warning: this book may spoil your appetite! The very funny illustrations do not stop on the pages of the book, but can be found on the inside and back of the cover. The author’s humor and artist’s whimsical cartoons will please the younger child, while the subtleties will delight an older reader.
Other picture books for all ages featuring literary animals:
Dear Mrs. LaRue, Mark Teague
Diary of a wombat, Jackie French & Bruce Whatley
Letters from a desperate dog, Eileen Christelow
September 1, 2016
1. This is a story about a fly and her exciting first days of life, school, and self-discovery with her friends, Worm and Spider. She learns, with a little help from her friends, that it truly takes all kinds.
2. This book is reccomended for students on a 2nd grade reading level.
3. I could use this book in my classroom as a read-aloud, or as a fun beginner to a science lesson on insects.
4. Any student could benefit from this book, but I believe it is very encouraging for girls to understand that they can do anything (except sass their moms).
5. This book would be great for small groups to give students a good example of a diary.
6. I could also use this book to introduce diaries in a classroom read-aloud.
7. Diary of a Spider and Diary of a Worm
8. Audiobook available
2. This book is reccomended for students on a 2nd grade reading level.
3. I could use this book in my classroom as a read-aloud, or as a fun beginner to a science lesson on insects.
4. Any student could benefit from this book, but I believe it is very encouraging for girls to understand that they can do anything (except sass their moms).
5. This book would be great for small groups to give students a good example of a diary.
6. I could also use this book to introduce diaries in a classroom read-aloud.
7. Diary of a Spider and Diary of a Worm
8. Audiobook available
May 16, 2018
A cute book to learn the basics of a fly. She stands out because she has a bow. She interacts with her friend Worm and Spider, heroes from the authors other books. The author has a good sense of humor: Aunt Rita who'd been trapped on the wrongs side of a screen for a week!
April 26, 2019
This was a funny and engaging way to learn science. 💗
May 5, 2019
Cute book on life from the perspective of a fly. It teaches all kinds of fly facts in a cute way.
December 30, 2019
A series of journal entries from a young female fly. Instructive about fly anatomy and behavior, but also entertaining and humorous. Not quite as funny as Diary of a Worm or Diary of a Spider, but Worm and Spider make appearances in this book as Fly's friends. I love how Fly's superhero aspirations are handled in this story. Illuminating example of strong voice from a non-human narrator. Great for classroom or group use to mentor journaling activities. Can be paired with Diary of a Wombat.
February 2, 2018
Fly has 327 brothers and sisters, so she can't have her own room.
This book in the Diary of [Insert Insect] trilogy is a little lighter, or maybe more subtle, with the humor, but it appears to me to be packed with a lot more interesting facts about the housefly. Maybe that's to offset the relative uselessness of the house fly as an insect. Worms and Spiders have clear purposes. Flies... not so much. After reading this book, I feel bad for thinking that because Fly is so cute when she pretends to be a hero!
This book in the Diary of [Insert Insect] trilogy is a little lighter, or maybe more subtle, with the humor, but it appears to me to be packed with a lot more interesting facts about the housefly. Maybe that's to offset the relative uselessness of the house fly as an insect. Worms and Spiders have clear purposes. Flies... not so much. After reading this book, I feel bad for thinking that because Fly is so cute when she pretends to be a hero!
March 20, 2024
Are you currently teaching about journaling, leisure writing, or self-expression in your classroom? Then this is the perfect book for you. Diary of a Fly By Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Harry Bliss, is a fantasy story about a little fly and her adventures. The story utilizes excellent characterization, as it shows the other two characters from Doreen's previous diary books, as the fly’s friend. The book explores the fly's feelings as she enters the school setting for the first time. One Double spread I enjoy is pages 13-14, where Fly enters her diary: “I’m having a time-out in the garage right now”. The fly is super similar to a lot of school-age kids, making her relatable for the class. Another double spread I enjoy is pages 25-26, where she's hanging out with her friends and she writes “Worm looked me right in the eyes…” because flies have a whole bunch of eyes. Doreen uses lots of humor in this book, making it perfect for read-aloud in the classroom, or at home with a parent who will surely enjoy the book too
July 25, 2018
With the new school year on the horizon, I'm going through my boxes of children's books in storage and found Diary of a Fly. I think this is my favorites in the series, though worm, spider, and fly make appearances in each others' books. The cheek here is pitch-perfect, from poking fun at the short life-span of a fly to its place in the life cycle (bad Grandpa Spider!). Very cute, very silly. I adore it.
November 12, 2018
One of the original books of this series and a mostly enjoyable read. My 7 year old really liked it, though she really likes all of these.
About a second grade level, so even though it doesn't have that easy reader designation, it's just fine for second graders.
Cute, not too gross, but enough 'icky' to keep kids interested.
About a second grade level, so even though it doesn't have that easy reader designation, it's just fine for second graders.
Cute, not too gross, but enough 'icky' to keep kids interested.
June 9, 2020
Laughed out loud while reading this to Alena today. Our library is finally allowing us to put books on hold, check them out, and pick them up curbside. Yay! The books I put on hold are by favorite authors and illustrators or by authors I've enjoyed in the past like Doreen Cronin.
February 4, 2021
Comically educational :)
October 29, 2023
Diary Of A Fly illustrated by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss, in the format of this story is it's about A fly who, when she's not landing on your head or swimming in your soup, is trying to escape her 327 brothers and sisters who are driving her crazy! The characters are her best friends, worm, and Spider, And just like her best friends, Worm and Spider, Fly wants to be a superhero. This book is entertaining because she's going on a self-discovery. This story is fantasy because of the magical elements. This story is a great book to keep the student's attention.
October 14, 2015
Title: Diary of a Fly
Author: Doreen Cronin
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Genre: Online Book
Theme(s): There is always more to be learned!
Opening line/sentence: ‘Tomorrow is the first day of school. I am so nervous.’
Brief Book Summary: This book is in the format of a nervous fly starting school who writes in her diary everyday. She talks about the projects he has to do and even how she has to observe a human first grader. The fly makes friends at school and writes about how much she learns about flies as well as other things. At the end of the story, fly learns about superheroes and decides she is a different type of superhero that the world might need.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Casey Bedenbaugh (Children’s Literature- This is the diary of a fly that is going to flight school for the first time. She experiences all of the first-day jitters and wonders if “she is the only one who eats regurgitated food.” Relieved to discover she is not, she learns many facts about flies. However, when she is not discovering new things, she spends time with her best friends, Spider and Worm, trying to escape her 327 brothers and sisters who are driving her crazy. Fly is determined that she wants to be a superhero, and why not? She has 4,000 lenses in each eye, can walk on walls, and can change directions in flight faster than the blink of a human eye. The colorful and detailed illustrations allow readers to get an inside view of the life of a fly.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Eileen Kern (Kutztown University Book Review)- This is another winner from author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Harry Bliss. Fly, a purple girl with multifaceted green eyes, writes in her diary about the first day at school, her flying lessons, her relationships and antics with her 327 siblings. She wants to be a super hero but realizes that it is not possible. She learns many worldly things from her playmates, Worm and Spider. The cartoon illustrations and humorous but fact filled text make this book another winner in the series.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both of these reviews mention the colorful and detailed illustrations seen in this book. Children would definitely love looking at these pictures while reading the story. I also agree that this book is great because of the “fact filled text” that would help students learn about different things. There are many facts in this book that children as well as adults would be able to learn about just from reading it.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The author chose a simple plot for this story that children are able to relate to because it is about going to school. Most of the setting takes place at school and for the rest of it the setting can be seen through the illustrations. The online version of the book zooms in and out of pictures while the voice is reading the story. The book is read at a slow pace so students are able to listen carefully while looking at the detailed and funny illustrations.The characterization of the fly will grab children's' attention because what child doesn't love an animal that can talk!
Consideration of Instructional Application: I think this would be a great story to use in the classroom. It is fun for young students because the lively, colorful illustrations are very appealing, but it is also filled with factual information. Students would enjoy this book, and also take a lot from it because they would be learning what the fly is learning in school and while playing with her friends. There are facts about flies and even about the food chain that students would be able to learn about. Since there are facts about these things, it would be beneficial to read students this book and then do some sort of science project relating to topics discussed in the story.
Author: Doreen Cronin
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Genre: Online Book
Theme(s): There is always more to be learned!
Opening line/sentence: ‘Tomorrow is the first day of school. I am so nervous.’
Brief Book Summary: This book is in the format of a nervous fly starting school who writes in her diary everyday. She talks about the projects he has to do and even how she has to observe a human first grader. The fly makes friends at school and writes about how much she learns about flies as well as other things. At the end of the story, fly learns about superheroes and decides she is a different type of superhero that the world might need.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Casey Bedenbaugh (Children’s Literature- This is the diary of a fly that is going to flight school for the first time. She experiences all of the first-day jitters and wonders if “she is the only one who eats regurgitated food.” Relieved to discover she is not, she learns many facts about flies. However, when she is not discovering new things, she spends time with her best friends, Spider and Worm, trying to escape her 327 brothers and sisters who are driving her crazy. Fly is determined that she wants to be a superhero, and why not? She has 4,000 lenses in each eye, can walk on walls, and can change directions in flight faster than the blink of a human eye. The colorful and detailed illustrations allow readers to get an inside view of the life of a fly.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Eileen Kern (Kutztown University Book Review)- This is another winner from author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Harry Bliss. Fly, a purple girl with multifaceted green eyes, writes in her diary about the first day at school, her flying lessons, her relationships and antics with her 327 siblings. She wants to be a super hero but realizes that it is not possible. She learns many worldly things from her playmates, Worm and Spider. The cartoon illustrations and humorous but fact filled text make this book another winner in the series.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both of these reviews mention the colorful and detailed illustrations seen in this book. Children would definitely love looking at these pictures while reading the story. I also agree that this book is great because of the “fact filled text” that would help students learn about different things. There are many facts in this book that children as well as adults would be able to learn about just from reading it.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The author chose a simple plot for this story that children are able to relate to because it is about going to school. Most of the setting takes place at school and for the rest of it the setting can be seen through the illustrations. The online version of the book zooms in and out of pictures while the voice is reading the story. The book is read at a slow pace so students are able to listen carefully while looking at the detailed and funny illustrations.The characterization of the fly will grab children's' attention because what child doesn't love an animal that can talk!
Consideration of Instructional Application: I think this would be a great story to use in the classroom. It is fun for young students because the lively, colorful illustrations are very appealing, but it is also filled with factual information. Students would enjoy this book, and also take a lot from it because they would be learning what the fly is learning in school and while playing with her friends. There are facts about flies and even about the food chain that students would be able to learn about. Since there are facts about these things, it would be beneficial to read students this book and then do some sort of science project relating to topics discussed in the story.
July 14, 2016
Title: Diary of a Fly
Author: Doreen Cronin
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Genre: Picture Book
Theme(s): Flies, Diaries, School, Superheros
Opening line/sentence: June 7: Tomorrow is the first day of school. I’m so nervous. What if I’m the only one who eats regurgitated food? June 8: Great news! Everyone eats regurgitated food!
Brief Book Summary: This picture book is the diary of a fly who wants to be a superhero. You experience Fly going to school and the troubles she goes through to become a superhero.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Jessie Grearson (Audiofile, October/November 2008) Abigail Breslin (of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE fame) reads this enjoyable follow-up to the bestselling diaries of a worm and a spider, who make appearances in this book as well. Breslin's expressive, youthful voice is perfectly suited to that of "fly girl," and she handles the gently humorous yet informative story line well. We learn a fly's average flight speed (4.5 mph) and how fast they beat their wings (200 times per second--"No wonder I keep falling asleep in math"). This fun production is enhanced by musical interludes that include jazzy piano phrases to the occasional doo-wop beat. It ends with an interesting interview with illustrator Harry Bliss, who offers his thoughts on illustrating this popular picture-book series.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Randall Enos (Booklist, Nov. 1 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 5)) In Diary of a Worm (2003) and Diary of a Spider (2005), Cronin and Bliss make two of nature s least-appealing creatures into perfectly charming journal keepers. Just as likable is their new diarist, a young fly decked out in a fetching red bow, who first appeared in Spider s diary. The hopes, fears, and daily concerns Fly sets down seem worlds away from kids lives: Will Fly be considered odd at school for her predilection for regurgitated food? What’s the best way to deal with her 327 siblings? As one who eats horse manure, has 4,000 lenses in each eye, and can walk on walls, is she better than the superhero she dreams of becoming? Even so, children may well find a certain familiarity in the emotions underlying Fly’s words. Bliss colorful cartoon illustrations are the perfect counterbalance to the humorous irony in Cronin’s text. Like its predecessors, this diary is a crowd pleaser.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both professionals speak of the author’s youthful expression throughout this book and how it pulls in young readers from the start. Children are able to relate to Fly’s world through her diary, from her worries at school to her dream of becoming a superhero. The illustrations are vibrant and attract the younger and older reading population.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This is a great picture book for children still very engaged in illustrations. There is a lot of details going on in this particular book with text intertwined throughout the pictures. However, all details are large enough for kids to see making this a great selection for younger readers.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This book would be a great way to explain what a diary is and the components of one. Children could create their own diary in the classroom, explaining what they did each day and their thoughts and questions they have. This would be a great way to assess a child’s writing throughout the progression of the diary.
Author: Doreen Cronin
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Genre: Picture Book
Theme(s): Flies, Diaries, School, Superheros
Opening line/sentence: June 7: Tomorrow is the first day of school. I’m so nervous. What if I’m the only one who eats regurgitated food? June 8: Great news! Everyone eats regurgitated food!
Brief Book Summary: This picture book is the diary of a fly who wants to be a superhero. You experience Fly going to school and the troubles she goes through to become a superhero.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Jessie Grearson (Audiofile, October/November 2008) Abigail Breslin (of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE fame) reads this enjoyable follow-up to the bestselling diaries of a worm and a spider, who make appearances in this book as well. Breslin's expressive, youthful voice is perfectly suited to that of "fly girl," and she handles the gently humorous yet informative story line well. We learn a fly's average flight speed (4.5 mph) and how fast they beat their wings (200 times per second--"No wonder I keep falling asleep in math"). This fun production is enhanced by musical interludes that include jazzy piano phrases to the occasional doo-wop beat. It ends with an interesting interview with illustrator Harry Bliss, who offers his thoughts on illustrating this popular picture-book series.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Randall Enos (Booklist, Nov. 1 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 5)) In Diary of a Worm (2003) and Diary of a Spider (2005), Cronin and Bliss make two of nature s least-appealing creatures into perfectly charming journal keepers. Just as likable is their new diarist, a young fly decked out in a fetching red bow, who first appeared in Spider s diary. The hopes, fears, and daily concerns Fly sets down seem worlds away from kids lives: Will Fly be considered odd at school for her predilection for regurgitated food? What’s the best way to deal with her 327 siblings? As one who eats horse manure, has 4,000 lenses in each eye, and can walk on walls, is she better than the superhero she dreams of becoming? Even so, children may well find a certain familiarity in the emotions underlying Fly’s words. Bliss colorful cartoon illustrations are the perfect counterbalance to the humorous irony in Cronin’s text. Like its predecessors, this diary is a crowd pleaser.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both professionals speak of the author’s youthful expression throughout this book and how it pulls in young readers from the start. Children are able to relate to Fly’s world through her diary, from her worries at school to her dream of becoming a superhero. The illustrations are vibrant and attract the younger and older reading population.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This is a great picture book for children still very engaged in illustrations. There is a lot of details going on in this particular book with text intertwined throughout the pictures. However, all details are large enough for kids to see making this a great selection for younger readers.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This book would be a great way to explain what a diary is and the components of one. Children could create their own diary in the classroom, explaining what they did each day and their thoughts and questions they have. This would be a great way to assess a child’s writing throughout the progression of the diary.
September 12, 2007
Every one of Cronin's "Diary" books is ROTFL funny, and this one is no exception. Better for elementary school students than preschoolers--teachers, grab these books when you're doing lessons on worms, spiders and flies!
May 4, 2009
Another great Diary book. I didn't like this one quite as well as the other 2 but it is still a fun book to read.
September 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book because I thought it was a good way to introduce a lesson on how to write journal and/or diary entries. I also liked how Doreen Cronin was able to create an entertaining book which has little hidden facts about flies in the text. These facts are factual and well researched but are written in a way so that the child doesn't actually think they are learning and are just enjoying a funny story. However, there is a lot the student can learn: topics about food chains, our 5 senses, interesting facts about flies and how to create a diary/journal entry.
I also thought Cronin was creative with the layout of the book- towards the middle you have to turn it sideways to read which helps keep students engaged during story time. She also had many sound words (onomatopoeia) that helped paint pictures in the reader's head, plus it makes the book fun to read aloud.
This is clearly a fictional book because this is about the life of a fly; a story using anthropomorphism. The setting takes place in a school and since the mood is exciting and uplifting it encourages the reader to also be excited for the new school year. The illustrations clearly depict what is going on in the text; such as where the flies are and what they are doing. In addition, the pictures also include thought and speech bubbles so readers learn how to read more than just the main text. Doreen Cronin's creativity continues onto the end pages where she shows pictures of the fly's daily life and captions underneath each one.
The vocabulary is simple but appropriate for the intended age (4-8) and is a short read to sustain reader's attention.
I also thought Cronin was creative with the layout of the book- towards the middle you have to turn it sideways to read which helps keep students engaged during story time. She also had many sound words (onomatopoeia) that helped paint pictures in the reader's head, plus it makes the book fun to read aloud.
This is clearly a fictional book because this is about the life of a fly; a story using anthropomorphism. The setting takes place in a school and since the mood is exciting and uplifting it encourages the reader to also be excited for the new school year. The illustrations clearly depict what is going on in the text; such as where the flies are and what they are doing. In addition, the pictures also include thought and speech bubbles so readers learn how to read more than just the main text. Doreen Cronin's creativity continues onto the end pages where she shows pictures of the fly's daily life and captions underneath each one.
The vocabulary is simple but appropriate for the intended age (4-8) and is a short read to sustain reader's attention.
February 4, 2014
Booklist (November 1, 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 5))
Preschool-Grade 2. In Diary of a Worm (2003) and Diary of a Spider (2005), Cronin and Bliss make two of nature’s least-appealing creatures into perfectly charming journal keepers. Just as likable is their new diarist, a young fly decked out in a fetching red bow, who first appeared in Spider’s diary. The hopes, fears, and daily concerns Fly sets down seem worlds away from kids’ lives: Will Fly be considered odd at school for her predilection for regurgitated food? What’s the best way to deal with her 327 siblings? As one who eats horse manure, has 4,000 lenses in each eye, and can walk on walls, is she better than the superhero she dreams of becoming? Even so, children may well find a certain familiarity in the emotions underlying Fly’s words. Bliss’ colorful cartoon illustrations are the perfect counterbalance to the humorous irony in Cronin’s text. Like its predecessors, this diary is a crowd pleaser.
Horn Book (January/February, 2008)
Readers of Diary of a Worm (rev. 11/03) and Diary of a Spider (rev. 11/05) could guess that Diary of a Fly would not be far behind, and, sure enough, here is the third in the series of books about a trio of diminutive friends. Like the others, this relays real-life information through humor ("What if I'm the only one [at school] who eats regurgitated food?") in a way that makes the facts memorable. Cronin uses her impeccable comedic timing throughout, as when Fly compares herself to a superhero ("I can walk on walls") and Spider then deflates her ("Your brain is the size of a sesame seed"). Bliss includes many witty details in his illustrations, with a set of additional pictures on the endpapers with captions that make them almost like supplementary cartoons. The short sentences and visual jokes make this a great selection for listeners and new readers alike.
Horn Book starred (March, 2008)
Like Diary of a Worm and Diary of a Spider, this book relays real-life information through Cronin's impeccable comedic timing in a way that makes the facts memorable. Bliss's illustrations, including additional pictures on the endpapers, incorporate many witty details. The short sentences and visual jokes make this a great selection for listeners and new readers alike.
Kirkus Reviews starred (August 1, 2007)
Worm and Spider have had their say, now it's time for Fly to take center stage. She frets in dated entries about going to school ("What if I'm the only one who eats regurgitated food?"), recording flying and other lessons, cutting up with her 327 brothers and sisters and especially yearning to be a superhero--despite her friend Spider's scorn: "Superheroes bend steel with their bare hands. You eat horse manure with your feet." Bliss contributes another set of cartoons that place small creatures with occasional identifying items of clothing (Fly's is a hair bow) in a big and not always entirely safe world. It's still a winning formula, and readers will come away, as from the two previous outings, with sore stomachs (from laughing) and surprising amounts of painlessly delivered natural history--plus Worm's sage and comforting closing observation that "the world needs all kinds of heroes." (Picture book. 6-8)
Publishers Weekly (July 16, 2007)
Cronin and Bliss follow up their bestselling Diary of a Worm and Diary of a Spider with a heroine so delightful it would be criminal to swat her. Fly, a purple girl with multifaceted green eyes, chronicles her childhood, from anxieties about the first day of school ("June 7: What if I'm the only one who eats regurgitated food?... June 8: Everyone eats regurgitated food!") to family issues ("July 23: I visited my aunt Rita today. She's been trapped on the wrong side of a screen for a week"). Tips on flying, such as "Leap backward when taking off," combine with grade-school concerns and problems of discipline. Fly's babysitter, a ladybug, can't manage Fly and her 327 brothers and sisters ("Mom says we were a lot easier to watch before we grew heads"), so she brings a hungry green frog and sits back to read Teen Bugs magazine. Because flies "beat their wings 200 times per second," "can see in all directions at once" and have amazing aerial powers, Fly fantasizes about being a superhero, though her friend Spider notes, "Superheroes bend steel with their bare hands. You eat horse manure with your feet." Bemused readers may be more inclined to agree with Worm, however, who reassures Fly that "the world needs all kinds of heroes." Cronin's spot-on humor and Bliss's uproarious ink-and-watercolor panels make Fly-and this third outing in the series-both irresistible and undeniably super. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal (October 1, 2007)
PreS-Gr 3-Fans of Diary of a Spider (2005) and Diary of a Worm (2003, both HarperCollins) will be thrilled with this latest mix of whimsy and scientific fact. Fly, a sassy insect with a red bow on her purple head, writes in her diary about her first-day-of-school worries (will everyone else eat regurgitated food?), the challenges of fly-school classes, a visit to her aunt who is stuck on the wrong side of a screen door, and playdates with her pals Worm and Spider. The ick factor is ramped up from the previous two books, which will delight buggy fans even more. Learning about the food chain according to Worm-an explanation illustrated by Spider's Grandfather holding a fork over Fly, as well as the ladybug babysitter's method of keeping a lid on mischief by bringing a frog along to keep order while she reads her Teen Bugs magazine-will have kids laughing out loud. Fly's dream of being a superhero and her doubts that she can be one is a feeling children will respond to-as well as Worm's encouragement when he tells her, "the world needs all kinds of heroes." As usual, the attention to detail (flies sitting on thumbtack seats at a toothpaste-box table in the cafeteria, Fly in her time-out is just glowing eyes on a two-page black spread) and a lively layout that has a comic-book vibe are sure to appeal. Hilarious.-Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
Preschool-Grade 2. In Diary of a Worm (2003) and Diary of a Spider (2005), Cronin and Bliss make two of nature’s least-appealing creatures into perfectly charming journal keepers. Just as likable is their new diarist, a young fly decked out in a fetching red bow, who first appeared in Spider’s diary. The hopes, fears, and daily concerns Fly sets down seem worlds away from kids’ lives: Will Fly be considered odd at school for her predilection for regurgitated food? What’s the best way to deal with her 327 siblings? As one who eats horse manure, has 4,000 lenses in each eye, and can walk on walls, is she better than the superhero she dreams of becoming? Even so, children may well find a certain familiarity in the emotions underlying Fly’s words. Bliss’ colorful cartoon illustrations are the perfect counterbalance to the humorous irony in Cronin’s text. Like its predecessors, this diary is a crowd pleaser.
Horn Book (January/February, 2008)
Readers of Diary of a Worm (rev. 11/03) and Diary of a Spider (rev. 11/05) could guess that Diary of a Fly would not be far behind, and, sure enough, here is the third in the series of books about a trio of diminutive friends. Like the others, this relays real-life information through humor ("What if I'm the only one [at school] who eats regurgitated food?") in a way that makes the facts memorable. Cronin uses her impeccable comedic timing throughout, as when Fly compares herself to a superhero ("I can walk on walls") and Spider then deflates her ("Your brain is the size of a sesame seed"). Bliss includes many witty details in his illustrations, with a set of additional pictures on the endpapers with captions that make them almost like supplementary cartoons. The short sentences and visual jokes make this a great selection for listeners and new readers alike.
Horn Book starred (March, 2008)
Like Diary of a Worm and Diary of a Spider, this book relays real-life information through Cronin's impeccable comedic timing in a way that makes the facts memorable. Bliss's illustrations, including additional pictures on the endpapers, incorporate many witty details. The short sentences and visual jokes make this a great selection for listeners and new readers alike.
Kirkus Reviews starred (August 1, 2007)
Worm and Spider have had their say, now it's time for Fly to take center stage. She frets in dated entries about going to school ("What if I'm the only one who eats regurgitated food?"), recording flying and other lessons, cutting up with her 327 brothers and sisters and especially yearning to be a superhero--despite her friend Spider's scorn: "Superheroes bend steel with their bare hands. You eat horse manure with your feet." Bliss contributes another set of cartoons that place small creatures with occasional identifying items of clothing (Fly's is a hair bow) in a big and not always entirely safe world. It's still a winning formula, and readers will come away, as from the two previous outings, with sore stomachs (from laughing) and surprising amounts of painlessly delivered natural history--plus Worm's sage and comforting closing observation that "the world needs all kinds of heroes." (Picture book. 6-8)
Publishers Weekly (July 16, 2007)
Cronin and Bliss follow up their bestselling Diary of a Worm and Diary of a Spider with a heroine so delightful it would be criminal to swat her. Fly, a purple girl with multifaceted green eyes, chronicles her childhood, from anxieties about the first day of school ("June 7: What if I'm the only one who eats regurgitated food?... June 8: Everyone eats regurgitated food!") to family issues ("July 23: I visited my aunt Rita today. She's been trapped on the wrong side of a screen for a week"). Tips on flying, such as "Leap backward when taking off," combine with grade-school concerns and problems of discipline. Fly's babysitter, a ladybug, can't manage Fly and her 327 brothers and sisters ("Mom says we were a lot easier to watch before we grew heads"), so she brings a hungry green frog and sits back to read Teen Bugs magazine. Because flies "beat their wings 200 times per second," "can see in all directions at once" and have amazing aerial powers, Fly fantasizes about being a superhero, though her friend Spider notes, "Superheroes bend steel with their bare hands. You eat horse manure with your feet." Bemused readers may be more inclined to agree with Worm, however, who reassures Fly that "the world needs all kinds of heroes." Cronin's spot-on humor and Bliss's uproarious ink-and-watercolor panels make Fly-and this third outing in the series-both irresistible and undeniably super. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal (October 1, 2007)
PreS-Gr 3-Fans of Diary of a Spider (2005) and Diary of a Worm (2003, both HarperCollins) will be thrilled with this latest mix of whimsy and scientific fact. Fly, a sassy insect with a red bow on her purple head, writes in her diary about her first-day-of-school worries (will everyone else eat regurgitated food?), the challenges of fly-school classes, a visit to her aunt who is stuck on the wrong side of a screen door, and playdates with her pals Worm and Spider. The ick factor is ramped up from the previous two books, which will delight buggy fans even more. Learning about the food chain according to Worm-an explanation illustrated by Spider's Grandfather holding a fork over Fly, as well as the ladybug babysitter's method of keeping a lid on mischief by bringing a frog along to keep order while she reads her Teen Bugs magazine-will have kids laughing out loud. Fly's dream of being a superhero and her doubts that she can be one is a feeling children will respond to-as well as Worm's encouragement when he tells her, "the world needs all kinds of heroes." As usual, the attention to detail (flies sitting on thumbtack seats at a toothpaste-box table in the cafeteria, Fly in her time-out is just glowing eyes on a two-page black spread) and a lively layout that has a comic-book vibe are sure to appeal. Hilarious.-Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2019
Diary of a Fly is a light read written by Doreen Cronin. This is a story about a fly's journal at the beginning of her school year. In the classroom, this story could have multiple uses. For one, it would be a good read to get quick, basic facts about flys before learning about insects for a science class. Another good time to read this story is at the beginning of the year for students who have the beginning of the year nerves. This would be a good read for kids from kindergarten to second grade. The illustrations are fun as well, they are detailed and interactive for the kids. They really help tell the story. Overall, this is a great story to read to young students and incorporate it in the classroom activities.
I chose this book to read out loud because I thought it had several good ways to use in a class lesson. The illustrations were also very detailed which I think children would enjoy, it really brought the story to life.
I chose this book to read out loud because I thought it had several good ways to use in a class lesson. The illustrations were also very detailed which I think children would enjoy, it really brought the story to life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2018
In this diary, we learn all about Fly’s life living with over three hundred siblings, going to school to learn about flying, and wanting to be a superhero. Fly thinks she would make a very good superhero because she is so fast and she can see so well. Her friend Spider is not so sure. Worm encourages her and say the world needs all kinds of heroes, and Fly and Spider realize they can do whatever they set their minds to. I would use this book and the other two diary books in a lesson about comparing and contrasting. Students would make a three ring venn diagram and have to compare and contrast all three books using evidence from the text. Because this assignment would be a little more difficult than just a normal venn diagram, I would use this lesson for second and third grade classrooms, but still use the book for K-3rd grade classrooms.
November 20, 2018
Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin is a sweet and feel good tale about a fly and his journey through his first week of school. This author used personification to make the fly seem as if she is just like us which helped the reader create a personal connection with the cute little fly. This book would be excellent to read to a child who is nervous to go to school for the first time and could help them ease their nerves! In fact, if I am ever a Kindergarten teacher this is a book that I will read to my children on their first day of school! Children also have a lot to learn from this book from how fast a fly flies to what the five senses are! Moreover, the illustrations are fantastic full of cartoony images with bright colors and an adorable purple fly with big green eyes! These images bring the story and the humor of the tale to life in a cute and heartwarming fashion.
November 27, 2017
I have seen second graders faun over this book. It’s funny, witty, and can lead to good classroom discussions. The illustrations are bright and bold and can help readers to follow along if they need a little bit extra help. There is so much detail in this book that readers can pick up on more and more if they read it over. Fly wants to be a superhero and I think that the end of the book resolves this and she learns that she can be a hero just being her. This lesson is usually fairly easy for kids to pick up on and it has possibility to help a child. Young readers can read this on their own for a fun and uplifting read. It is a part of a series and all of the creatures in the other parts are friends. It is fun for the kids to be able to that up.
August 27, 2024
Doreen Cronin found a hilarious way to teach kids about flies. In this diary, the fly recounts the first days of school and we get to learn about the fly's strength, numerous eyes which can see in all directions, and many other abilities. The fly dreams of being a superhero, but his friend the spider keeps telling him that superheroes have other abilities and a fly could never be a superhero. The fly agrees, but still dreams of being one, until his friend the worm explains that the world needs a lot of different superheroes. So while this is a story that teaches children about fly biology, it is also one about accepting one's strengths and finding one's own path in life. It is also utterly hilarious.
February 6, 2018
I give this book a 4 star rating.
This book is about a fly keeping a dairy during school. In the book, the fly talks about the problems he faces and the things he learned in school. The fly learns (with the help of friends) that there are other things that the fly can do other then the normal duties. He can be a superhero if he works for it.
Ways to use this in a classroom
1) Have students write a dairy for a month
2) Have students research an insect and write a dairy for that insect
3) Have students learn more about insects
4) Learn the importance of having a dairy/ a place to relish angry.
This book is about a fly keeping a dairy during school. In the book, the fly talks about the problems he faces and the things he learned in school. The fly learns (with the help of friends) that there are other things that the fly can do other then the normal duties. He can be a superhero if he works for it.
Ways to use this in a classroom
1) Have students write a dairy for a month
2) Have students research an insect and write a dairy for that insect
3) Have students learn more about insects
4) Learn the importance of having a dairy/ a place to relish angry.
November 5, 2024
Diary of a Fly falls under the fantasy category. This book has beautiful colorful illustrations but is also humorous. The Fly goes to school and documents her life while documenting her life. This book would be a fun read in the classroom since children love animals and insects that can talk! The theme of Diary of a Fly can teach our kids to dream big in school and make friends. This was such a fun and entertaining read about a fly in school which would never happen in real life! I would recommend incorporating this read in your classroom or implementing it as a fun read aloud in the classroom for the littles!
May 17, 2020
Genre: Children's Picture Book - Fiction
Ages: PreK-4th
This book is great for teaching children little facts about flies. There is great vocabulary (regurgitation and food chain) and would make for a great science lesson. The diary set-up makes it a very manageable read for children and it is quite funny. The illustrations are great and the introduction to the other characters (Worm and Spider) will inspire children to read about them as well. It's also a great example of anthropomorphism and journaling.
Ages: PreK-4th
This book is great for teaching children little facts about flies. There is great vocabulary (regurgitation and food chain) and would make for a great science lesson. The diary set-up makes it a very manageable read for children and it is quite funny. The illustrations are great and the introduction to the other characters (Worm and Spider) will inspire children to read about them as well. It's also a great example of anthropomorphism and journaling.
September 13, 2017
I'll go ahead and review all of the Doreen Cronin books I've read aloud or with a student in the last week! Quite a run took place in our second grade upon reading Diary of a Worm. This one fits the same recipe, and just like the other two, was loved by my kiddos (and me)! The pictures are entertaining, style is witty, and yet filled with a lot of information. It's great having engaging material for subjects and topics that aren't easy to find age-appropriate books for.
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