Old Black Fly
By Jim Aylesworth
The Story
A pesky old black fly buzzes through the alphabet on a hot summer day, landing on the apple pie, bothering the baby, and driving one household to the edge — until someone finally swats him.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves chanting a refrain louder each time, this book turns a single annoying fly into a rowdy, rhyming, page-slapping romp through the whole alphabet.
- Big idea: Chaos has its own rhythm — even the most exasperating day can be gleefully, gigglingly survived.
- Vibes: Buzzy, sweaty, mischievous, and rowdy, with a beat that builds toward one big satisfying smack.
Perfect For Kids Who
- love joining in on a repeated refrain
- are working on learning the alphabet
- enjoy silly, mischievous characters
- respond well to bold, energetic illustrations
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story recall: What are some of the naughty things the old black fly did around the house?
- Imagination: If you were the old black fly, where would you land next?
- Real-life connection: Has a bug ever bothered you or your family on a hot day?
- Language & rhyme: Can you say 'Shoo fly! Shoo fly! Shooo' the way the family does in the book?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the family felt every time the fly landed somewhere new?
