Parents' Guide to

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

By Peter Lewis, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Madcap Caldecott Honor version of classic poem.

Book Simms Taback Picture Book 1997
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 2+

Based on 1 parent review

abbigirl
abbigirl Adult
May 14, 2009
age 2+

there was an old lady who swallowed a fly

See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

A madcap, Caldecott Honor-winning version of a classic folk poem. It features a superb die-cut page design, a crowd of verbal and visual details, and an old lady's belly that bloats and bloats as each new and progressively bigger creature goes down the hatch. Simms Taback's bizarre artwork is drenched in color.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Simms Taback adds visual fuel to a folk poem already brimming with hilarity. While the poem stands on its own as a celebration of rhyme and tomfoolery, Taback captures the action in boldly colored cartoon illustrations that cover each page. Short rhymed comments from the animals about to be eaten are added as asides. The cut-out pages focus the reader's attention and carry the poem from page to page.

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY appeals to a wide range of ages, though one 4-year-old called the book "creepy," perhaps because the old lady's eyes rotate wildly and independently in their sockets. Older readers will probably be content with one read-through, though the younger audience will demand repeat performances. No problem -- with this degree of busyness and action, the book never stales.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about traditional poems and songs. Parents can share some of their own childhood favorites.

Book Details

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