Jim Aylesworth: Books * Books * Books

During a visit to Riverhills School
in Tampa, Florida, Jim Aylesworth
shows off his "Shoo Fly 'Shoe'."

Old Black Fly

by Jim Aylesworth
Illustrated by Stephen Gammell
(Holt, 1992)


    Aylesworth's rhymes and rhythmic verses has old black fly buzzin' around and through an alphabetical list of groceries on a very/busy bad day. "He frolicked on the Eggs/for the birthday cake./He licked up the Frosting,/ for goodness sake./Shoo fly!/Shoo fly!/Shooo." In the end the Old Black Fly meets his fate -- when the baby drops the cake.

Acclaim for Old Black Fly

This book is currently available as a paperback and as a board book (see below).

"Aylesworth's funny, rhythmic chant is strong enough to stand alone. Add Gammell's spattery, jumpy illustrations, splashed with color, alive with movement, line, and humor, and what emerges is a book that's sure to become a classic. To be enjoyed at home as a lapbook, to be read aloud with relish at story times, to be chanted again and again and again!" -- School Library Journal

"Aylesworth and Gammell create a gleeful, messy mix of all the fly's bad doings. The short couplets of text follow in an alphabetical scheme....the enthusiastic celebration of a universal annoyance will tickle many funny bones." -- Horn Book,

"Aylesworth's buoyant, rhythmic verse provides inspiration for a wondrous evolution of Gammell's style. ... trademark rainbow colors, laying them on a white ground in vibrant clouds. [A] sheer delight for eyes, ears, and funny-bones." Kirkus Reviews

"[An] ebullient picture-book romp....Ayleworth's snappy couplets constitute a waggish presentation of a basic concept.'' -- Publishers Weekly

"Rollicking fun for everyone." -- Marilyn Courtot; "A sure-fire hit." -- Jan Lieberman; "Jim Aylesworth's Old Black Fly is a jolly experience-even when insects aren't on the agenda!" -- Beverly Kobrin -- Children's Literature


Aylesworth, Jim. Old Black Fly. Illustrated by Stephen Gammell. Holt, 1992. 32 pages. ISBN: 00805014012 (o.p.); ISBN: 0805039244 (paperback, 1995); ISBN: 0805058400 (Board Book, 1998).
[home] -- [Booklist] -- [About the Author]
[School Visits and Conferences] -- [Links for More Information]