There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly: Caldecott Review #5

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback is an old folk tale retold to catch the attention of young readers. This is a tale of an old lady who at first swallows a fly. Because she swallowed the fly, she decides to swallow the a spider to catch the fly. The story continues with the old lady swallowing one thing after another in hopes of curing herself of a stomach ache. The author uses clever illustrations and a die cut hole to allow children to see inside her stomach. I absolutely love the illustrations and the use of rhyme and rhythm throughout the story. Young readers find this story extremely humorous and it is a story that even preschool and kindergarten beginner readers can read and retell.

My response to this story is definitely influenced by the reactions from my first grade students when I read this book to them. I chose to read this story during our insect unit. The students found this book exciting and extremely humorous. As a first grade teacher, I have realized the importance of rhyme when teaching new sight words and blends. This book was perfect for this particular age group in the development of their reading skills.

Simm's Taback is known for his acclaimed picture books, posters, his line of greeting cards, as well as his Smithsonian Calendars. Another well known book written by this author is Joseph had a Little Overcoat. This particular story won a Caldecott as well. When comparing the two stories, it is clear to see that Simms Taback is an extremely talented artist. He uses vivid colors and movement in every illustration. He integrates humor and personality into the stories he writes. Both stories have imbedded themes, however I do believe that Joseph Had a Little Overcoat possesses a more serious moral behind the story. This story teaches students that you can always make something out of nothing.

Simm's Taback is a wonderful author to include in any children's library.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly can be used for a variety of content in the primary grades. In reading this book to my first grade students, I quickly learned that one of the most important elements of children's literature is the motivation it gives kids to read and the confidence a child can gain from reading a story. This particular book uses rhyme and rhythm. Students can learn blends and use the repition to build their reading confidence. Many of my most struggling readers were able to follow along with this story building their confidence and excitement to read.