Reviews

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback

agirlnamedomi's review against another edition

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3.0

Had this book as a kid so there are some fond memories. Kinda looking at it with more experienced eyes, my understanding changed.

livruther's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.25

craftygoat's review against another edition

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4.0

The illustrations, cut-outs, & commentary by the animals are all cute, adding a nice touch to the familiar song. My 6-month-old liked the illustrations and the fact that I sang the story to him. He loved looking at the rows of fly illustrations on the back.

noha's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

mbrandmaier's review against another edition

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4.0

Great for people who can't remember all the lyrics to this classical song.

mags_5037's review against another edition

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funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

allmadhere106's review against another edition

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3.0

For: readers looking for a playful book with repetition and rhythm.

Possible red flags: a little morbid; character death.

storytimewithgrammy's review against another edition

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5.0

I have always loved this “nursery rhyme” for teaching cause and effect as well as for just down right happy giggling. This version is illustrated with that humor in mind and even includes strategically placed cut-outs in the book to peek into the Old Lady’s tummy, which a certain toddler in my life absolutely loves.

The rhyme has been illustrated many different ways for many years, but this version originally published in 1997 took it to another level adding the peek-through holes. I love the way Tabak created the Old Lady as a character who appears frightened and jolly all at the same time.

This is a classic that should be on every young child’s bookshelf. Just be prepared for lots of giggles.

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laurashavers's review against another edition

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5.0

My 5 yr old thought it was super funny how big the lady kept getting. This book created a giggle fest

mariahroze's review against another edition

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4.0

Love. Doing a lesson on this book tomorrow!