There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
Classic Books with Holes Board Book Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (29,919)
What’s inside...
This book presents a unique version of the classic nursery rhyme about an old lady who swallows a series of animals, brought to life by Jeremy Holmes' distinctive art style and clever format. The illustrations and die-cut holes by Pam Adams add humor and vibrancy to the tale, making it as beloved as ever forty years after its first publication. Available in three formats, it is perfect for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and classroom settings. Forty years after its first publication this much-loved Child's Play classic is as popular as ever. Ingenious die-cut holes bring this iconic nursery rhyme to life, and Pam Adams' fabulous illustrations lend humour and vibrancy to the proceedings. Bouncy images, innovative die cutting and favourite rhymes make Books with Holes a must for every child. Available in three formats, suitable for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and the nursery or classroom.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
355 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Old Lady
Discussion points
Why do you think the old lady swallowed a fly?
How did you feel when the old lady kept swallowing more animals?
What do you think is the message of this story?
Can you think of another way the old lady could have solved her problem without swallowing the animals?
Which animal in the story was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use animated voices for each animal the old lady swallows to make the story more lively and engaging.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or animal from the book to encourage creativity and reinforce comprehension.
Discuss with your child the concept of cause and effect, using the old lady’s actions and the consequences as examples.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story before turning the pages, to develop their reasoning and anticipatory skills.
Connect the story to real life by discussing the importance of problem-solving and the consequences of impulsive actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sequence and Cause & Effect
Explanation: The story illustrates a clear sequence of events as the old lady swallows increasingly larger animals. Each action directly leads to the next, showcasing the concept of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand how actions lead to consequences, helping them make sense of events in their daily lives and enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Memory and Recall
Explanation: As the old lady swallows more and more items, children are encouraged to remember the order, improving their memory and recall abilities.
Real-World Application: This can aid children in educational settings where they need to remember sequences or lists, such as steps in a scientific process or storytelling.
Example Lesson: Coping with the Absurd
Explanation: The humorous and absurd nature of the old lady swallowing such unusual items can teach children to approach bizarre or unfamiliar situations with humor and resilience.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop a sense of humor and resilience when faced with strange or unexpected situations in life.
Example Lesson: Rhyme and Rhythm
Explanation: The repetitive and rhyming phrases in the book provide a fun and engaging way to learn about rhyme schemes and rhythm.
Real-World Application: Understanding and enjoying rhythmic patterns and rhymes can enhance children's linguistic skills and support their reading fluency.
Example Lesson: Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Explanation: While fanciful, the tale touches on the theme of consuming inappropriate items and the consequences of unhealthy eating choices.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of making wise food choices and promotes awareness of the effects food has on their body.