Jared Lee

The first part of the book, riffing on the traditional nursery rhyme about the old lady who swallows a fly, is so dull it lulls you into stop paying attention so it can pull off an almost-clever twist ending. Having finished the book, I then remembered it did the same thing to me twenty years ago when I first and last read it.

Note to self: read again in twenty years to be surprised again.

Side note: I'm am stunned to see that this is part of a series of twenty-three (23 !!?!?!?!!) books at show more this point. show less

It’s the third day of school. I’ve been sent to the principal’s office.

People go to Mrs. Green’s office and never return. Bones and skeletons, they say, fill the waiting room. The rug is red so that the blood doesn’t show.

What will happen to me? Will I become part of her coat rack? Food for her pet alligator? A paperweight or a bookmark? Maybe Mrs. Green will put me into one of the cages under her desk. Or send me home in chains.

What happens if she decides to keep me for one of show more her experiments? Will I end up with a dog’s head? A hamster’s hands? A chicken’s feet?

And now the door is slowly opening . . . .

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In this book, part of the author’s Black Lagoon series, Mrs. Green, the teacher in “The Teacher from the Black Lagoon,” has become the principal. And, although the being-sent-to-the-principal’s-office situation is not quite as relatable as a new teacher for young readers, even the best-behaved youngsters can imagine what it would be like to be sent to the principal’s office.

The targeted audience for this hilarious picture book, young readers ages four through eight, preschool through the primary grades, are sure to enjoy this preposterous tale filled with absurd imaginings and speculation. Young readers, familiar with school settings, are likely to empathize with the main character.

Colorful illustrations accompany the story; the imaginative tale is sure to keep youngsters giggling.

Highly recommended. show less

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly! is a silly, energetic story told by Lucille Colandro’s playful storytelling and Jared Lee’s humorous, expressive illustrations. Kids love the escalating absurdity as the old lady swallows bigger and stranger animals, and the rhythmic repetition makes it perfect for read‑alouds. Lee’s cartoon‑style art adds extra laughs, turning each page into a moment of anticipation. This kind of book is enjoyed by younger children, but I would likely show more choose a book of higher literary quality for a classroom. show less

For a tiny children's book this is cheesy fun. It's way beyond my age level but when it's donated, I read these. I've read another Black Lagoon book and they always draw me in such I get a tickle out of the title and exaggerations - I'm a huge Creature of the Black Lagoon fan so appreciate the cheesiness. This one's adorable, but looks like our main character has been tricked into becoming a bookworm. Illustrations are still dim on the color but it's playful and cute enough. There's silly show more jokes that are downright puns - such as making fun of the friend for which book they chose - which kids should get a kick out of. show less