The Flying Flea, Callie and Me [Paperback]

Bill Wallace (Author), Carol Wallace (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999 | Age Level: 8 and up

Who ever heard of a cat that didn't eat birds?

The house people had picked me out of my litter to be a mouser. Callie was getting too old for the job. So it was mine. But I didn't plan on getting dive-bombed by a mockingbird building her nest...or adopting the baby who fell out. No joke! I'm a cat, but I do not eat birds. Mice, yes. Birds, no. Flea -- that's what I named her -- couldn't even fly. She was so scared when she toppled onto my head that she said, "Eat me...it's quicker than starving to death."

She was pathetic. I had to help her. The first step was protecting Flea -- and me -- from the monster rats in the barn (that's saying a mouthful!) and Bullsnake under the woodpile. Next, Callie and I had to teach Flea to fly. After all, how could she stay up North with us when her bird family was flying to Florida. I'm not a Florida kind of cat. It's just too hot for us furry types. I know I'll miss my Flea. But she'll come back -- after she's seen the world!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-Gray, a kitten, narrates his experiences as he discovers the world around him. A naturally good hunter, he can't quite understand why his human "Mama" doesn't appreciate the offerings he leaves on her doorstep. Callie, an older house cat, passes along her knowledge and tries to keep Gray out of trouble. The kitten's life takes on a new dimension when he becomes the surrogate parent to an abandoned baby mockingbird who has a fear of flying. He names her Flea, explaining to her, "I had a flea once, and he was as hard to get rid of as you are." With Callie's help, he creates a plan that leads to Flea's flying success and eventual migration south. Children will be drawn to the characters, especially Gray. Beginning chapter-book readers will be able to follow the story line and older readers will appreciate the subtle humor. There is just enough adventure and excitement to make this a good read-aloud. Black-and-white pencil cartoons bring out Gray's curiosity and na?vet?.
Cheryl Cufari, Glencliff Elementary School, Niskayuna, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Bill Wallace grew up in Oklahoma. Along with riding their horses, he and his friends enjoyed campouts and fishing trips. Toasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories to scare one another, and catching fish was always fun.

One of the most memorable trips took place on the far side of Lake Lawtonka, at the base of Mt. Scott. He and his best friend, Gary, spent the day shooting shad with bow and arrows, cutting bank poles, and getting ready to go when their dads got home from work.

Although there was no "monster" in Lake Lawtonka, one night there was a "sneak attack" by a rather large catfish tail. Checking the bank poles was not nearly as fun or "free" after that point, but it was the inspiration for this story.

Bill Wallace has won nineteen children's state awards and been awarded the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award for Children's Literature from the Oklahoma Center for the Book.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books; Original edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671039687
• ISBN-13: 978-0671039684
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Flying Flea, Callie, and Me (Gray Cat, 1), January 15, 2000

By 

Sharon Riley (New Market, Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Flying Flea, Callie and Me (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am a Middle School teacher and have been recommending this book to all of my students who are fond of cats. The book is very humorous and both my students and I are anxiously awaiting the sequels.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book envoles a cat trying to find out what a bird does, May 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Flying Flea, Callie and Me (HC) (Hardcover)

I like it when the birds fly down and peck the cat.Its cool when the papa Mocking bird swoops down and pecks the cat.The cat is cureious about something.I dont like it when the mama Mocking bird swoops down and pecks the cat.The cats mom sleeps all day.The cat likes to go hunting for mice.He said"his mom was the greatest mouse hunter".His mom was so cool.The Bullsnake is really really stingy,and always wants to be alone.The cat cought mice and somtimes the people didnt like it.I really like the dog.The cat dont go near her.One of the baby birds fell out and the cat got pecked.I like it when mama Mocking bird saves the cat from the Bullsnake.I like it when the cat scares the rats away.I like his mom alot because shes lazy ,and likes to sleep alot.The end is the best part of the book.I really like what happens in the end,and if you want to find out what happens you should read the book.So go out to your library,and check this book out.See you later for know..

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of Fun!, July 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Flying Flea, Callie and Me (Paperback)

My nine-year old daughter loved this book. The Wallace's tell this story from the animal's perspective, and do so with great success. Being country-dwellers, and animals owners, we could totally relate to all of their thoughts and antics. Gray, the new cat, along with Callie, the older (and wiser) cat, and their yard-mate Bullsnake share their lives with Mama Bird, Papa Bird and their babies. Find out what happens to Flea, the baby bird, when he takes comfort on top of Gray's head! Find out what happens when Gray visits the barn full of rats! The illustrations add much to the story.