There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly [Hardcover]

Jeremy Holmes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 26, 2009 | Age Range: 1 and up

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly...a bird...a cat...a dog...a snake...a cow...and a horse. Do you know what happened to her? Of course you do! But with his distinct art style and a clever format, acclaimed graphic designer Jeremy Holmes has given the universal rhyme a unique makeover that is clever, funny, and unexpected.

Editorial Reviews

Review

NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
"A mysteriously popular subject for picture books, ''the old lady who swallowed a fly'' has never looked creepier or more inviting than in this striking book shaped like a slim tie-box. Two eyes at the top peer through plastic-covered spectacles, and as the story reaches the inevitable outcome...they suddenly shut--a wonderful comic effect that may cause squeals of delight."

BOINGBOING
"[D]elightful....This is one of my favorite rhymes..."

BOLOGNARAGAZZI AWARD, WINNER, OPERA PRIMA
, This book is a testament to Jeremy Holmes genuine devotion to books and the making of books, to the world of libraries and the value of their content. His work carries numerous allusions that the expert eye will pick up on and point out to young readers. The book is a consistent typographical delight that ranges from humorous, surreal 19th century references to the imaginary world of Alice, Holmes willing accomplice, in an exercise that makes learning fun.

About the Author

Jeremy Holmes is a designer and director of his own design studio, Mutt Ink. He has had his work recognized in various design publications, including Print and How, and his work, "The Bird, the Mouse, and the Sausage," was a finalist in the Flash Forward Film Festival and was featured in I.D. magazine.

Product Details

• Age Range: 1 and up
  
• Hardcover: 18 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 26, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811867935
• ISBN-13: 978-0811867931
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.6 x 13 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #486,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

JEREMY HOLMES: Born in Landstuhl, Germany and raised in Auburn, New York, Jeremy enjoys long walks through the various flea markets of Eastern Pennsylvania in search of all things odd and peculiar for inspiration. Equipped with a Masters Degree from Tyler School of Art, and a Bachelors of Science in Graphic Design from Philadelphia University, he takes his place every morning as Mutt Ink's resident widget aficionado.

FAVORITE FOOD: Salty mozzarella fries with loads of ketchup

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous and creative book - a must have October 19, 2009

By M. Testani

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

From the packaging, to the illustrations, this book is wonderful for both children and adults who collect and treasure beautiful books. The construction of book is very creative and interactive - from the slip cover that serves as the woman's coat, to the peekaboo eyes and the surprise that happens when you turn the last page of the book. The illustrations are extremely detailed and the illustrations for something as ordinary as a spider are very original and beautiful. I bought this to be a Christmas gift but now I will need to buy another copy because I just can't part with this.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy This Book! September 15, 2009

By Clairia

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Buy this book even if you don't have a kid. The illustrations are incredible and the book itself is genius! Looks cool just as a piece of art.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Know your audience! March 28, 2011

By LolaB

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I got this book for my granddaughter, who is 4. I loved the book - but she hated it! She said it was scary and that I should put it away and never read it again. I will put it away for now and take it out when she is a bit older. I would definitely recommend it for older kids...I guess 4 is too young - at least for some.

5.0 out of 5 stars loved it April 29, 2013

By ReAnna Ragsdale

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

For some reason I started trying to remember the words to this rhyme that we used to sing when I was little in school. I found this book and read it and loved how it captured each part of this famous rhyme.

5.0 out of 5 stars There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. April 7, 2013

By Patricia Hayse

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

It was the same book I remember as a child, gave it with several other children's books, there have been several others made from this book, but I liked this cover better.

5.0 out of 5 stars There Was an Old Lady ... etc. February 15, 2013

By Puff

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book. The layout is so different! If you can, view the "Look Inside" option. Of all the books I have, this is the most unique. It's mostly more of a "slip" and "slide" book rather than a pop-up book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book^^ March 10, 2012

By Manu

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book and i have to say that is awesome!! I think is not only for children. I really enjoyed reading and painting of the book and it's a nice reference for graphic designers.^^

Thank you!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginner ELLs September 8, 2010

By Ana Lado "PH.D."

Format:Hardcover

For teachers who like to use songs and rhymes to teach beginning ELLs, this is an ideal version of this rhyme. The artwork is NOT babyish but appropriate for all ages.