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

Jeremy Holmes (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P 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

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.

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...\\\"

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

• Hardcover: 18 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 26, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811867935
• ISBN-13: 978-0811867931
• Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #447,421 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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 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 (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly (Hardcover)

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 (New England) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly (Hardcover)

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 A small disappointment, October 14, 2010

By 

Mel Wittenstein - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly (Hardcover)

Very nicely produced version with a sad but understandable finish. The type and the book are smaller than I expected a little disappointing.