The Wonderful Life of a Fly Who Couldn't Fly (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Beth Stover (Illustrator) "This book is dedicated to Polly, Toby, and Christian, and all the other families who keep each other aloft without wings..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-This is the story of a fly that doesn't grow wings. Her mother hastens to reassure her that "wings are not everything, they're just two little parts./You've got a good mind, and you've got a good heart," and goes on to admonish her to "Love your life, my dear daughter, and you'll never go wrong./Love each precious moment of life's sweet song." Illustrations in sunny colors and with attractively designed borders depict the natural world and complement the upbeat text. The moralistic tone and message make this an appropriate choice for libraries looking for titles with spiritual content.
Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

A beautifully illustrated story with a wonderful message for children of all ages.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 44 pages
• Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571742867
• ISBN-13: 978-1571742865
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #713,517 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Instructional Tool for K-12 Education, February 4, 2006

By	teacher of students with diverse abilities (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This book does an excellent job of addressing diverse abilities. It works on taking the focus off of a 'label' or internal issue, and placing the focus on enjoying life and respecting (and celebrating) diversity of experiences. For students with disabilities, it provides a representation and topic that may be reflective of themselves. There are few books that accurately portray/represent disability in a neutral or positive way (without pity). For non-disabled students, it neutrally showcases diverse abilities and valuing diverse experiences. With the right discussion, this book can lend a helpful start to diversity awareness/multiculturalism (as disability in the framework of diversity and culture). I do pose to my students to rethink the ending and ask them what the outcome would have been if they wrote it-it's a very interesting springboard for a social construct or diversity discussion. This book can provide interest for all ages. Students also enjoy the illustrations because they are engaging and pleasant. I am using this book with my JH age students with developmental disabilities--they LOVE it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intelligent book for children & moms and dads too!, June 16, 2003

By A Customer

I feel it was a true honor to have the author of this book, Bo Lozoff, personally give me a copy. This happened when I visited him at his beautiful farm in North Carolina that he -- with extraordinary courage -- has for years invited those who have just left prison to stay at, and even become a part of his extended, remarkably family there. Bo, as many know, is an old buddy of Ram Dass; they shared/started this "extensive prison work," which adventually got Bo and his wife Sita invited (by the Dali Lama) to India to have a private audience with him. The Dali Lama wanted to meet and honor this man -- Bo.

But about this book: I think angels must have wired Bo one night, hooked him up to some beautiful voltage; that is, planted all these words in him about this sweet, brave fly, who in many ways any sincere seeker of love and beauty and God can so identify with. Bravery, that is becoming such a need these days.
This wonderful fly will help us.

Thanks Bo for all you are doing for the world,
Daniel Ladinsky
Best-selling Penguin author/translator of some of history's greatest poet-saints

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Kids' Book Has It ALL!, September 29, 2002

By A Customer

The Wonderful Life of a Fly Who Couldn't Fly is a real gem of a book --- for children of any age! As a long-time pre-school teacher, I love books that rhyme. They're so much fun to read aloud, and kids enjoy finishing the lines, which makes them feel like they're reading. Books that rhyme have become quite rare, but now we have "Fly" to fill the gap. As the parent of a child with disabilities, I look for books that have a strong, positive message about the contributions that a person with disabilities can make, rather than a needy, fearful image that emphasizes tragedy or medical problems. Also, many books for children with disabilities in the past have had terrible illustrations. "Fly" definitely rises to the top on those two counts. Finally, as a human being I look for books which have a timeless spiritual message. I'm sure when you read "Fly", and think of giving it as a gift, you'll remember its beautiful ending again and again.