The Fly

The Disgusting Critters Series

The first in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Fly is a look at the common housefly. It covers such topics as the hair on the fly's body (requires a lot of shaving), its ability to walk on the ceiling (it's pretty cool, but it's hard to play soccer up there), and its really disgusting food tastes (garbage juice soup followed by dirty diaper with rotten tomato sauce, for example). Although silly and off-the-wall, The Fly contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.
ELISE GRAVEL is an award-winning author-illustrator from Quebec. She has won a Governor General's Award for Children's Illustration in French, and is well known for her original, wacky picture books and graphic novels. After completing her studies in graphic design, Elise found herself quickly swept up into the glamorous world of illustration. Her old design habits drive her to work a little text here and there into her drawings, and she loves to handle the design of her assignments from start to finish. She is inspired by social causes and likes projects that can handle a good dose of eccentricity. View titles by Elise Gravel
“Rare are nonfiction books that might appeal to a wider audience. The Fly by Elise Gravel (and the Disgusting Critters series to which it belongs) has the potential to do this. Funny, informative, gross, and just plain entertaining, it has a lot going for it .... Fact-filled enough to satisfy those interested in flies, yet with enough charm to grab those who aren’t. This is a great entry into a series kids will likely latch onto.” - School Library Journal


“Opportunities for jokes abound in The Fly .... Gravel takes obvious joy in detailing the housefly’s typical meals, which include such savory delights as garbage-juice soup, dirty diapers, and doggie doo (cue the squeals of revulsion and giggling).” - Quill and Quire


The Fly is a unique nonfiction book about the common housefly. Full of interesting facts, the book reads more like a picture book or simple graphic novel. Everything you never wanted to know about one of mankind’s least favourite creatures is covered in this book .... This series is a must-read for children who like the world’s most unlikeable creatures.” - CM Magazine


“.... delightfully distressing series ....”  - The National Post

About

The first in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Fly is a look at the common housefly. It covers such topics as the hair on the fly's body (requires a lot of shaving), its ability to walk on the ceiling (it's pretty cool, but it's hard to play soccer up there), and its really disgusting food tastes (garbage juice soup followed by dirty diaper with rotten tomato sauce, for example). Although silly and off-the-wall, The Fly contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

Author

ELISE GRAVEL is an award-winning author-illustrator from Quebec. She has won a Governor General's Award for Children's Illustration in French, and is well known for her original, wacky picture books and graphic novels. After completing her studies in graphic design, Elise found herself quickly swept up into the glamorous world of illustration. Her old design habits drive her to work a little text here and there into her drawings, and she loves to handle the design of her assignments from start to finish. She is inspired by social causes and likes projects that can handle a good dose of eccentricity. View titles by Elise Gravel

Praise

“Rare are nonfiction books that might appeal to a wider audience. The Fly by Elise Gravel (and the Disgusting Critters series to which it belongs) has the potential to do this. Funny, informative, gross, and just plain entertaining, it has a lot going for it .... Fact-filled enough to satisfy those interested in flies, yet with enough charm to grab those who aren’t. This is a great entry into a series kids will likely latch onto.” - School Library Journal


“Opportunities for jokes abound in The Fly .... Gravel takes obvious joy in detailing the housefly’s typical meals, which include such savory delights as garbage-juice soup, dirty diapers, and doggie doo (cue the squeals of revulsion and giggling).” - Quill and Quire


The Fly is a unique nonfiction book about the common housefly. Full of interesting facts, the book reads more like a picture book or simple graphic novel. Everything you never wanted to know about one of mankind’s least favourite creatures is covered in this book .... This series is a must-read for children who like the world’s most unlikeable creatures.” - CM Magazine


“.... delightfully distressing series ....”  - The National Post

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

Read more

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

Read more