The Jazz Fly

By Matthew Gollub, Karen Hanke (Illustrator)

Book #1 in the Jazz Fly series

A jazz-speaking fly turns animal sounds into a musical masterpiece.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 265 ratings

32 pages· 606 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

$18.95Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

A fly, lost and seeking directions, encounters a frog, a hog, a donkey, and a dog. Their replies, though confusing, inspire him to create a jazz sensation. As the fly transforms these animal sounds into a lively tune, Nancy the Gnat, Willie the Worm, and Sammy the Centipede join in, setting the insect dinner club abuzz with rhythm. Will the fly's musical ingenuity lead to a night to remember? Dive into a world where language and music collide, and discover the magic of jazz in the most unexpected places.

From the publisher

This Indie Next #1 Recommended book, and Benjamin Franklin Book Award winner, celebrates language and the inventive spirit of jazz: “ZA-baza, BOO-zaba, ZEE-za RO-ni!” The book includes 3 listening options: a QR code, audio CD, and FREE AUDIO DOWNLOAD featuring Gollub’s MUST HEAR narration set to a jazz quartet. To listen as you read along (highly recommended), use the QR code, FREE audio download or traditional CD. All 3 listening options come with the book! The fly, who speaks jazz, asks which way to town. “Rrribit,” replies the frog. “Oink,” says the hog. Although baffled, the fly hears music in their words, and that evening he uses the animal sounds to set the insect dinner club a hoppin.’ The computer enhanced artwork of Karen Hanke perfectly complements the text and audio. Get ready to tap, snap, and swing to the beat as Nancy the Gnat, Willie the Worm, and Sammy the Centipede take the stage. Here’s a combination of storytelling, visual art, and music for children to savor time and again. The story has been performed by professionals and by children on three continents! Other honors include: Writer’s Digest National Self-Published Book Award Winner Smithsonian’s Notable Books for Children San Francisco Chronicle Editors’ Picks.

At a glance