“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Grades K-1
Review and Thoughts:
Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold is the first book in a continuing series, and what an enjoyable beginning it is! The story introduces the two main characters, Buzz and Fly Guy, on a quest to find different things. Buzz, the boy, is searching for an amazing pet to enter into a pet show while Fly Guy is searching for amazing food. Their lives change when they literally bump into each other. Circumstances aren’t perfect for Fly Guy at the start, but those change rather quickly. Buzz has one purpose for Fly Guy and that is to confine him and make him a pet. At first Fly Guy is mad, but after he makes it known he can say “Buzz,” everything changes. Buzz thinks he is the smartest most wonderful pet because he can say his name. The fact he can say “Buzz” also convinces Buzz’s parents that he is truly a pet – an amazing one. Fly Guy is happy and comfortable because of the care Buzz gives him, but the food doesn’t hurt with his settling in either. The final challenge is to convince the judges at that contest that Fly Guy is truly a real pet. Persuading the judges however is more difficult. Fly Guy is rejected as a contestant because a fly cannot possibly be a pet! Buzz tearfully decides to let Fly Guy free when he doesn’t measure up to the standards of the show. Fly Guy is a faithful friend and does not abandon Buzz but does tricks and again says Buzz’s name to try to convince the judges. He performs his final trick and is accepted as a pet. He even wins a prize in the contest. Buzz and Fly Guy are now a team and great friends.
Buzz and Fly Guy support one another and their friendship grows easily. As the story concludes, the old saying “This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship” comes to mind.
The illustrations in the book really add to the enjoyment of reading the story. They are colorful with lots of detail and yet each page is simple enough to compliment the text.
This book is a Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book.
Catholic Resources
- Color a picture of St. Francis of Assissi, the patron saint of animals.
- Say a prayer for your pet with the prayer below:
Saint Francis of Assisi, for Our Pets
Good St. Francis, you loved all of God’s creatures. To you they were your brothers and sisters. Help us to follow your example of treating every living thing with kindness. St. Francis, Patron Saint of animals, watch over my pet and keep my companion safe and healthy. Amen.