This reinterpretation of “There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly” follows a cumulative, action-filled, food chain of events. First, a fly buzzes by. Snap! <\b>The fly is gulped down by a frog. Next, a duckling guzzles the frog. Snap! <\b>The duckling is then ingested by a Pike. The Pike makes a tasty meal for a fisherman, who takes a snooze. Snap! <\b>The fisherman is swallowed up by a hungry bear. As the bear takes his nap a fly buzzes by, starting the process all over again. Colorful illustrations with just the right amount of detail portray each animal in the larger one’s belly, almost like a set of nesting dolls. While some may object to the inclusion of the fisherman as a snack, it adds a realistic touch, and children will likely take it in stride. The simple text and lighthearted, humorous illustrations will draw children in to this accessible example of the food chain at work, and teachers will find it a valuable classroom addition. (Picture book. 5-8)
