Step into the zany, fact-filled world of Fly Guy Presents, where a lovable fly and his human pal Buzz make learning an absolute blast! This nonfiction series by Tedd Arnold, a master of children’s storytelling, blends humor, vibrant illustrations, and bite-sized facts to captivate young readers aged 4 to 8. From dinosaurs to firefighters, Fly Guy Presents transforms real-world topics into exciting adventures that spark curiosity.
With nine books published between 2013 and 2016, this Scholastic Reader series builds on the success of Arnold’s fiction Fly Guy books, bringing the same goofy charm to nonfiction. Whether you’re a reluctant reader or a budding scholar, Fly Guy’s infectious enthusiasm makes every page a delight.
How Fly Guy Presents Began
Tedd Arnold, a bestselling author and illustrator, first introduced Fly Guy in the 2005 fiction hit Hi! Fly Guy, which earned a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor. Inspired by his sons and a pesky fly buzzing against his windshield, Arnold crafted the idea of a fly named Fly Guy who says 'Buzz!'—a clever nod to his human friend’s name. The nonfiction Fly Guy Presents series emerged in 2013 as a natural extension, pairing Fly Guy’s slapstick humor with educational content. Arnold’s wife, a former kindergarten teacher, fueled his passion for creating books that make learning fun and accessible.
The Heart of Fly Guy Presents
The series follows Buzz and Fly Guy as they explore fascinating topics through field trips and adventures. Take Fly Guy Presents: Sharks (2013), where the duo visits an aquarium to uncover shark facts, from their sharp teeth to their ancient origins. In Fly Guy Presents: Space (2013), they rocket to a space museum, learning about planets and comets (aka 'dirty snowballs'!). Fly Guy Presents: The White House (2016) takes readers on a tour of the presidential residence, packed with historical tidbits. Fly Guy Presents: Weather (2016) dives into tornadoes and blizzards, making meteorology a hoot.
Each book shines with Arnold’s signature style: large text, speech bubbles, and full-bleed photographs mixed with cartoonish illustrations. Themes of curiosity, friendship, and discovery weave through the series, encouraging kids to embrace learning with Fly Guy’s wide-eyed wonder. The humorous asides and Fly Guy’s quirky commentary keep the tone light, ensuring even complex topics feel approachable for early readers.
Designed as Level 2 Scholastic Readers, these books cater to kids transitioning to independent reading. Pronunciation guides for tricky words and straightforward facts make them perfect for classroom use or cozy read-alouds at home. The holographic foil covers add a flashy touch that kids can’t resist!
Why Fly Guy Presents Resonates
Fly Guy Presents has won the hearts of parents, teachers, and kids by making nonfiction irresistible. Its blend of humor and education appeals to reluctant readers, while the engaging format keeps eager learners hooked. The series’ focus on STEM topics like space and weather, alongside cultural landmarks like the White House, broadens young horizons. Reviews praise Arnold for sparking curiosity, with School Library Journal calling the books 'a worthy introduction' to nonfiction for lower elementary students.
The series’ legacy lies in its ability to turn learning into an adventure. By pairing a beloved character with real-world facts, Arnold has created a gateway for kids to explore informational texts—a skill vital for academic success. Fly Guy Presents remains a classroom staple, proving that even a tiny fly can make a big impact.
- About Fly Guy Presents
- Publication Years: 2013–2016
- Number of Books: 9
- Target Age: 4–8
- Awards: Builds on Theodor Seuss Geisel Honors from the Fly Guy fiction series
Ready to buzz into learning? Grab Fly Guy Presents: Sharks and dive into the Fly Guy Presents world of fun facts and friendship!