In the realm of children’s literature, few books possess the timeless charm and insightful lessons found within A Fly Went By by Mike McClintock. This delightful Beginner Book, adorned with Fritz Siebel’s engaging illustrations, masterfully encapsulates a profound message about fear and bravery in a way that resonates deeply with young minds. McClintock, drawing subtle parallels to the anxieties of the modern world, crafts a narrative that gently guides children towards understanding and overcoming their fears.
The story unfolds with a simple yet captivating premise: a boy observes a fly and inquires about its hurried flight. This innocent question unravels a chain reaction of fear, revealing that the fly is fleeing from a frog, who in turn is escaping a cat, and so on. This escalating sequence leads the boy to the root of the apprehension, ultimately discovering that the initial cause of panic was merely “a sheep with an old tin can.” This beautifully simple resolution offers a powerful metaphor for life’s often unfounded anxieties.
Many adults fondly recall the rhythmic prose of “A Fly Went By” from their own childhoods, often memorizing key phrases long before mastering reading itself. However, the true depth of McClintock’s work unveils itself upon revisiting the book with a more mature perspective. The seemingly simple narrative subtly imparts a valuable life lesson: fear is often irrational and can be overcome by understanding its source. This echoes the famous sentiment, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” encouraging bravery and critical thinking in the face of the unknown.
“A Fly Went By” stands as a testament to the power of children’s literature to convey profound truths in an accessible and entertaining manner. It is an excellent choice for parents and educators seeking to introduce the concept of courage and dispel unwarranted fears in children. More than just a fun story, this book provides a gentle yet impactful lesson, making it a timeless treasure in children’s book collections. By sharing “A Fly Went By,” we offer children a valuable tool for navigating their own anxieties and embracing a life lived with less fear and more understanding.
Reference:
McClintock, Marshall, and Fritz Siebel. A Fly Went by. [New York]: Beginner, 1958. Print.
