Grades pre-K through 4th. A singular story celebrating language and the improvisational spirit of jazz. While seeking directions to town, a scat-singing fly picks up the animal sounds he hears from a frog, a hog, a donkey, and dog. Late that night, at the insect jazz club, the fly uses these sounds to create a new way to play jazz. He is last seen riding off in a fine stretch limousine.

Karen Hanke's vivid & vibrantly elegant illustrations zing & zap you from each page. I loved Sammy the Centipede & Willie the Worm - hoppin' & boppin' until the Jazz Club is jammin'. Weird & wonderful!

The Jazz Fly is different & fun - a real tongue-twister. Joyous with anticipation, invention & inspiration. There's a CD on which the author reads his story & a jazz combo plays: ~ skit ~ scat ~ fancy that! Great Stuff! Well done!

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:


The Jazz Fly is a real Za-ba do-da roni!  Feb 11, 2001 By screamin' chameleon
I am a teacher in a 3/4 combo class of English Language Learners (native Spanish speakers). I also have 5 year old triplet girls at home. I was fortunate enough to see Matthew Gollub speaking at a teacher's convention and was really enthralled with his animated way of getting the audience in. I ended up buying three of his books. The Jazz Fly was a big hit with my own children. They loved the version I read (although I can't do it justice) and the version on the CD by Mr. Gollub. I can't wait to use this book in my classroom for my music unit!

10 of 11 found the following review helpful:


The Jazz Fly  Jul 11, 2000
I love this book! It's an incredible jaunt through jazz, animal languages, and the funny events at an insect nightclub. I tried playing it for my 2nd grade class, and they picked up the rhythm right away. My piano teacher loved it, too. In fact, everyone who hears it seems to get hooked on it right away. Hats off to author Matthew Gollub for a story (and performance) that will endure for many years. And long live the three "i's" that he describes in his author's note: ingenuity, improvisation, and interpretation!

See all 31 customer reviews on Amazon.com