Reviews

“There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed Some Bugs ($16.99) by Johnette Downing tells of a woman who gulps down all sorts of bugs. (5-8).” - Publishers Weekly, Fall Children’s Listings, July 19, 2010, Page 82.

“There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. I don’t know why she swallowed a fly; perhaps she’ll cry.” How many of us learned this somewhat whacky, and very fun, song when we were young? I remember singing it over and over and giving myself a good laugh as I imagined all the strange things the old lady swallowed. Now, singer/songwriter Johnette Downing has put her own unique spin on the famous children’s song in this 2010 adaptation of There Was An Old Lady.

In this newest version, our friendly old lady decides to try some, um, rather interesting new tasty treats. Rather than swallow a cow (as she did in the version I was taught many years ago), our protagonist concentrates on the world of bugs with hysterical results:

“There was an old lady
Who swallowed a mosquito.
Well, it was eating her burrito,
So she swallowed the mosquito.”

The artwork in this latest version of the tale is done in a vibrant collage format that fits perfectly with the story. We never actually see a depiction of the old lady; instead we are shown a big mouth and tongue as they consume each bug, followed by a slowly filling tummy as the creatures congregate in their new “home.” The author also adds numerous colorful background visuals, such as flowers, a cattail, and a sunset. But wait! There’s a surprise ending where we do finally see the “Old Lady” and I’m guessing it will make most kids giggle with glee. Who is she? I can’t tell you that – you’ll have to read the book!

Quill says: A creative adaptation to a well known song that will have kids reading/singing along over and over.

-Ellen Feld, Feathered Quill, September 27, 2010

“As an enthusiast of fractured tales and a big fan of Johnette’s songs and stories, I give Johnette’s new book a big ten thumbs up. Her funny and surprising version gives a new twist to an old favorite. It is ‘kidtastic!’ Read it.”
-Ann L. Davis, Head of Children’s Services, Napa City-County Library, Napa, California, March 15, 2010

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. . . . Young readers will love hearing about the fly and all the other creepy-crawly bugs the old lady gulps down in this fanciful feast based on the traditional song. With a taste for slugs, the old lady also enjoys a poached roach and a squirmy worm during the course of the story. And a surprise ending reveals that this isn't just any old lady. - Barnes & Noble

I received my copy of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs, and it is wonderful. The text is bright and lively and has just the right twist at the end to delight children. The illustrations are magical and so innovative. - Darrell Bourque, Former Louisiana Poet Laureate

Johnette Downing is a true Louisiana artist. She sings and plays music; she paints; and she loves great Louisiana food. I fell in love with her work a few years ago when she sang “Today is Monday in Louisiana” on my PBS television series. Kudos to Johnette on another great work. - Chef John Folse

When I heard about There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs by Johnette Downing, I ordered it immediately. I love all of the different versions of this story/song, and this one is a bit unique. The story follows the typical There Was an Old Lady format, but in this version, the old lady eats a variety of bugs including a mosquito, a worm, a slug and a roach. UGH! The illustrations are unique in that you don’t see the entire Old Lady getting bigger and bigger. Instead, each page focuses on the tongue and the stomach-close ups of the “old lady” eating each bug and them gathering in her tummy. But this one has a fun surprise ending that I think kids will love. - A Year of Reading