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There Was an Old...
There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea(Hardback) - 2007 Edition
A crazy coyote eats his way through the Southwest
Hardcover
First published March 1, 2007
7 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ward
98Ìýbooks42ÌýfollowersJennifer Ward is the author of more than 25 award-winning nonfiction and fiction books for children and adults.
Her books have been translated into many languages and featured in Martha Stewart's Living, Ranger Rick, on NPR, television's Animal Planet network, and on many popular blogs such as Soule Mama.
Most of Jennifer's books are inspired by science and nature and artfully combine elements of STEM & literacy.
She writes full-time from her home in Illinois where she lives with her husband and two dogs and is easily distracted by everything outside of her windows - particularly if it has feathers!
Her books have been translated into many languages and featured in Martha Stewart's Living, Ranger Rick, on NPR, television's Animal Planet network, and on many popular blogs such as Soule Mama.
Most of Jennifer's books are inspired by science and nature and artfully combine elements of STEM & literacy.
She writes full-time from her home in Illinois where she lives with her husband and two dogs and is easily distracted by everything outside of her windows - particularly if it has feathers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 31, 2018
This book is one of my favorites to read to my nieces. They LOVE it. The illustrations are gorgeous and the rhyming tale is funny. A great remake of There Was an Old Lady.
September 19, 2018
Someone needs to talk to this coyote about proper nutrition.
January 29, 2017
There was a Coyote who swallowed a flea, is a story about a coyote who begins his journey of eating things. He starts small and only eats things that grow bigger and bigger. The gibber things he heats, the bigger coyote gets, and he doesn't just stop at eating a bird!
When I first saw the book I had an instant connection with it, maybe because its based in the desert with cacti, and coyotes, like Arizona, or maybe it was the name of the book itself that drew me in. The text is a fun rhyming and repetition styled picture book.
The book starts (setting) in the morning, assuming coyote has just woken up, in the middle of a desert filled with cacti. It serves as an anecdotal story because it is continuously a funny, amusing story that keeps the children on their toes about what will coyote eat next?
The book looks like it is digitally drawn or designed using some type of computer program, it is not listed in the book how this is illustrated. Really the images take us through the times of the day when coyote is eating , from the beginning of the day to the end.
I though it was a quite good book. I think that it was portrayed in a very good way and the silliness of it is reflected in no only the text but also on the picture.
When I first saw the book I had an instant connection with it, maybe because its based in the desert with cacti, and coyotes, like Arizona, or maybe it was the name of the book itself that drew me in. The text is a fun rhyming and repetition styled picture book.
The book starts (setting) in the morning, assuming coyote has just woken up, in the middle of a desert filled with cacti. It serves as an anecdotal story because it is continuously a funny, amusing story that keeps the children on their toes about what will coyote eat next?
The book looks like it is digitally drawn or designed using some type of computer program, it is not listed in the book how this is illustrated. Really the images take us through the times of the day when coyote is eating , from the beginning of the day to the end.
I though it was a quite good book. I think that it was portrayed in a very good way and the silliness of it is reflected in no only the text but also on the picture.
March 24, 2009
I loved the illustrations in this book, but this is a substandard take-off on "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly." Alison Jackson's "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie" puts this book to shame.
October 11, 2017
Jennifer Ward's western based story gives a new twist to the "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly". The hungry coyote eats anything and everything, from fleas to cacti to the moon. While eating everything in his wake, the coyote fails to get full and continues to eat objects that grow in size. The coyote never seems to get full and eats each item for a particular reason. I found it very amusing that the coyote eats more than just live organisms, but he also eats inanimate objects, such as chilis, cacti, and clothing articles. A student in an early childhood program would love to read this book and would be humored by the story line.
Backdrop setting is the primary focus of this book. The setting of the story is the desert and the coyote's stomach. The primary colors used to depict the desert are browns, reds, and bright oranges. In comparison, the coyote's stomach uses purples and blacks to show a dark and dreary place. The contrast between the darkness of the coyote's stomach and the brightness of the desert landscape create an interesting sight when the readers are flipping through the pages. The setting doesn't really have an impact on the conflict in the story. It really just gives an idea of the surroundings that the characters are living in. The idea of the southwest is very prominent through the setting. Since the southwest has a heavy influence on the book, the readers can relate that to some of the objects that the coyote eats. An example of these things would be the cowboy hat and the cowboy boots. Overall, I would recommend this book to younger readers as opposed to older readers because the plot line is so simple. The only reason I rated this book a three is because it is playing off of a storyline that is very overdone. If this book were intended to accompany a lesson about the Wild West, however, it would be perfect.
Backdrop setting is the primary focus of this book. The setting of the story is the desert and the coyote's stomach. The primary colors used to depict the desert are browns, reds, and bright oranges. In comparison, the coyote's stomach uses purples and blacks to show a dark and dreary place. The contrast between the darkness of the coyote's stomach and the brightness of the desert landscape create an interesting sight when the readers are flipping through the pages. The setting doesn't really have an impact on the conflict in the story. It really just gives an idea of the surroundings that the characters are living in. The idea of the southwest is very prominent through the setting. Since the southwest has a heavy influence on the book, the readers can relate that to some of the objects that the coyote eats. An example of these things would be the cowboy hat and the cowboy boots. Overall, I would recommend this book to younger readers as opposed to older readers because the plot line is so simple. The only reason I rated this book a three is because it is playing off of a storyline that is very overdone. If this book were intended to accompany a lesson about the Wild West, however, it would be perfect.
January 31, 2019
This book was recommended to me by a friend when I asked for children's book recommendations. It is a new version, retelling of that classic story 'The Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly'. I decided to get this one because I was never fond of the idea of an old woman eating a bunch of things, a coyote cartoonishly makes more sense and is less disturbing to think about. I also like the southern theme for this book being that my family lives in the south.
When I read this book to my little one (2 month old) he was captivated by the pictures, (the art style is magnificent), and he talked right along with me as I read, smiling the whole time. Since he's the one I'm reviewing it for, and he enjoyed it, we're going with 5/5. My husband even laughed because I was rhyming even after reading the book for a little bit.
I only wish this book came in a board book format (maybe it does and I hadn't noticed). Maybe the pages are too big for that sort of thing but this is definitely a book my little one won't be able to hold himself for a while since the pages are delicate.
When I read this book to my little one (2 month old) he was captivated by the pictures, (the art style is magnificent), and he talked right along with me as I read, smiling the whole time. Since he's the one I'm reviewing it for, and he enjoyed it, we're going with 5/5. My husband even laughed because I was rhyming even after reading the book for a little bit.
I only wish this book came in a board book format (maybe it does and I hadn't noticed). Maybe the pages are too big for that sort of thing but this is definitely a book my little one won't be able to hold himself for a while since the pages are delicate.
November 27, 2017
There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea is a catchy rhyming book about a very hungry coyote. The coyote slowly ate all the animals starting with a lizard, then a snake, and finally a flea. From here, the coyote moved on to bigger and better things such as a cactus and lastly the moon! Nevertheless, to make matters more absurd, he asked a silly phrase after completing his large meal: “when is breakfast?� Kids will get a hoot out of this funny book and with enough repetition, they can learn to read along without really reading at all. The phrase starting each meal progression is the same throughout the book, making this an excellent beginner book. Children can feel as if they are starting to understand the reading process without having to stumble with their words. As for illustration style, the characters are done graphically in bright colors, making the coyote more silly looking than a realistic coyote.
November 10, 2016
Grade Level: K-1
Genre: Children's Fiction/Poetry
Review: This book is a fun read aloud for primary students to learn about writing. In addition, the text is simple enough for students to read it on their own. It is full of funny illustrations, rhyming, onomatopoeias, and more! A great activity to go along with this book is to have children add their stanza about the coyote swallowing the flea, complete with their own rhymes!
Plot:
Much in the style of "There was an Only Lady who Swallowed a Fly", this book follows a hungry coyote who swallowed a flea, followed by a lizard to catch the flea, and so on! This poor coyote keeps getting himself deeper and deeper into trouble as he tries to solve his problem, which ends in the silliness of the coyote swallowing the moon! Read the book in full to find out how our furry friend ended up there!
Genre: Children's Fiction/Poetry
Review: This book is a fun read aloud for primary students to learn about writing. In addition, the text is simple enough for students to read it on their own. It is full of funny illustrations, rhyming, onomatopoeias, and more! A great activity to go along with this book is to have children add their stanza about the coyote swallowing the flea, complete with their own rhymes!
Plot:
Much in the style of "There was an Only Lady who Swallowed a Fly", this book follows a hungry coyote who swallowed a flea, followed by a lizard to catch the flea, and so on! This poor coyote keeps getting himself deeper and deeper into trouble as he tries to solve his problem, which ends in the silliness of the coyote swallowing the moon! Read the book in full to find out how our furry friend ended up there!
March 9, 2020
Giggle Worthy Fun Reading
Remember "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly"? Here you have an affectionate re-telling set in the desert Southwest.
If you are concerned about the old lady's sad end, never fear. Your child will not be traumatized by the ending of this one. The coyote doesn't swallow a horse, so he doesn't "die, of course."
My husband and I discovered it in an artsy tourist shop near Tucson. Knowing we could return to buy it if necessary, we checked Amazon and found it for a couple dollars less.
Its illustrations are colorful, the plot line appropriately goofy, and our 4 year old grandson is delighted with it.
YES YES YES! Buy it.
Remember "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly"? Here you have an affectionate re-telling set in the desert Southwest.
If you are concerned about the old lady's sad end, never fear. Your child will not be traumatized by the ending of this one. The coyote doesn't swallow a horse, so he doesn't "die, of course."
My husband and I discovered it in an artsy tourist shop near Tucson. Knowing we could return to buy it if necessary, we checked Amazon and found it for a couple dollars less.
Its illustrations are colorful, the plot line appropriately goofy, and our 4 year old grandson is delighted with it.
YES YES YES! Buy it.
April 23, 2025
(PB) This is a very funny tale about a coyote who eats a flea and more. It is reminiscent of the Little Old Lady who Swallowed a fly story-style. The illustrations are outstanding, colorful and whimsical. Kids will love trying to figure out what will get eaten next. There is a clue on each page as to what is coming up. Kids will enjoy this story and the twist at the end. Highly recommended for Grades 2-5.
September 1, 2022
Our class learned about sequencing today. This book is a rendition of . Honestly I'm not one to enjoy repetitive children's books, but this was silly.
May 4, 2017
Kids will love There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea by Jennifer Ward for the same reasons they love the familiar song, I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly! This enchanting tale will tickle everyone’s funnybone! The long list of “edibles� will keep kids laughing and they will enjoy trying to guess what he will eat next. Yippee-O-Ki-Yeee y’all! For ages 3 � 7.
February 24, 2018
This book was bought from my mother in law for my daughter. The old lady swallowed books are funny but this book took it to a whole new level of funny!!!!! My 6 year old daughter has already memorized this book. So cute!
February 25, 2022
This year, Jennifer Ward will be presenting at our region's Young Author's Conference. This prompted me to read one of her books. The illustrations elicited smiles because they did an excellent job of visually demonstrating the outrageous tale being told. This book had much appeal.
June 6, 2017
A fun Southwestern take on a children's classic song/poem. The illustrations alone are worth the read.
January 7, 2018
My students and I loved this book!!!...so I ordered more books by this author!!!
February 26, 2018
First grade students love to have this book read to them. They love to participate in the refrain.
Good sense of repetition so the students can read along.
Good sense of repetition so the students can read along.
December 10, 2018
Fun variation of a beloved children's book. This has a desert southwest theme.
April 13, 2019
This is so super cute!!!
August 1, 2019
it went on too long and so so.e of the things just didn't work...even for a "swallowed a...." book they didn't really work.
August 14, 2019
If you love There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed books, then you will laugh your head off at what a Coyote will swallow.
January 28, 2020
This is a sing song book about a very hungry Coyote. This book is a western twist on “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly� A fun book for all kids!
February 6, 2020
Great story, nice pace, and brilliant illustrations!
April 27, 2020
This was a unique twist on There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. I thought the illustrations were fun and creative. The story made me laugh, especially the end.
July 22, 2020
Adorable. The illustrations won my heart.
January 4, 2021
A desert-ified spin on a classic. I try to see how far I can make it through this book on one breath.
October 1, 2022
I bought this in the visitors center at Saguaro Natl Park. It's a regional take-off on the old poem we all know. It was cute and had great illustration. I like it.
Read
October 27, 2022Quick and funny
February 19, 2023
This is a great story that would be very humorous for students! It is also a great book to use for rhyming as well as reading comprehension.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
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