Why, oh why, was I born a fly? - Softcover

Brooks, Alex

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1739891732 ISBN 13: 9781739891732

Publisher: Ant and Feather, 2024

Synopsis

Dip has never quite fitted in and feels like a bee trapped in a fly’s body. When he reaches his lowest point, he visits his Grandma, who listens carefully before getting to work with her needles and thread, and some black-and-yellow wool. This short, fun, moral story for children is calm, reassuring, and ideal for bedtime, quiet time, or story time.

The story gently explores themes of identity, self-esteem, and belonging, making it a thoughtful children’s audiobook for parents and teachers to use as a conversation starter with young listeners.

With its engaging rhymes, soothing narration, colourful characters, and heartwarming message, Why, Oh Why, Was I Born a Fly? is a wonderful addition to any children’s audiobook collection. Suitable for ages 2–8, it is perfect for bedtime listening, classroom readings, and families looking for short stories that inspire children to celebrate their uniqueness.

About this title

About the Author

Alex is a mum of 3; to Gus: 6, and twins, Teddy and Lola: 5

Alex worked with children for several years in her late teens/early 20's, which fed her imagination and led her to write her first children's book: Ant and Feather (not published.... YET!). Whilst sitting by the pool, at her parent's home in Spain, she watched an ant carrying a feather. The next thing she knew, she was at a computer typing away. When returning, sometime later, she read the story to her parents. Although a little surprised by Alex's latest venture (there's been a few!), they were really quite impressed.

At the age of 22, Alex moved to London to carry out her childhood dream of becoming a London Firefighter. When she wasn't running into burning buildings (or rescuing birds from gutters), she would be sitting at a desk, writing weird and wonderful children's stories; needless to say, she never did quite fit in with station life.

Following in her parent's footsteps, with their love for property renovation, Alex purchased her first, wreck of a flat, in Peckham at the age of 24. After 5 years, Alex decided to leave The Fire Service and became an estate agent (suddenly people became less interested in discussing her line of work). This is where she met her husband, Bob. They had their first child Gus, moved back to Alex's hometown of Tunbridge Wells, and 22 months later they saw the arrival of twins Teddy and Lola (3 under the age of 2).

Not one for an easy life, Alex set up a property company, giving her the freedom to stay at home with the kids and to also pursue her writing.

When Alex saw some of an old friend, Hannah's work, she immediately knew that Hannah would be perfect for illustrating her books. The pair worked together to create Alex's debut book: Why, oh why, am I a crocodile? which was shortlisted for SPARK! Book Awards 2023 and Insects, Bugs & Rock 'n' Roll which won Children's Literature Festivals Awards 2024.

Alex will be releasing her third book: Why, oh why, was I born a fly? in spring 2024.

Edition details

• Publisher: Ant and Feather
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1739891732
• ISBN 13: 9781739891732
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Zavala Claudia
• Number of pages: 48