Awards

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book celebrates outstanding books, authors, and literary achievement through four signature awards: The Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Best Books for Family Literacy, The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize, and Pennsylvania Great Reads from Great Places. Together, these programs recognize excellence in family literacy, children’s poetry, graphic novels, and books that reflect Pennsylvania’s rich literary heritage. By honoring exceptional literary works and connecting readers with engaging and meaningful stories, the Pennsylvania Center for the Book promotes lifelong reading, literacy, and a love of literature across the Commonwealth and beyond.

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Hi! Fly Guy

By Tedd Arnold
Published by Scholastic, 2005
Young Readers

Is Fly Guy a pest or a pet? Buzz thinks that Fly Guy is the smartest pet ever. His parents and The Amazing Pet Show judges think that Fly Guy is only a pest. How Buzz and Fly Guy change the doubters' minds is a comical story and the beginning of a beautiful friendship. All the characters sport huge bug eyes in these cartoon-like illustrations filled with hatch mark shading done in swirls and squiggles that add a quirky spin. This offbeat tale will please everyone—the small, the tall, and the oddball! A 2006 Geisel Honor Book.

Hi! Fly Guy

Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards

Baker's Dozen 2006 Winner

Book Activities & Discussion Ideas

Tips for Using with Children

Point out that this story is divided into three separate chapters. Young children will enjoy the fact that they can understand a big kid's book—a true chapter book! Discuss with the children how each chapter's first sentence gives a clue to what some of the story action will be in that chapter.

Tips for Using with Families

Share with families that punctuation plays an important role in making this story interesting to read aloud and provides clues on how to read dramatically. Discuss the variety of punctuation marks in the book and how they provide hints to reading aloud with expression (e.g., ending a sentence with an exclamation point! Instead of a period).