Fly Guy watches as Buzz makes a movie starring the two of them, with a special guest appearance from Fly Girl.

The Fly Guy series is incredibly popular with young children, although I must admit to not being a huge fan myself. However, I liked this title more than some other ones in the series I've read so far. Seeing Buzz use his imagination and creativity is nice, and his movie making via smartphone and handmade puppets might prompt some children to pursue this fun and productive activity as well. I also loved that Fly Girl got to be the one to 'save the day' in the movie.

The illustrations are more cartoonish than I usually prefer, but they seem to work with the story. The short chapters will make young readers feel accomplished for having finished a 'chapter book' even though it is really more of an early reader. ( )

It's been quite a while since I've actually read a Fly Guy book - I'm usually more busy buying more copies as they fly off the shelves!

This latest adventure makes Fly Guy the star of his own movie! After a brief introduction of Fly Guy and his owner, Buzz, the story begins. Buzz is making a movie - he cuts out backgrounds and draws titles and then sets up his phone for a camera. Fly Guy and Buzz are shown first as puppets on sticks and then, as the story progresses, they morph into themselves as their imagination takes over. They battle with the aliens, finally rescued by Fly Girl. But what about Buzz? The aliens still have him on their ship! Looks like there will have to be another story...

Arnold's familiar illustrations, with huge, bulging eyes, earth tones, and simple shapes will be immediately recognized by readers who have read his other titles. The text is bold and with a font that uses small seraphs. It's an intermediate easy reader for my library, usually recommended to kids in 2nd grade. This one will be more challenging because of the switch in perspectives from the puppets to the actual characters, but kids who have read other Fly Guy titles and have some fluency are likely to pick up the nuances fairly easily.

Verdict: Fly Guy is a pretty basic requirement for any easy reader section - the only question is how many copies you need to purchase.

ISBN: 9780545663182; Published April 2018 by Cartwheel/Scholastic; Purchased 3 copies for the library

Donated by Kinley Fuhr.