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Many children’s books also target adults, as does Goldwin’s slim volume. Young and old can appreciate the layering and messaging in this lavishly illustrated tale from the eye (ocelli) of a fly, who flits between human and canine households, avoiding death by swatter. All the fly wants is a bite of waffle, and the selfish humans have so much! He craves a snuggle in cozy dog hair, but the family pet scratches him almost to death. From his position on the wall, the fly hears all, including worries about COVID’s effect on schooling and social interactions. He doesn’t want to hear “all this sadness” (or catch the virus) since he has only days to live.
On one level, the fly is just a fly. On another, he’s a being who loves peanut butter, feels physical pain from a hot grill and mental pain from the sad parents, and begins to care about their children. Goldwin seems to suggest that the most unlikely onlookers can sometimes be the best observers of life and that human words and beliefs have the power to flame fear and despondency. When even a fly is affected by the behavior of others, perhaps the deeper message is that words matter because one never knows who is listening and being influenced. Fear is contagious, and trying to kill what you don’t understand, such as a “despicable, black, and hairy” fly, is shortsighted.
The multi-layered books of Dr. Seuss show the value of trust, respect, and support. The magical message of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia shows the importance of love, sacrifice, and redemption. In the tradition of such moral-laden classics, Goldwin’s brief account of a very observant and increasingly sentient fly emphasizes choosing happiness over sadness, children over "coronaphobia," and vision over ignorance. The illustrations are also a full-color delight.