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  • Published: 4 July 2023
  • ISBN: 9781776957057
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 16
  • RRP: $21.00

There Was an Odd Farmer Who Swallowed a Fly



Peek through the holes in the pages to see what the odd farmer swallows in this favourite nursery rhyme with a pitch-perfect Kiwi twist!

Kiwi kids will love this favourite nursery rhyme with witty words by Peter Millett and hilarious illustrations by Paul Beavis — and a surprise twist at the end!

There was an odd farmer who swallowed a fly.
I dunno why she swallowed a fly —
it’s such weird kai.

Peek through the holes in the pages to see all the creatures inside the odd farmer! And what happens to them all at the end of the tale?

Expect a lot of belly laughs as you read this brilliant rhyming story aloud!

  • Published: 4 July 2023
  • ISBN: 9781776957057
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 16
  • RRP: $21.00

About the authors

Peter Millett

Peter Millett is a highly popular children's author. He has written across a number of children's genres and all of his work is stamped with his trademark energy and zany humour - qualities that always delight young audiences on his school visits.

He is the author of the Johnny Danger DIY Spy series (Penguin), Boy Zero series (Faber & Faber), The Invincibles series (Scholastic) and several picture books published in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, North America and Europe.

Peter's number one goal is to help make reading and writing a rewarding and fun-filled pastime for kids worldwide.

He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

Paul Beavis

Paul Beavis is an award-winning children’s author and illustrator.


He is the author of three critically acclaimed picture books and has illustrated several stories for other authors, most notably Deano Yipadee's Nee Naw series.


His work has been praised for its ‘emotional and psychological depth but with all the lightness of touch and humour one could hope for’ (Sarah Forster in the The Reader) as well as for its quirky characters, gorgeous use of colour and being just the right level of naughty to delight young audiences.


In 2015 he received the Russell Clark Award for Illustration for Mrs Mo’s Monster, which was described by the UK’s Independent as an ‘explosively illustrated fable…a real find’.


Originally from London, Paul studied at St Martin’s School of Art and worked in a variety of creative roles including children’s animation and web design before going freelance. He moved to New Zealand in 2012.


Nowadays Paul writes and illustrates full time from his home near Wellington, where he lives with his wife and their young son.

Praise for There Was an Odd Farmer Who Swallowed a Fly

The interactivity of this book is genius. It’s designed to be read aloud with verve. ...I won’t spoil the ending (the joke is so good) but the illustration references an episode of ‘Shortland Sheep.’ Guaranteed, this is a super fun and interactive read for the whole family.

Pippi Jean, The Sapling

A wonderful kiwi take on an entertaining classic. Not only does it rhyme with perfect rhythm, there are holes in the pages showing each creature the farmer swallows. Until finally the farmer can’t fit one more creature in. This takes the story to a hilarious, “Oh No!” moment, and you can read this picture book all over again! Paul Beavis’ hilarious illustrations are bursting with surprise, action and funny details to pore over. Another great New Zealand picture book by this talented Kiwi duo. Perfect for kindy kids or sharing with anyone who loves to laugh!

What Book Next?

It’s pure old-school fun with wordplays, playful phrasings of the rhyme and evermore ridiculous scenarios throughout...I can see it becoming a favourite of kids for years to come.

Dionne Christian, Kete Books

Awards & recognition

NZ Booklovers Award

Shortlisted  •  2024  •  NZ Booklovers Award for Best Children's Picture Book

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There Was an Odd Farmer Who Swallowed a Fly Word Search

A fun word search to see what the odd farmer might swallow in this favourite nursery rhyme with a pitch-perfect Kiwi twist!