Golly Gump Swallowed a Fly
by Joanna Cole
Gareth Stevens Pub. 1984
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- humor and nonsense
- cause and effect
- choices and consequences
- animals
- rhythm and rhyme
- cumulative storytelling
About this book
When Golly Gump swallows a fly, the only solution seems to be swallowing something even bigger to catch it—leading to a hilarious chain of ever-sillier choices. This playful, cumulative tale riffs on a classic rhyme, inviting kids to predict what comes next. Repetition and rhythm support emerging readers, while the absurd humor makes it a crowd-pleasing read-aloud. Perfect for shared storytime with young listeners who love giggles and surprises.
Setting: a whimsical household and yard
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Golly Gump Swallowed a Fly right for my child?
Yes — Golly Gump Swallowed a Fly is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.3, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include humor and nonsense, cause and effect, choices and consequences.
How long does it take to read Golly Gump Swallowed a Fly?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Golly Gump Swallowed a Fly takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Golly Gump Swallowed a Fly have an AR quiz?
Yes — Golly Gump Swallowed a Fly has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Golly Gump Swallowed a Fly?
Golly Gump Swallowed a Fly has an AR reading level of 2.3, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.