The Very Stinky Fly Hunt

The Very Stinky Fly Hunt by Andrea Wild. Illustrated by Karen Erasmus. CSIRO Publishing 2025. Hardback Picture Book 32 pages RRP $26.99. ISBN 9781486318780.

Reviewed by Debra Williams

Keith is a fly hunter. No, not an oversized fly who hunts (as indicated with a little humorous illustration at the beginning of the story), but a scientist who hunts flies, and in particular, one of Australia’s rarest insects.

Readers join Keith on this very stinky fly search, as he hunts for a species thought to be extinct, in remote public toilets. Yes, that’s right…toilets! And if you try hard enough, then persistence pays off.

Based on a true story and beautifully illustrated, The Very Stinky Fly Hunt reveals that science is sometimes weird and sometimes a little gross, but always an adventure. It shares real science in an accessible way that will appeal to kids who enjoy all things gross and weird. It underlines messages of discovery along with the wonders of nature and the importance of all animals for biodiversity. There is Teacher Notes aligned to the Australian Curriculum available on the website: publish.csiro.au/book/8180/#forteachers.

Suitable for children 6+ years of age.