'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 11 November 2021

Review: Mozzies Vs Flies

It’s the age old question, isn’t it?

Who would win in a fight between a mosquito and a fly? 

When the prize is a barbeque at dusk, the stakes are high. Who will come out on top?

In this brilliant rhyming picture book from Sarah Speedie and Rebel Challenger, two buzzing gangs control the streets: the flies, who rule the day. And the mozzies, who rule the night.

When a notice appears for a school barbeque at 5:30pm, the gangs get excited, but both lay claim to the party, given the time it’s taking place. Is 5:30 the end of the day or the start of the night?

The bugs prepare for battle! Neither side will back down. But who will win?

So a battle was planned between Mozzies and Flies,
The School Barbeque was the champion’s prize.
They’d meet at the bins at five the next day.
Training commenced in both camps right away!


Mozzies Vs Flies is a buzzingly fun read that audiences (young and old) will adore. Who hasn’t thought about the relationship between mosquitoes and flies? Who hasn’t noticed that parties planned for dusk come with extra bugs? It’s a giggle-inducing reflection of Australian life.

Rebel Challenger fills the pages with the most glorious illustrations, giving the bugs big personalities in a funky cartoon style. Make sure to explore the details as you read, because there is so much to discover. Both gangs have leaders, who are not quiet about what they want, but there are also some very entertaining gang members who hang out in the background and get up to so many fun shenanigans.

For laughs and a half in a gorgeously illustrated rhyming picture book, check out Mozzies Vs Flies.

Title: Mozzies Vs Flies
Author: Sarah Speedie
Illustrator: Rebel Challenger
Publisher: Larrikin House, $19.99
Publication Date: November 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503534
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book