Walter Arnold Photography
Question: What is the hardest part of writing a book?
Tedd Arnold: Coming up with a good idea. Then when I get an idea, I get out my notebook. I write stuff down. It’s very easy to forget a good idea.
Page 26: Courtesy of Tedd Arnold (Tedd Arnold); Tedd Arnold/Scholastic (Buzz with pencil); Shutterstock.com (pencil)
How Did Tedd Arnold Come Up With Fly Guy?
Find out what the author and illustrator of the Fly Guy books has to say.
From the March/April 2026 Issue
Learning Objective: Children will read an interview with Tedd Arnold, author of the Fly Guy book series.
Page 26: Tedd Arnold/Scholastic (Buzz with pencil); Shutterstock.com (Fly)
Q: How did you get the idea for the Fly Guy books?
TA: A fly got stuck in my car. I started drawing that fly. Then I thought: There is one word a fly says, “BUZZ”—and it’s a boys name. That was the magic moment.
Walter Arnold Photography
Q: Did you always want to be an author and illustrator?
TA: I didn’t always want to be an author. But I did always want to draw. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been drawing pictures. I was not always good at drawing. It took a lot of practice.
Tedd Arnold/Scholastic (Buzz on Popcorn, Buzz on cat); Walter Arnold Photography (Drawing); Shutterstock.com (Popcorn Bucket, Popcorn)
Q: Is being an author and illustrator the only job you’ve had?
TA: No. I’ve been a hamburger cooker and a soldier. I’ve popped popcorn at a movie theater, and I’ve delivered newspapers.
Tedd Arnold/Scholastic (Buzz on cat); Courtesy of Tedd Arnold (Cat)
Tedd’s cat, Mr. Dandy, sees the dance.
Q: We’re glad you started making books. What do you do when you finish one?
TA: I do a little dance. Nobody wants to see that dance. But it’s always a celebration.
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