The Fly That Won’t Die, with a plaid book spine on the left

The Fly That
Won’t Die

A funny and heartfelt picture book about persistence, friendship, and finding your place — even when things don’t go as planned.

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Illustrations

A cheerful orange crab among bubbles and seaweed

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The Fly That Won’t Die coloring sheet

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jessica@frella.com

A LITTLE NOTE FROM JESSICA

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The Fly That Won't Die

WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED BY JESSICA MAVROMATIS

The Fly That Won't Die

My first picture book — a funny little story about a persistent fly, friendship, and finding your place.

What Readers Are Saying

“The sweetest book ever. Beautiful illustrations. Sweet story. My daughter and I really enjoy reading this at bedtime. Highly recommend!”

Amazon reader · Verified purchase

“A very cute story that made me smile and surprised me in the best way.”

Amazon reader · Verified purchase

“This book is so sweet!! Made me and my daughter smile.”

Amazon reader · Verified purchase
Read more reviews on Amazon →

The Story Behind the Book

You know those house flies that somehow seem to live forever? The ones that buzz around your kitchen no matter how many times you swat, shoo, or open the window? That’s where this all started — with one of those flies.

Read the full story

At first, it was just a passing thought: “This fly refuses to give up. It’s kind of impressive, really.” Then that silly idea stuck with me. What if that fly had a story? What if it wasn’t just annoying… what if it had a purpose?

That’s how The Fly That Won’t Die was born.

But I had a few hiccups. I never thought I could actually write or illustrate a book myself. I’ve always loved picture books and illustrating, but creating one felt like something “real authors” or “real illustrators” did — not me. So, for a long time, I did what we all do when something scares us: I procrastinated and wallowed in my self doubt.

But just like the fly, the idea wouldn’t leave either.

Eventually, I decided to stop waiting for the “perfect” time and just go for it. I told myself that the end goal didn’t have to be perfection — it just had to be finished. I wanted to see this little fly come to life somehow, even if it meant learning everything along the way.

So I wrote. I rewrote. I drew, erased, redrew, and I doubted myself many times over. But then I finally started to see this stubborn, funny little character take shape.

After a year of fits and starts, ruminating in my head, mistakes and massive learning curves, The Fly That Won’t Die was finally ready to take flight.

This project started with one (or several) persistent fly — and a reminder that sometimes, the ideas that won’t leave you alone are the ones worth chasing.

I’m so excited you’re here. The Fly That Won’t Die is available now, and I can’t wait for you to meet this stubborn little fly!

NEXT STORY IN THE WORKS

Why'd You Sting Me, Bee?

A new picture book about Larry, a bee, and a misunderstanding. More soon…

Illustrations

Freebies

A few little things to print, color, make and enjoy — including goodies inspired by my books.

Preview of the printable Fly coloring sheet

The Fly That Won't Die

Color Fly and learn a few fun facts about him.

DOWNLOAD PDF →
Jessica’s illustrated self-portrait holding a bouquet of flowers

Hello!

I’m so happy you are here! Some tidbits about me – I’m a former full time graphic designer, turned Mom, turned part time designer/decor lover/baking lover/retired Etsy Shop owner, to now turned illustrator/picture book maker. Whew!  That was a lot, but it sums me up professionally and creatively in a nutshell. This site was my old blog where I would share freebies (feel free to still grab some in the archives), recipes and new findings in my shop. But now that I’ve done a pivot (anyone else hear Ross’s “Pivooot” from Friends every time that word is used?!), it’s the home to where I share some of my illustration musings, updates on my picture book in the making and what I am up to professionally.

A little back story on the why and how I decided to create a picture book, is from one little nagging fly. I’ll share more as my book comes to fruition so I don’t give it all away, but the idea for a children’s picture book struck me several years ago with a fly (or several) that wouldn’t leave. Just like the fly, the idea never left my thoughts. I hummed and hawed because I didn’t (don’t) know the first thing about writing and/or illustrating a children’s book, but after many self deprecating thoughts and finally deciding to put my big girl pants on and having a go at it…here I am. I can now call myself a published author-illustrator. I’m growing my illustration work, slowly but surely, and doing things I never imagined I’d be doing just a few short years ago.

I hope you enjoy some of my illustrations I share here, but please check out my Instagram and give a follow for even more!

XoXo
Jessica

A new print in the works…

Little Buildings Lately

Latest Updates

New illustrations, book news, and little things from the studio.

The homepage entries are design-preview examples. Full updates will be added before launch.

Upcoming Events

November 7

Story time @ Couth Buzzard Books
Greenwood, WA

November 21

Fox Island Holiday Market
Fox Island, WA

Fox Island Holiday Market

November 21, 2026
Fox Island, WA

Fox Island Christmas Market poster, featuring an illustrated fox carrying a gift. November 21, 2026.

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Email me at jessica@frella.com.

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