Steve Goetz

This is one kids are going to enjoy. Although taking a twist on the well-known children's song is nothing new...and made us wonder whether we'd enjoy this one or not, the twists and turns catch with surprise and create giggles and smiles. Plus, there's a little bit of a learn effect as well.

The text is extremely simple and invites for kids to 'read' or sing along. Then, every other page or so, the thing Old MacDonald has on his farm is introduced...and it's something which will make especially construction and truck fans' hearts beat faster. Old MacDonald might have a farm, but he's on a mission to build something much more glorious. It's hard not to cheer with him and the super sweet animals as they work and work to make a huge dream come true. Add the nice, large letters, E-I-E-I-O, which appear over and over again, and kids are on their way to learning a few vowels too.

The illustrations make this book shine as much as the construction fun. Each page is bright and packed with life. The animals alone draw smiles as they run around and do different tasks, which adds to the humor. Plus, it turns a bit into a guessing game as to what Old MacDonald is really up to. The end is definitely a surprise, one that puts Mrs. Old MacDonald in a wonderful light.

We thoroughly enjoyed diving into this one and believe it will be a hit, especially among groups of kids as a read-aloud.

I received a complimentary copy and was surprised how fun this one was. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.… (meer)