Jo MacDonald Had a Garden

PreS-Gr 2—To the reworking of the familiar song, the author has brought the four seasons of a garden to life. Jo, the redheaded granddaughter of Old MacDonald, and her friend Mike enjoy the outdoors and the work of planting a wildlife-friendly garden. The dirt flies from the shovel "with a dig-dig here, and a dig-dig there," and the kids flap their arms like a bird's wings, "with a flit-flit here, and a flit-flit there." The observant eye will find seven wild creatures enjoying the garden, and careful readers will read the plant labels and find the seven that are featured. Two concluding pages identify the flora and fauna and suggest relevant indoor activities, such as drawing a picture of the sunflower, planting a seed, and naming the four vegetables Jo and Mike planted. Pretty to look at, easy to sing along to, and a nice introduction to wildlife-habitat creation.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA