FICTION

Old MacDonald Had a Truck

by Steve GOETZ
illus. by Eda Kaban. 44p. Chronicle. Mar. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781452132600. POP
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—A new twist on a classic story and song, this book is just pure fun. All readers know about Old MacDonald and the things on his farm. But they will love the new toys he has in this tale. All the usual animal friends are present in the illustrations, but he's also got excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks. The lyrics of the song may have a nonsense-type flow, but that will make singing/telling the story that much more fun. The illustrations are rich and tell as much of the story as the text does. Gender roles are slightly flipped, as Old MacDonald's partner in the book is a woman who clearly knows her way around the farm and a steamroller, too. This is a book that could be used to teach a multitude of lessons.
VERDICT Highly recommended as a first purchase, this entertaining read will bring a new dimension to storytime.
Reviewed by Shannan Hicks, J.S. Clark Elementary School Library, LA
In this version, Old MacDonald has an excavator ("With a DIG DIG here and a DIG DIG there"), a front loader ("SCOOOP SCOOP"), and more. Accompanying the song reboot are clean, critter-filled illustrations that supply a narrative: various farm animals operate the featured trucks, which collaboratively build an outdoor arena for a truck show spotlighting a driver who may well be Mrs. MacDonald.
 , May 01, 2016

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?