Customer Reviews

Old Macdonald Had An Apartment House

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Take Old MacDonald off the farm and put him in the big city and what've you got?? Why, just take a look inside and see!!

Old MacDonald is the super of an apartment building in our story. At the beginning we find that Mrs. MacDonald's tomato plant just isn't doing well by the basement window because of the big bush outside that blocks the light. When old MacDonald cuts the bush down and plants the tomato plant there instead, inspiration strikes. Why not plant the whole front YARD with food plants? When the tenants on the 4th floor move out, inspiration strikes again. Why not bring in some dirt and farm INDOORS?? Seems like a good idea, doesn't it??

Well, soon farm animals like cows and chickens move in, and the carrots are growing through the 3rd floor ceiling! "Either that garden goes, or I go!" bellows the 3rd floor tenant. Hmmm... Thinks Old MacD. Carrots don't smudge up the glass, lettuce doesn't track mud on the floor.... Pretty soon, the WHOLE APARTMENT is filled with produce plants and barnyard animals. This works pretty well UNTIL... Mr. Wrental shows up, the building's owner!! Are the MacDonald's doomed to be thrown out, cow and tomato plant and all??

The Barrett team of Judi and Ron has given us past treasures like "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" and "Animals Should Definitely NOT Wear Clothing." They have done it again with "Old MacDonald..." The fine pen & ink drawings practically tell the stories themselves, with all the characters except the veggies in black & white. The text by Ms. Barrett is easy to read and a lot of fun. Definitely a must-read, must-have!!

I loved reading this book when I was little! It made my imagination soar. I can still remember every page with its beautiful drawings and colors. I cannot wait to buy it for my kids so they, too, can have great memories of this book!

I liked this book so much that I saved it from when I was a child, so that I could give it to my own children. My version is almost 30 years old. The basic conflict/solution storyline is written with just the right amount of silliness, warmth and wonderful illustrations that makes the best of children's books fun to read for adults and easy to understand for children. You will not be sorry choosing this book. It's a keeper.

This story is just charming. I'm afraid little kids don't appreciate the humor of it unless they live in a large city because most children have at least tomato plants growing in their yards, but it made me laugh!

This is a wonderful story. I use it in school in conjunction with the song Old MacDonald Had A Farm. This is a wonderful enrichment story, to do after singing the song with K, 1st & 2nd grade students. Was very pleased to find a copy.

If you are introducing American Gothic and the artwork's parodies to a group of students, this is the perfect addition to your lesson. This is a fun and imaginative book, like Judi Barrett's other books, that takes the reader into this American Gothic parody. The students were so highly interested in this book that they want to write their own stories after they finish their artworks. I would highly recommend this book!