May 15, 2020
This Animal Theater production, way off-Broadway, has some unexpected guest appearances. Beet microphone in hand, the scarecrow from Old MacDonald's farm narrates this stage production of a "mostly true story." The MC begins: "This is the farm that Mac built. / These are the ... // ...pigs (Oink!) that live on the farm / that Mac built." The suit-clad pigs are followed by cows in tasteful frocks. Pig-and-cow pairs dance around the barn stage. Next come the...monkeys?! The scarecrow shoos them off the stage, and the sheep "(Baa!)" enter in tutus, with one performing a graceful grand jet�. Much better...but they are followed by...breakdancing kangaroos?! The scarecrow apologizes, and a one-horse band joins the production "(Neigh!)." Next, of course are--Wagnerian elephants? Sheesh. Eggs arrive, and that's all well and good...but these hatch into penguins. After a short moment, the scarecrow assembles everyone (who belongs) for a curtain call of animal sounds that includes one more giggle-inducing oopsie. Sauer's cumulative mashup of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" and "The House That Jack Built" will delight audiences familiar with both. Urbanovic's cartoon illustrations of (mostly) clothed animal performers elevate this nightmare production into a hilarious comedy of errors. There are plenty of details in the illustrations to prompt new laughs in subsequent reads. No owls here, but this one is definitely a hoot. (Picture book. 2-7)
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July 1, 2020
PreS-Gr 1-A friendly scarecrow is the master of ceremonies for a play based on "The House That Jack Built," featuring a cast from Old MacDonald's farm. However, things quickly go sideways when a bevy of non-farm animals, including mischievous monkeys, hip-hopping kangaroos, and singing elephants, decide to get in on the act, resulting in chaos on stage. Finally, the farm animals get their act together and take their bows. But with a wink to the audience, the last page reveals a few remaining backstage antics by a couple of interlopers. VERDICT Lots of word repetition and animal sound effects, combined with Urbanovic's comically expressive cartoon illustrations, make this a rollicking read-aloud that will encourage young readers to join in on the silliness.-Jessica Marie, Salem P.L., OR
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