OLD MACDONALD HAD A WOODSHOP

“Old MacDonald had a shop, E-I-E-I-O!” This Old MacDonald is not a he but a she, and a sheep as well. And she has a saw, “with a zztt zztt here and a zztt zztt there.” As the farm animals come to help her, she gives them each a tool—drill, hammer, chisel, file, screwdriver, and paintbrush. As the refrain expands, cameos of the animals using the tools provide clues and build anticipation as to what they’re making. It’s evident they’re all working on something and when the object is unveiled, it is a surprise—a toy wooden barn complete with animals and tractor. Wolff’s gouache and pastel illustrations are custom made for the story’s “wordworking” with cunning touches like Old MacDonald’s flower-patterned carpenter’s apron and her pierced ears, and baby animals peering in the doorway. The endpapers display a pegboard filled with labeled tools. Preschoolers will be delighted with the familiarity of the song, the new sounds to make, and with following each animal’s participation, especially the mouse that picks up nails and cleans up wood shavings. A terrific idea measured and mitered to a tee, building a perfectly crafted book, one that will make a fun gift. (Picture book. 3-6)