“I love this man, these animals, and this story. Perfect for animal lovers and people who don’t think they like animals (wink wink). The origin story we didn’t know we needed.”
— Rebecca Crosswhite, Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID
*A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year!*
*An Amazon Top 20 Children's Book of the Year!*
Who was Old MacDonald before he had a farm? A New York Times bestselling duo brings us this freshly imagined origin story about the storied farmer and his animal friends. Brilliantly illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham.
There once was a man who loved his tidy home and who didn’t like animals. Then, one day, a cat appeared. The man and the cat both liked napping and watching the rain and eating dinner precisely at six.
Well, maybe this one animal could stay.
Next came a dog . . .
This bighearted and funny tale with delightful artwork from Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham celebrates the joy of embracing new perspectives.
Deborah Underwood has written numerous picture books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Quiet Book, The Loud Book!, and Here Comes the Easter Cat and the Caldecott Honor–winning Outside In. She lives in Northern California with her feline muse, Bella.
LeUyen Pham is a New York Times bestselling illustrator who has created many books for children, including the Caldecott Honor–winning Bear Came Along. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California.
"It’s a light tale that garners plenty of smiles, as well as an amiable look at one individual’s learning to let go of preconceptions."
— Publishers Weekly
"The understated, heartening narrative leaves room for the illustrations to work their magic, amusing kids with large absurdities and small details. Great fun for sharing at story time."
— Booklist
"Perfect for animal lovers and preschoolers with nursery rhymes still fresh on their minds." — Kirkus Reviews
"This inventive prequel brings genuine heart and humor to the creative and rewarding backstory of a preschool musical favorite." — Horn Book Magazine