Charman, Katrina. Old MacPumpkin Had a Farm. Georgie Birkett, Illus. Nosy Crow, 07/2025. [22]pp. Picture Book. Trade $14.99. 979-8-88777-168-7. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In this reimagining of the classic nursery song “Old MacDonald,” the farmer has a cat, spider, bat, and other spooky creatures on the farm. The brightly colored cartoon style illustrations resemble gouache, and depict the farmer as a white female. The repeated rhyme of “Old MacPumkin had a farm, Eek! Ahh! Eek! Ahh! Ohh!” will take some practice, but listeners can easily guess each creature as it appears, and what sound it makes. The final spread uses a gatefold page to depict the farmer’s living room filled with all the animals and creatures shown throughout the story. A nice additional selection for autumn storytimes.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool