“The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals” by Deborah Underwood; illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Review by John Mullarkey, youth services library assistant at the Hillsborough Library
This clever picture book by Deborah Underwood is a take on the origin of “Old MacDonald” of the famous children’s song – yes, the one with “e-i, e-i, ooo.” Early on, we meet Mr. MacDonald; he is a tidy, solitary man, who makes it clear that he is “known not to like animals.” He lives a very routine and organized life in a routine and organized apartment building until – a cat shows up at his door – he slowly takes a liking to the cat and eventually, another cat shows up, then a dog, and so on. Without giving too much away, he ends up moving to a farm and that, of course, is part of the charm.
The illustrations by LeUyen Pham are expressive and funny – even without the text, one can easily follow the change and transformation of Mr. MacDonald into Old MacDonald as the animals fill his apartment and bring a special happiness to his life. This is an excellent read aloud for primary school students – and they will certainly notice details in the illustrations that build up to the fun conclusion of the story – that just may end with a bit of a sing along!