A Wild, Whimsical Ride: Review of Old MacDonald Had a . . . Zoo? by Iza Trapani

🎭 Introduction: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Nursery Rhyme

If you thought Old MacDonald’s farm was chaotic, wait until you see what happens when he decides to run a zoo instead! Old MacDonald Had a . . . Zoo? by Iza Trapani is a delightful, rollicking expansion of the beloved children’s song, transforming a simple farmyard tune into a vibrant, imaginative adventure.

Trapani, known for her Extended Nursery Rhymes series, takes a familiar melody and injects it with humor, creativity, and a menagerie of unexpected animals. This book isn’t just a sing-along—it’s an experience, one that will have kids (and adults) giggling, guessing, and eagerly turning the pages.

But does it hold up beyond the initial novelty? Let’s dive deep into this charming picture book to see why it’s a must-have for young readers and nostalgic parents alike.

📖 Plot Summary: What Happens When Old MacDonald Swaps Cows for Kangaroos?

Without giving away too many surprises, Old MacDonald Had a . . . Zoo? follows the same rhythmic structure as the original song—but with a twist. Instead of the usual farm animals, Old MacDonald’s zoo is filled with exotic, unexpected creatures. Each page introduces a new animal with its own silly sound, building anticipation as readers wonder: What’s next?

The book cleverly plays with expectations, introducing animals like:

  • A roaring lion (obvious, right?)
  • A chattering monkey (classic zoo fare)
  • But then—wait—a kangaroo? And what sound does that make?

The story escalates in absurdity, culminating in a chaotic, joyful finale that will leave kids laughing and begging for a reread.

🐘 Character Analysis: Old MacDonald—Farmer or Zookeeper?

Old MacDonald himself isn’t deeply characterized (this is a nursery rhyme, after all), but Trapani’s illustrations give him personality. He’s depicted as a cheerful, slightly frazzled man who seems both amused and overwhelmed by his ever-growing zoo.

The real stars are the animals. Each creature has its own expressive, cartoonish charm, from the mischievous monkeys to the lumbering elephants. The illustrations do much of the storytelling, making this a perfect book for visual learners and pre-readers.

✍️ Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Singing, Guessing, and Giggling

Trapani’s genius lies in her ability to take a simple concept and elevate it with rhythm, repetition, and surprise. The book follows the classic Old MacDonald structure but keeps readers engaged by:

  • Predictable repetition (great for early literacy)
  • Unexpected animal choices (keeping kids guessing)
  • Interactive sound prompts (encouraging participation)

Her rhyming is seamless, making it easy to sing along, and the pacing ensures that even the wiggliest toddlers stay engaged.

🎨 Thematic Exploration: More Than Just a Silly Song

Beneath the fun, Old MacDonald Had a . . . Zoo? subtly reinforces:

  • Creativity & Imagination (What if a farm wasn’t just cows and pigs?)
  • Pattern Recognition (Predicting the next animal builds cognitive skills)
  • Joy in the Unexpected (Life is more fun when you embrace surprises)

It’s not a heavy-handed lesson—just a joyful celebration of silliness and curiosity.

❤️ Personal Reading Experience: Why My Kids Beg for This Book Every Night

As a parent, I’ve read a lot of children’s books, and this one stands out because:
✅ It’s interactive—kids love making the animal sounds.
✅ It’s unpredictable—even after multiple reads, the surprises hold up.
✅ It’s visually rich—the illustrations are colorful and full of little details.

My 3-year-old now insists on “reading” it to me, which speaks volumes about its engagement factor.

📚 Comparison to Other Books in the Genre

Trapani’s Extended Nursery Rhymes series (which includes Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and The Itsy Bitsy Spider) follows a similar formula—taking a classic rhyme and expanding it into a full story. Compared to Sandra Boynton’s Moo, Baa, La La La! or Dr. Seuss’s Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?, this book holds its own with its unique blend of familiarity and novelty.

🌟 Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✔ Hilarious, unexpected animal choices (Who knew a kangaroo could be in a zoo song?)
✔ Perfect read-aloud rhythm (Easy for parents, fun for kids)
✔ Bright, engaging illustrations (Every page is a visual treat)

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Some animal sounds are a stretch (What does a kangaroo say, really?)
❌ Short runtime (Great for bedtime, but older kids might want more story)

🎯 Target Audience: Who Will Love This Book?

  • Ages 2-5 (Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers)
  • Parents who love interactive reads (Get ready to make some silly noises!)
  • Teachers & librarians (Great for group sing-alongs)

💬 Memorable Quotes & Passages

“Old MacDonald had a zoo, E-I-E-I-O!
And at that zoo he had a… KANGAROO! E-I-E-I-O!”

The sheer absurdity of a kangaroo in a zoo song never fails to get a laugh in our house.

🌍 Cultural & Historical Context

Nursery rhymes have been adapted for centuries, but Trapani’s approach feels fresh. In an era where kids’ books often lean heavily on education or moral lessons, Old MacDonald Had a . . . Zoo? is a reminder that fun is just as valuable.

🔚 Final Verdict: Should You Add This to Your Child’s Library?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or teacher, this book is a guaranteed hit. It’s the kind of story kids will want to hear again and again—and luckily, it’s just as enjoyable for adults to read.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

💬 Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • What’s the funniest animal sound in the book?
  • If you ran a zoo, what unexpected animal would you add?
  • Do you prefer classic nursery rhymes or extended versions like this?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how this book plays in your household! 🎵🐘

Get this book on Amazon

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