Jo MacDonald Had a Garden

by Mary Quattlebaum
illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

Dawn Publications

Ages 3 to 8

Available as:
• Hardcover
• Paper Back

Old MacDonald had a … garden? Yes! Sing along with young Jo MacDonald as she
grows healthy food for people and wild creatures.
E-I-E-I-O!
Find out how butterflies, bumblebees, and birds help a garden to thrive –
and how you can help them too. And keep an eye on one mysterious plant.
What will it become? Youngsters learn about garden ecosystems and
stewardship through this playful adaptation
of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.”

“Quattlebaum and Bryant follow up their successful Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond (2011) with new lyrics to the same song, while keeping the nature focus. This time, Jo MacDonald and her cousin Mike make a garden. From digging the earth and planting the seeds, to watering, harvesting and enjoying the “fruits” of their labors, the two care for their garden habitat and the animals that visit it. Readers can tend their own imaginary gardens along with the pair, as the illustrations and text suggest motions to accompany the familiar tune. Careful observers can track the new plants and animals that arrive with each page turn and read more about them in the backmatter, which also includes some garden facts and tips, comprehension questions, activity extension ideas and a list of resources for gardening information specifically geared toward children. Bryant’s watercolors reflect a childlike enthusiasm. . . This is likely to be a popular spring and garden story time choice. Get out the seed catalogs.”
— Kirkus Reviews (January 4, 2012)

Websites to visit:
Dawn Publications
Mary Quattlebaum