An African variation of a classic children’s song in which the wild beasts of Old Mikamba’s game park roar, bleat, and trill. Author’s note provides facts on each featured animal.

picture book (that can be sung). I read this to a mixed grade class, using a helper to hold the book and myself playing the guitar--surprisingly (to me at least), the kids LOVED singing along (even if we kept saying McDonald instead of Mikamba). We did talk about each of the different animals on each page a bit so we could agree on what they might sound like, etc., but we went through all 13 verses, LOUDLY and appreciatively. A super big hit with the younger grades (1st through 4th?) and even some (but not all) of the older 5th-6th graders.

Side note: I also recommend other books by Rachel Isadora if you are looking to diversify your shelves and book displays. Her illustrations are always vibrant and kid-friendly.

Another side note: none of the kids asked what a "game farm" was, but I was prepared to explain that in Africa they have wild game reserves that people can visit--either to view and photograph the animals, like a zoo, and sometimes to hunt (insert sad expression). ( )

I liked this twist on "Old MacDonald." I even learned about an animal I'd never heard of before: the springbok. I think this would be especially fun for kids who have already heard the original song, because they'll be surprised by what animals show up. ( )

This is essentially a cover version of "Old McDonald Had a Farm" but set in Africa. Instead of cows, ducks, and so forth, the animals we see are hippos, giraffes, lions, and more. This helps to introduce children to even more animals and their sounds; backmatter includes some factual information about each critter included. The illustrations are a lovely combination of drawings and collage. My only quibble is that the book is set in Africa generically and not a specific country, which I fear contributes to the misconception that Africa is a single country rather than a continent made up of many diverse nations. ( )

This is a nice book relating to culture, it's a remake of old McDonald had a farm but all of the animals from Africa. Very cute. Children in my care enjoyed this book. Age appropriate for ages 3-5 years. Found at university place library