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  • The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood book cover
  • The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood book cover
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The Man Who Didn't Like Animals

by Deborah Underwood Publisher: CLARION BOOKS

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Before the farm

$18.74 USD
$31.24 USD $18.74 USD
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Hardcover New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Editorial selection

    A New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year

    Named a Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year.

AlbakiReads Editorial

Before the farm

Before he becomes the farmer of the familiar song, this tidy-home-loving man has no fondness for animals. A cat’s arrival begins to change that, with a dog following soon after. Deborah Underwood imagines an origin story for Old MacDonald through small, shared routines—napping, watching rain, and sitting down to dinner—that make room for a new perspective. LeUyen Pham provides the illustrations, and the book’s farm-animal premise is framed as a humorous celebration of openness to change.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • A read-aloud choice for children ages 4–8.
  • For families looking for a picture book about farm animals and welcoming new companions.
  • For young children exploring the idea of changing one’s perspective.

Themes

Openness to changeCompanionshipFarm animals

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

*A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year!*

*An Amazon Top 20 Children's Book of the Year!*

Who was Old MacDonald before he had a farm? A New York Times bestselling duo brings us this freshly imagined origin story about the storied farmer and his animal friends. Brilliantly illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham.

There once was a man who loved his tidy home and who didn't like animals. Then, one day, a cat appeared. The man and the cat both liked napping and watching the rain and eating dinner precisely at six.

Well, maybe this one animal could stay.

Next came a dog . . .

This bighearted and funny tale with delightful artwork from Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham celebrates the joy of embracing new perspectives.

    Celebrates growth mindsetA hilarious read-aloudDon't miss Outside In, The Quiet Book, and The Loud Book by Deborah Underwood
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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

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Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.