The Case of Old MacDonald and His Farm

Moove over, Law and Order—a daffy prank spree is unfolding at the Old MacDonald farm in this barn burner of a mystery spoof. Creatures unknown have left no corner of the farm untouched, painting smiley faces on all the cabbages, corn-bombing the duck pond so it’s transformed into a sea of bobbing feathered tushies, and delivering stacks of pizza to the goats (“Goats don’t even like pizza.” “No, but they love the boxes”). Seen-it-all animal control officer Busby, depicted with brown skin, suspects a mischief-making gang led by Skunk; mug shots of hench-animals Armadillo, Porcupine, and Toad show priors of “hijinks,” “goofiness” and “foolish behavior.” Asked by pale-skinned Old MacDonald if they’re dangerous, Officer Busby responds, “Worse than dangerous.... They’re silly.” Teague (We Are Going to Be Pals!) brings a deadpan quality to acrylic scenes that are here paired with sly song references (“Just as I suspected,” Officer Busby quips. “Everywhere a smell-smell”) and hardboiled dialogue (“Someone made your chickens look foolish. I want to know why”). And while it ultimately appears that crime does pay, even actions-have-consequences hardliners should get a giggle out of this farmyard whodunit. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)