Old MacDonald

English uses die-cut split pages to turn the traditional song into a counting game as well. Festive, batik-like pictures feature farmer MacDonald's animal tenants, introduced in ever-increasing numbers (from one pig to 10 hens) on the recto side of the split pages. First the creatures are shown mostly in repose; lift the split pages and find the song lyrics along with frolicking farmyard denizens. Compositions are busy and buoyant, if a bit dampened by muddied colors. A musical arrangement is set inside the front cover, while the final spread folds out to reveal the farmer surrounded by every member of his famous menagerie. Ages 2-5. (Sept.)