Punk Farm

Book review by Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media
Punk Farm Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

"Old MacDonald" gets a silly punk-rock makeover.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka Picture Book 2005
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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that nothing objectionable is presented in this story. Parents who look for books about animals with attitudes or new twists on traditional stories and songs will appreciate this book.

Community Reviews

Karen_Smith
Karen_Smith Adult
March 9, 2020
age 16+

A modern classic

The book definitely has many fine qualities: poetic language, great music, interfering immortals, strong and caring friendships, and exciting battle scenes. Punk Farm is not studied by middle or high school students as commonly as George Orwell's, Animal Farm perhaps because the concerts portrayed in Punk Farm includes so many individual songs and characters that its 40-plus pages become a lot to digest.The book also weaves in and out of the "present" of the book, as character often reflect on past events; Punk Farm is somewhat more linear, and the narrative is easier for students to follow. However, several of the intertwining plots in Punk Farm are essential to read and understand for any student of the classics.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

At night, Farmer Joe's animals form a rock group called \"Punk Farm\" and secretly put on a concert for other animals in the area. Because they rock out all night, they are in no shape to get to work bright and early the next morning.

Is It Any Good?

The illustrations are cleverly painted to express each changing mood, from the normal, peaceful daytime farm to the nighttime world of the Punk Farm Band. The language is lively and cool, and the handwritten lettering, white against bright backgrounds, changes size with the volume of the performance. The story is light and silly, but fun.

The punk band performance centers around a mediocre yet original and playful takeoff on the "Old MacDonald" song. For an encore, readers can download this "barn-burning hit song" as well as other tunes from the Punk Farm repertoire at www.punkfarm.com.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Farmer Joe's farm. What animals does he have and how does he expect them to behave? How is that different from what they actually do? How do the colors change to show the changing moods and sounds? What is punk music? What instruments do the animals play in the band? What kind of sound does each make? Which instrument would you like to play? What do you think would have happened if Farmer Joe had walked in on the concert?

Book Details

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