Former marketing executive turned children's writer, Kathryn MacDonald graduated from Monash University in 1987. Her life altered 'dramatically' when, after marrying, she moved to a farm located on the outskirts of Melbourne. Combined with motherhood, the change of lifestyle inspired MacDonald to create a book adaptation of the traditional 'Old MacDonald' nursery rhyme. Featuring 'a range of colourful characters', A New Farm (2000) introduced Max and Milly and their 'lovable' collection of 'farmyard animal friends'.
MacDonald's book has since provided the basis for the children's television series, New MacDonald's Farm, which first screened on the Nine Network in 2004. Adapted for television by Simon Hopkinson (q.v.), an experienced writer who has worked on the popular Bananas in Pyjamas programme, New MacDonald's Farm has been the subject of a related CD, DVD and web page.
