She'll Be Comin' ‘Round the Mountain

Based on the 2004 picture book written by Philemon Sturges and illustrated by Ashley Wolff, this expanded adaptation of the beloved folk tune is more jaunty spoken word than song, featuring a gecko-like narrator who describes the approaching mystery “she,” who is bouncing, honking, hooting, shouting, and tooting her way toward a southwestern town, where animals such as mountain goats, squirrels, raccoons, rattlesnakes, armadillos, skunks, and foxes are making festive preparations (a fiesta grande with salsa, rice, tacos, candy, and more) for the highly-anticipated guest. Stretching the stanzas (“get the guest room ready…set up old brass beddy”), the program features a “surprise” ending as the visitor turns out to be a bookmobile-driving pig librarian who sets the gang up with cards and books! A charming, unique take on a folk classic, this is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)