Book 10 to Halloween

My countdown to Halloween begins with a retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The tale of Ichabod Crane’s confrontation with the Headless Horseman has long been a classic amongst fans of the spookiest time of the year, and it has inspired countless adaptations. For my graphic novel retelling of this fabled tale,… Continue reading Book 10 to Halloween

The Muffin Man—Review

From the Tangled Tunes series of Cantata Learning, “The Muffin Man” is a delightful storybook/music/CD combo package that sets the scene for the song story about “The Muffin Man,” who bakes and sells delicious muffins, and lives on Drury Lane. Bright, comical, stylized illustrations reminiscent of the 50’s and 60’s decorate each page of treasured… Continue reading The Muffin Man—Review

Tangled Tunes—She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain

When working on my adaptation of “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain,” I wanted to do something similar to my version of “On Top of Old Smoky.” I wanted to turn it into a fun, silly, and hopefully rememberable song. One kids will have fun singing. Now sometimes I don’t know where my inspiration comes.… Continue reading Tangled Tunes—She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain

Tangled Tunes—On Top of Old Smoky

Growing up, and given the choice, I’d sing “On Top of Spaghetti” before the traditional “On Top of Old Smoky.” The made-up lyrics were funny and silly and all about my favorite food—I could eat spaghetti and meatballs for every meal, including breakfast. Plus, the original version was all about courtin’ and losing a true… Continue reading Tangled Tunes—On Top of Old Smoky

Tangled Tunes—Oh, My Darling, Clementine

So the song Oh, My Darling, Clementine is about a miner who’s daughter drowns, and he sings about the tragedy. It’s a pretty morbid tale. In a cavern, In a canyon, Excavating for a mine, Dwelt a miner forty-niner, And his daughter Clementine. Oh my darling, Oh my darling, Oh my darling Clementine, You are… Continue reading Tangled Tunes—Oh, My Darling, Clementine