Highlights include Ellen Newmark’s “Helga, The Green Gargoyle” (a hilarious narrative poem about one charming Gothic curiosity’s quest for beauty); Jan Ritter’s “Nakhio’s Choice” (the story of a young Anaszi boy who learns to overcome both a physical disability and a daunting fear when a crisis confronts him); and “A Different Thanksgiving” by Merrily Kutner and Crystal Mandell (in this tale Turkey and his barnyard friends concoct an elaborate masquerade in order to survive the holiday). We also welcome back one of our favorite musical guests, Piedmont bluesman Lightnin’ Wells, who performs five songs, including “I’m My Own Grandpa.” Enjoy this lively collection of children's stories, poetry, and music!

Edited and produced by Arlene Furman and Jack Nestor

1997 Shoofly, Inc.

The Shoofly Players: Christopher Baker, Martha Brown, Jeff Burcher, Kristin Economo, Julie Fishell, Michelle Hendrick, Sheila Kerrigan, Thomas King, Tom Marriott, Darlyne McLeod, Mary Ruth, Harvey Sage, Sarah Shively, Jane Williams, and Deborah Winstead

Shoofly Theme: T. Sherman Tate (lead vocal); Tommy Hartley (guitar and vocal)

Cover Concept & Design: Kathleen Nestor

Cover Art: Skyler Schain (age 6, Benicia, CA)

Recorded by: Randy Friel, SoundWave Audio, Chapel Hill
Incidental music composed and arranged by Randy Friel; Shoofly variations by Bill Newton and Randy Friel

Special Guest: Lightnin' Strikes Again
Shoofly is very happy to welcome back our good friend Lightnin' Wells.  One critic wrote of Lightnin': "A veritable bottomless pit of songs and techniques, Wells should be declared a state resource, placed on the endangered species list, and given his own habitat to practice his craft."

Mike Lightnin' Wells was raised in eastern North Carolina and developed an early interest in traditional forms of folk music during the 1960s folk revival.  He began performing publicly while a student at UNC-Chapel Hill during the early 1970s.  Lightnin' has performed widely for blues societies, arts councils, and in nationally recognized folk and blues festivals and concert programs throughout the US and Europe.  In 1995, his first solo blues recording, Bull Frog Blues, was released on the New Moon label. 

Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Winner, 1996
EdPress Distinquished Achievement Award Winner, 1996
Parents’ Choice Approved, 1995