Edith Tarbescu introduces us to the eccentric characters of a small Hungarian village in “The Promise,” who manage to liberate a waggish boy’s tongue from a frozen iron gate. Then venture with Pib the Hippo as he searches for a new home amid a harsh and sometimes scary environment. You’ll find this issue packed with fun new poems as well. And we are very excited to feature the musical talents of singer-songwriter Anna Moo!

Edited and produced by Arlene Furman and Jack Nestor

1996 Shoofly, Inc.

Associate Editor: Aviva Enoch

The Shoofly Players: Lisa Bowers, Martha Brown, Tom Carr, Julie Castle, Kim Clay, Jack Dillon, Serena Ebhardt, Marcia Edmundson, J.R. Farmer, Greg Hohn, Stephanie Hutcherson, Christopher Johnson, Tim Johnson, Sheila Kerrigan, Scott Landsman, Marianna Matthews, Michael Oakley, Teddy Paris, Jennifer Quintenz, Mac Rogers, Mary Ruth, Dan Sipp, and Joy Stewart

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

Cover Concept & Design: Kathleen Nestor

Cover Art: Kyla Temkin (age 4, Carrboro, NC)

Recorded by: Randy Friel, SoundWave Audio, Chapel Hill
Incidental music composed and arranged by Randy Friel

Special Guest: Making Moosic with Anna Moo
If you haven't yet heard singer-songwriter Anna Moo, you're in for a real treat!  Anna's recordings are distinguished by her rich bluesy vocals, the excellence of her musical accompaniment (including husband Terry Moo on trumpet), and the sheer exuberance and inventiveness of her songs. The four songs included in this issue of Shoofly are from Anna's two award-winning CDs, Making Moosic and Anna Moo Crackers. Anna Moo describes her work and inspiration this way: "I grew up on a small farm in California, and later my family moved overseas.  While living in Chile, I began playing guitar and songwriting.  During my late teens, I played professionally in nightclubs and coffee houses.  It was the birth of my two children a few years ago that provided a new and exciting direction for my work as a children's songwriter and entertainer." Making Moosic was awarded a Parents' Choice Gold Award (1993) and was cited as a top audio pick in TV Guide, Parent Magazine, and Child Magazine.  Anna Moo Crackers earned a 1995 Parents' Choice Gold Award, a 1995 NAPPA Gold Award (National Association of Parenting Publications of America), a 1995 ALA Award (American Library Association-Notable Recording), and was awarded "Best Musical Recording" by the American Academy of Children's Entertainment.

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

This issue is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Kyla Temkin.