Literary highlights of this issue include poet Jill Hawkins’ “Frog’s the Name” and “Toad’s Retort,” companion poems re-examining the age-old debate over the relative ranking of these tailless, leaping amphibians. Paul Riordan’s “The King of Athabar” is a grand adventure that carries us along with Christopher through the mysterious tunnels below the city of Athabar as he tries desperately to save his younger brother. Kathryn Winograd’s story “When Winter Comes” introduces us to Little Goose, who has been left behind this winter and must discover her own place in the world. The Bugaboos (Gerard McHugh and Melanie Hammet) are our featured musical guests, whose tunes explore the themes of nature, the environment, and the proper method in which to converse with a gorilla.

Edited and produced by Arlene Furman and Jack Nestor

1998 Shoofly, Inc.

The Shoofly Players: Catherine Banks, Constance Conover, Dede Corvinus, Emily Crawford, Vanessa Davis, David Eller, Aviva Enoch, Julie Finefrock, Michael Frederic, Peter Gail, Solomon Gibson III, Louise Kessel, Sudie Rakusin, Sarah Schaeffer, Todd Scofield, Tally Sessions, Wyjuana Startino, and Jason Vail

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

Cover Concept & Design: Kathleen Nestor

Cover Art: Isaac and Claire Walker (ages 5 & 7, Chapel Hill, NC)

Recorded by: Randy Friel, SoundWave Audio, Chapel Hill
Incidental music composed and arranged by Randy Friel; Shoofly variations by Lightnin’ Wells

Special Guest: The Bugaboos
Our kids were gifted with a copy of The Bugaboos' first recording (The Bugaboos) after their aunt returned from a folk festival a couple of years ago.  They have since worn that tape out, and are now testing the material limits of The Bugaboos second recording, Wild and Free. The Bugaboos are Gerard McHugh and Melanie Hammet.  Gerard is a nationally known songwriter and entertainer.  His song, Thin Line, was recorded and released by the Indigo Girls on their 1200 Curfews CD (Sony/Epic).  When he is not touring, Gerard is teaching drama and puppetry to elementary schoolers in Greater Atlanta.  Melanie Hammet has scored 26 theater works for grades K-12, including the most recent Alliance Children's Theatre production, The Return of Finn MacCool.  Melanie has received state and national grants and awards for her work, including a grant from the R.J. Reynolds Foundation for her compositions with adjudicated youth and The Distinguished Service Award from The Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers.

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