She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain

by Philemon Sturges, Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)

New words to the traditional tune describe a camper-driving, "hootin'" and "shoutin'" guest and the party that will begin when she arrives.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Storytime, Childrens, Fiction

Hardcover

First published June 2, 2004

About the author

Philemon Fowler Sturges III was an architect and author based in Rhode Island. He trained at Princeton University. He wrote children's books from 1995 until his death in 2005.

Reviews

[Allie]

I was ready to pitch this one when it came up on my weeding list, except there is a total sneak attack at the end. It starts as a typical singable story, and ends with... a bookmobile!! That's a surefire way to earn a 4 year no circ KEEP designation because I am a sucker.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "she" is the bookmobile librarian!

[superawesomekt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun southwestern variation of the folk song. The lyrics are clever, the animals and illustrations are appealing (though not spectacular). The twist at the end (the "Six White Horses" is a mobile library) is interesting, though I'm not sure that I care too much for it. I did like the emphasis on hospitality in the book (preparing meals, a guest bedroom)—that was unexpected and sweet. I would definitely check this out from the library again and would gift it to someone with an interest in the southwest or libraries.

[Roberto Galindo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute. Must be read while singing the tunes. we could not stop laughing and smiling throughout. the illustrations are awesome also. We sure enjoyed it as a read aloud.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4–The beloved folk song bounces and hoots in this newly expanded version: "She'll be comin''round the mountain when she comes./She'll be bouncin''round the mountain when she comes./She'll be honkin', she'll be hootin', she'll be shoutin', she'll be tootin',/She'll be comin''round the mountain when she comes." The action is set in a little town in the Southwest where an array of animals awaits a visitor's arrival, all the while preparing a guest room and a huge fiesta. A lizard with a banjo leads up the band as foxes tango, a raccoon makes a piñata, and several skunks cook up some tacos. Many of the creatures are busy reading, including a vulture perched on a rafter, a rabbit on a rooftop, and an armadillo armed with a book light for after dark. Wolff's festive and funny illustrations, done in gouache and pastels, enhance the merriment of Sturges's rhythmic verses. Throughout the book, a truck can be seen in the background, drawing ever nearer as it navigates the mountain turns, passes, and tunnels. Finally, beneath the light of the moon, a librarian arrives along with the Six White Horses Book Mobile. As the final plot twist unfolds, young listeners who haven't already joined in will holler along with the last chorus of "Yea! She's Here!"–Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library, CT

[Cherese A. Vines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining read. I don't know the real words to She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain song, but this was probably better. The animals in this mountain town are getting ready for a fiesta. They're cooking, decorating, and cleaning up. All the while, we can see a truck coming around the bendy moutain road getting closer and closer. There are clues in the pictures to help the reader guess exactly WHO is coming around the moutain. Very nice illustrations by Ashley Wolff.

[Library Lady Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockessin Library - Toddler Tales - 4/22/26
Hockessin Library - Book Babies - 4/22/26

Other than the dancing spread which always becomes a tongue twister for me I love love love this book. I love reading this book to point out the awesomeness of book mobiles. I love watching the big white camper get closer and closer. I love the setting and the introduction of animals not seen here on the East Coast. Always a winner for me.

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun to read at storytime, BUT! I should have practiced a couple of times. This is a lot like reading Dr. Seuss. Also I lost my voice for the last pages, you may want to do this one first. But the kids loved singing out the refrain, "When she comes!" Pretty sure the parents loved it too.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Everyone has heard the typical "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain" song, but this is a twist. Everyone in the town is getting ready for a big fiesta and we don't learn until the last page who it is for. Very cute story!

[Marge]

Adaptation of a childrens song with a community of southwestern animals anxious for her to come around the mountain. Who is coming the library mobile what else. Great story

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to sing to your child. Great pictures.

[Miekka · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a disappointment. We love the song, but the rhymes often didn't match up with the tune. The ending was kind of lame too.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on the familiar song. Lots of different and new verses, all pretty easy to sing to the tune. Maybe a little long overall, but cute.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read at pre-k class visits on 4/24/13: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the bookmobile! How lovely!