With a wink and a nod to the hobo song popularized, as a child’s song, in the ’40s by Burl Ives, this version changes the lyrics (and rhythm) even more to include root beer floats, chocolate eggs, candy trees, s’mores, and a family that frolics with bears. The altered rhythms and imagery seems to dilute the vibrancy of the Ives tune. Well-executed paintings include a delightful allusion to the portraits at Mt. Rushmore and images that will evoke thoughts of strawberry shortcake, jellybean bushes, and lollipop trees. The illustrations are definitely the most charming component here. Although there is no mention of the traditional or the Ives version of the song, the author does include his lyrics with a musical arrangement by Bluegrass musicians Kathy Boyd and Mark Gensman. (Picture book. 4-7)
