About the Holiday
On National Climb a Mountain Day, we celebrate all those who reach for a summit both literally and metaphorically. Mountains, just by their sheer size and mystery, invite people who love a challenge to climb as high as they dare, either on a well-worn trail or by finding their own footing and handholds on the way up. This same resolve can be applied to more down-to-earth matters that someone would like to overcome as well. Just as with climbing a real mountain, progress through life’s obstacles, desired accomplishments, and mysteries can be achieved with one-step-at-a-time determination and courage—even if it is a bit scary as you’ll see in today’s book.
Ghost Town in the Mountains
Written by Lynn Becker | Illustrated by Roland Garrigue
In her spirited take-off on the perennial favorite sing-along She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain, Lynn Becker entices two children and their dog into the mountains up a long and winding road to a haunted ghost town, all the while warning them with a “turn back now! keep away!” or other challenge at every turn. Of course it’s impossible for the trio not to take a wee gander down the “tumbledown and tumbleweed-y” main street. It’s unthinkable they won’t be lured down the lurid alley to the cabin, “boarded up and creaky” where “hordes of “mice play hide-and-seek-y.” And it’s just as preposterous to think these intrepid trespassers won’t ascend the “shaky staircase” to the “. . . cluttered, stuffy, musty / spider-web-y, sneezy, dusty” attic.
What happens once these curious kids are at the tippy-top of this spooky dwelling? Well, they were warned! Let’s just say I know you would never touch what’s off limits or open what falls out of it. You would never release an ancient, bewitched relic that gives you the heebie-jeebies as it comes to life. You would never high-tail it out of there and seek the comforts of a nice, soft bed. Would you?
Back Matter includes a discussion of ghost towns, the history behind the folk song “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain,” and the music and lyrics to “Ghost Town in the Mountains.”
Lynn Becker beguiles kids to follow a gutsy gal and her wary friend as they eschew all warnings on their way to an unexpected discovery with her spine-tingling verses that beg to be sung. Becker turns the jaunty cadence of her source tune into an opportunity to enthrall, with spunky admonitions, evocative vocabulary, and delightfully nimble rhymes—especially creating read- or sing-along fun with “-y” endings. With each page spread, short, onomatopoeic interjections between lines accumulate into a growing rambunctious refrain that kids will enthusiastically join in on throughout any read aloud. Becker’s dreamy ending ensures that kids tired to the bone will settle in for a good night’s slumber.
Roland Garrigue’s spooky ghost town, tucked away among magical(?) mountains, bathed in eerie hues of blue and purple, and haunted by spirits invite as much reader participation as Becker’s storytelling. Kids will love spying glowing eyes peeping from hidey holes, discovering hidden creatures, and keeping track of the ghosts, rats, and growing collection the children’s dog picks up along the way. The surprise reveal may have readers debating whether they’d be brave or skittish, bounding home with their guides on this spectral adventure.
At once chilling and charming, Ghost Town in the Mountains is sure to be a supernaturally favorite pick for any story time and is a must for all library and home collections for Halloween and all year around.
Ages 4 – 8
Sleeping Bear Press, 2026 | ISBN 978-1534113428
About the Author
Lynn Becker has worked in animation for film and TV. When she’s not writing picture books or book reviews, she’s out hiking near her home in Longmont, Colorado. Visit her at lynnbeckerbooks.com.
About the Illustrator
Roland Garrigue is from Paris, France and is a prolific illustrator of children’s books. He loves to travel and explore foreign cities, and he hopes his stories can transport his readers to equally exciting places. Follow him on Instagram.
National Climb a Mountain Day Activity
Ghost Town in the Mountains Coloring Page
What kind of ghost do you encounter on your mountain ghost town visit? Draw and color the ghost and where you find it (or it finds you!) with this Ghost Town in the Mountains Activity from author Lynn Becker’s website. You can find a Karaoke Sing-Along and the Book’s Trailer there too!
You can purchase Ghost Town in the Mountains from these booksellers
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
Picture Book Review
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