CalArts alum Lynn Becker (Film/Video MFA 88) is taking young readers on a delightfully spooky adventure in her new picture book, Ghost Town in the Mountains, available Monday, June 15.
The book follows two children and their dog as they explore an abandoned ghost town on a dark and gloomy night. As they wander past deserted storefronts and discover a mysterious cabin, the story builds suspense through playful rhymes and repeated refrains inspired by the folk song, “She’ll Be Comin’ ’Round the Mountain.”
Designed to be read—and sung—aloud, Ghost Town in the Mountains combines rhythmic storytelling with artwork that balances spooky fun with child-friendly adventure. Set to the tune of the familiar folk song, the book encourages audience participation through its repetitive structure, playful language, and sing-along format. The book also includes back matter with information about ghost towns and the history of the song.
Ghost Town in the Mountains has already earned praise from reviewers. In a starred review, School Library Journal highlighted its strong read-aloud appeal, noting that classrooms and storytime audiences will enjoy its blend of music, imagery, and audience participation. Kirkus Reviews called it “a tuneful and deliciously scary escapade, perfect for Halloween,” while Publishers Weekly praised its suspenseful storytelling and atmospheric illustrations.
Becker, who grew up in New York and now lives in Colorado, is the author of several picture books. Her debut, Monsters in the Briny, illustrated by Scott Brundage, won the 2024 Colorado Authors League Award in the Children’s category and was named both a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of 2022 and a School Library Journal Best Readaloud. Her second picture book, June Moon, illustrated by Nate Carvalho, was published in 2024.
For more information about the book and Becker’s work, visit her website.
