In the dense tropical forests of Ancient Florida, the land of the Panther clan,
young Timucuan has come of age. His uncles gather at night around the campfire
and beat their drums to call the spirit of the Panther, the greatest hunter in the
swamp. Timucuan leads the deer hunt the next day, but his father is suddenly
bitten by a rattlesnake. Timucuan races to save his dying father, who can only
survive for three days unless he drinks some water from the Fountain of Youth.
But the Fountain is guarded by a beautiful and beguiling witch.
For children ages 5 and up
Total time 73 minutes
Audio CD $12.95
Listen to Samples:
Soul of the Panther
Deer Hunting
The Fountain of Youth
When You Belong to Me
The music in our stories was performed by a live orchestra.
Read the story of The Fountain of Youth
Reviews
Playwright, composer Bilderbeck (The Firebird) again assembles a versatile,
top-drawer cast of performers and a 50-piece orchestra for his latest bit of adventure-filled musical storytelling. This time around the action takes place in the swamps and forests of Florida, home to the Native Americans of the Panther clan. Young Timucuan, on the verge of manhood, is ready to lead his first deer hunt. But before things get underway, a rattlesnake bites Timucuan's father, leaving him gravely injured. Timucuan's hunt quickly changes directions—he learns that he must obtain water from the magical fountain of youth within three days to save his father's life. Unfortunately, the fountain is closely guarded by Maya, a clever temptress/witch. Throughout, powerful, soaring songs in a variety of beats and styles sweep young listeners into the drama...
Shannon Maughan, Publishers Weekly
Keith Bilderbeck dreams up an all-new tale complete with dialogue, 11 Latin and Caribbean-influenced songs, and sublime sound effects recorded in the studio and in the actual swamps of Florida. He doesn't bother with the original fable's hero, Ponce de León. Instead, this story focuses on a young Native American and his raccoon sidekick as they race to bring his snakebitten father a drink from the spring. It enthralls for the full hour and 13 minutes it runs.
Moira McCormick, FamilyFun
... The junglelike sound effects are terrific, orchestral backup is excellent, the songs are memorable and well-delivered, and characterizations generally
well-defined... Grade-school audiences may be challenged by some words (antechamber, debris, and succulent) but will definitely enjoy the music and narrative camaraderie set against themes of heroism, loyalty, and love.
John Sigwald, Booklist