November 1, 2015
K-Gr 3-Every year on February 2, Groundhog emerges from his den and looks for his shadow, thus predicting whether winter will continue or if spring will come early. All of the forest animals have a preference about winter's end, and soon, despite his protests about predicting and not controlling the weather, they begin to pressure him about his announcement. Groundhog likes all the attention, so he promises everyone that he will predict their preferences. When the big day rolls around, he is taught a valuable lesson about honesty and friendship. The colorful pencil, watercolor, and gouache illustrations, which take up the full pages and are quite detailed, keep the story interesting and work to bring the forest animals to life. Whimsical details, such as the baseball stadium named "Wiggley Field," will keep adults entertained as well. Young readers will be able to predict the dilemma Groundhog is creating as he promises all of his friends different things, and they are likely to comment on his missteps. While the story may not be as profound as some tales of friendship, it fills a gap where Groundhog Day titles are lacking, and is enjoyable enough for adults and young readers alike to appreciate. VERDICT A nicely illustrated, satisfactory story that meets a need for Groundhog Day titles.-Ellen Norton, Naperville Public Library, Naperville, IL
Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
October 1, 2015
Announcing six more weeks of winter earns Groundhog both friends and grumblers. When Groundhog sees his shadow, half the animals cheer, and the other half groan. But things really go downhill when spring finally arrives. Bear and Squirrel see nap-happy Hare give Groundhog a basket of berries as a gift for the extra weeks of slumber, so Squirrel invites him to a ballgame, hoping to cozen Groundhog into declaring an early spring next year. Though he initially protests, "I don't actually control the weather. I just report it," he finds that he's enjoying the attention. Pretty soon, Groundhog gives in, and his social calendar fills up with picnics, bonfires, and more ballgames. Stricken by conscience as winter nears, he goes to the barn for advice from Owl, who simply says]wisely]that Groundhog got himself into this problem and must solve it himself. When Groundhog Day rolls around again, he risks disfavor by telling the truth and invites his friends to his home for a warm-up and some snacks. And so they pass much of those six extra weeks of winter, comfortably. Faulkner's anthropomorphic animals and vibrant colors recall Uncle Wiggly, and the illustrations are packed with humorous details that repay rereadings. Remenar's graceful prose and the subtlety of her message, pitched to older preschoolers and early-elementary students, are a good match. A sly and funny take on truth-telling and friendship. (Picture book. 3-7)
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January 1, 2016
Bear and Hare want six more weeks of winter. Squirrel and Sparrow want an early spring. All four bribe Groundhog to rule in their favor. In the end, Groundhog cannot ignore his shadow, even if it means displeasing some of his friends. Rich paintings of anthropomorphized forest creatures are engaging, though the story's messages about friendship and honesty aren't very clear.
(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)