Substitute Groundhog

December 1, 2006
K-Gr 3-This whimsical story is sure to please. Groundhog comes down with the flu just before his big day, so he has to hold auditions for substitute weather tellers. As the local animals show up, he is forced to get more and more specific in his requirementsfor instance, Bear is able to fit into Groundhogs hole, but he snoozes instead of checking his shadow. The animal that finally fills the bill is a surprising choice that will give readers a chuckle. Embers warm illustrations alternate between single-page drawings, spreads, and spot art, making the book as cozy as Groundhogs home. The pictures add much life to the various animals as well as to the humor of the search. In the end, Groundhog is forced to think about what makes him perfect for the job, and his wise appointment of a substitute results in an unlikely friend."Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.