Groundhug Day

Starred review from October 16, 2017
February holidays collide in this warm and funny story: Moose is planning a Valentine’s Day party and insists that “Everyone has to come.” But if Groundhog sees his shadow the next day, “he’ll go back into his hole for six more weeks.” As Moose, Bunny, Porcupine, and Squirrel debate how to keep Groundhog from seeing his shadow, dawn breaks and Groundhog ventures outside. Denise’s digital illustrations have the lushness of oil paintings, and his image of Groundhog staring at his shadow in shock, his robe tied tight and mug of coffee dropped on the fieldstone walkway, is a showstopper. The revelation that Groundhog is scared of shadows sends the story in a new direction (and sets off more bickering). Pace nimbly balances the rewards of trying new things against the necessity of compromise. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. Illustrator’s agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management.

December 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-A Valentine's Day party gives five friends an opportunity to learn about friendship and show each other how much they care. It's just two weeks until Valentine's Day and Moose is planning a big party for all his friends. But when he realizes that Groundhog's Day is in the morning, Moose begins to worry that if Groundhog sees his shadow he'll go back into his burrow for six weeks and miss the gathering. Together Moose and his friends try to find a way to prevent Groundhog from seeing his shadow so that he'll stay above ground and celebrate Valentine's Day with them. The front cover is filled with hearts, pinks, and reds, but within the spreads are composed of neutral and cozy textured hues with many interesting shadows. The softly blended lines add depth and warmth to the fur and quills of the charming animal characters. Groundhog looks appropriately stuffy in his cap, cane, and tweed coat. VERDICT This versatile book is a great choice for storytime or one-on-one enjoyment and the messages of friendship and understanding differences are suitable for year-round enjoyment. A great addition to most collections.-Laken Hottle, Providence Community Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2017
A moose and his forest friends are busy planning a Valentine's Day party, but one aspect of the organizing stops them in their tracks.Squirrel's got the balloons covered, Bunny's on the cards, and Porcupine is practicing hugs. But when Moose announces that everyone has to come, Bunny points out a potential problem: if Groundhog sees his shadow, he'll go back to sleep and miss the party. The animals try to devise clever solutions, but they argue so long about which is best that they miss their opportunity: Groundhog's already seen his shadow and gone back inside. When the friends surmise that he is afraid of shadows, they each propose a fun way to ease his fears, and they are successful. But to their disappointment, Groundhog is still going back to bed: it's cold. They do receive "Groundhugs" beforehand, though. Six weeks later Groundhog emerges sporting a jaunty green suit and top hat, ready for a St. Patrick's Day party. But now Bunny is mysteriously holed up....Denise's digital illustrations anthropomorphize the friends, who walk on their hind legs. Most are accessorized and/or clothed, and they are surrounded by familiar human sights: houses, furniture, teacups. The light and shadows in the artwork are magical, a golden glow pervading the spreads. Readers may learn a thing or two about both being a friend and getting over their own fears. (Picture book. 4-8)

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July 1, 2018
The sweet luminosity of Denise's digital illustrations temper the sappiness of Pace's tale of Moose, Squirrel, Bunny, and Porcupine's plan to include Groundhog in their Valentine's Day celebration. But on February 2, even after they convince Groundhog that shadows aren't scary, he still opts to retreat for six more weeks: "it is cold up here." A slight story of possible use for Groundhog Day storytimes.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)