Andrew Mcgroundhog and His Shady Shadow [Hardcover]

Peter Welling (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

A little Scottish groundhog and his shadow share a story about Groundhog Day.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-This Scottish twist on the groundhog story is full of visual and literal humor. Andrew McGroundhog's shadow is tired of following him around, freezing in water, exhausted from going up and down trees, and being stepped on and sat upon. Shadow and Andrew make a deal to hibernate and come out when spring arrives. Many jokes will be over children's heads ("a cool breeze would often catch him under his kilt") but they will enjoy the "OW!!s" and "YIPES!!" and bonks on the nose. The cartoon illustrations will amuse as well, particularly the array of critters surrounding Andrew, including the Loch Ness monster, a feisty red crowlike bird, and rabbits playing hopscotch. However, the wordy text is in need of some pruning. Also, one must wonder why Andrew has a shadow and the Wicken Tree and cairn of blue rocks do not? A glossary of Scottish words is included, although the pronunciations are somewhat confusing.

Ann Cook, formerly at Winter Park Public Library, FL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Peter J. Welling is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University South Bend and the Publisher's Choice Award for Exemplary Non-Fiction. In addition, his illustrations ave been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Mr. Welling was selected as a Distinguished Alumnus for the Liberal Arts and Sciences Division in 2003 by Indiana University at South Bend and is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Each of Mr. Welling's books tell a simple story of both popular and lesser-known holidays and events.

Peter J. Welling is a writer and illustrator from Indianapolis. He has had several

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing (January 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156554711X
• ISBN-13: 978-1565547117
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,640,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Peter was born in South Bend and currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. His stories are based on myth and legend but each relates to a U.S. holiday. They are written and illustrated for both children and adults. Peter's website (www.peterjwelling.com) includes free activities for each book. Discover what's really in those pictures and then become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/PJWelling.

Peter teaches writing for IUPUI's Continuing-Ed division. He has illustrated two adult books for Katherine Black and was a columnist for FMAM Literary Magazine. His first novel Homicide in the Hills was published by Mills & Boon in 2008. (see Amazon.uk)

He graduated from IUSB in 1977. In 2003 he was selected as Distinguished Alumnus in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In 2005 he was presented with the Award for Teaching Excellence from IUPUI-CE.

Peter is married to Darlene. He is the father of four sons - Shawn, Justin, Michael, and Andrew. There are three daughters-in-law (Mary, Heather, and Missy)and there are five grandkids so far: Kasen, Kara, Jacy, David & Matthew.
Lots of books to write.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charmingly illustrated and highly recommended, March 11, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Andrew Mcgroundhog and His Shady Shadow (Hardcover)

One day, Andrew McGroundhog climbed up Hadrian's Heights to go fishing. As he was climbing, he repeatedly heard someone cry out and found that it was his shadow. His shadow was upset about being dragged up the mountain, dunked in the water, and stepped on by a pony. Andrew's shadow wanted the Andrew to hibernate like other groundhogs because winter was too cold for shadows. Andrew then wondered when he could stop hibernating when his shadow said he would gives a "thumbs-up" if it was springtime, or would bonk him on the nose if it was winter. Even now, if the groundhogs don't see the thumbs-up, they sleep for six more weeks. Written and charmingly illustrated by Peter Welling, Andrew Mcgroundhog And His Shady Shadow is a thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended addition to any personal, school, or community library picturebook collection for young readers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a fun book!, February 4, 2001

By 

"finnwc" (Bellevue, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Andrew Mcgroundhog and His Shady Shadow (Hardcover)

I bought Andrew McGroundhog for my niece of 6 years and she loved it. Not only does the author introduce an intriguing and original story about the origins of Groundhog Day, he also supplies a plethora of artwork on each page that compliments the story. (Many books for children add art as an afterthought but McGroundhog is equally balanced between story and art.)

This is very appropriate for young children who are just beginning to read or enjoy having books read to them. The short glossary at the end of the book is the proverbial cherry on top of this fine accomplishment. Mr. Welling deserves every accolade he receives.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for kids, March 18, 2001

By 

"ncondy" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Andrew Mcgroundhog and His Shady Shadow (Hardcover)

Rarely has a book so captured the essence of childhood than Andrew McGroundhog and his Shady Shadow. I remember when I was a child and can vividly recall bedtime stories with my parents. The books back then were simplistic and did little to enhance my dreams. But this book, full of vibrant illustrations and a wonderfully woven yarn of a tale, is exactly what a young child needs to read before bedtime. On an educational level, the author introduces Scottish terms and includes a short glossary in the back of the book for easy reference. My granddaughter was enthralled on the first reading of this book (since read to her many more times) and with another grandchild on the way I know the enjoyment will continue. Buy this book for your young loved ones.