Customer Reviews

Andrew Mcgroundhog and His Shady Shadow

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Andrew was a very busy Scottish groundhog, what with his love of hiking and fishing. His Shadow didn't like to tag along for those activities and suggested to Andrew that he take it easy and hibernate instead. The Shadow bonked the groundhog on the nose to make his point. Thus is Andrew afraid of his shadow. From that point on, when he saw it as he emerged from his home in February, he ran back inside.

This is by far the oddest Groundhog Day story available on the children's literature market today. The groundhog wears a kilt, knee-high stockings, a hat and a muffler. Not only is the plot strange, but the text is peppered with so many Scottish words that a glossary is a neccesary supplement at the end of the book. As a result, this is a complex approach to an easy subject; perhaps too complicated for the average young reader.

Ever wonder how the tradition of Groundhog's Day began? This book is set in old Scotland and explains the holiday in a creative and interesting way. There are lush illustrations to accompany the story, all crafted by the author. For those of you with young readers/listeners there are numerous things going on on each page. My favorite thing about this book is that there it challenges the young reader to learn about its subject in a fun way. There are some Scottish terms that are not familiar to most readers, but Welling includes a short glossary of these in the back of the book. Overall, the book is a very enjoyable read, and the beautiful illustrations really put the icing on the cake. One other note: Mr. Welling also slips in a few jokes that parents will pick up on. That kind of thing always makes children's books more palatable for repeated readings.

I read the book to my neighbor's child, Sharon, and laughed as much if not more then she did. It is cleverly done and the illustrations are exciting. We had to study each page as we read so Sharon could point to verious items in each picture. I think I learned a few things while I was at it. Her mom said she goes around saying "Bring your wee auld self over here." now. Great book.

Peter Welling takes a fun holiday and makes it even better with humor. What a inventive way to view an old tradition. The story line is a fun suprise and the pictures are full of such detail your children will want to look at it again and again. This isn't just a holiday book, it is a good read anytime. Fun and educational at the same time. Peter takes the time to introduce our children to words used in Scotland. We learned something and were entertained at the same time. Doesn't get any better than that.