Groundhog Day! [Paperback]

Gail Gibbons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 30, 2007 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Every February 2, people all across the country wonder about the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. Will he see his shadow on that day or won't he? Will spring come early or late? Here is information about Groundhog Day, its origins, and the animal at the center of this delightful annual event.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4—A look at some fascinating facts about this red-letter day, presented in Gibbons's signature style. Readers will learn about the traditions that led to the big celebration now held each year on February 2nd in Punxsutawney, PA. The author includes tidbits about the groundhog's diet, habitat, burrows, newborns/kits and looks at past cultures that depended on hibernating animals to help them determine the arrival of spring. Today's "belief" that there will be six more weeks of winter if a groundhog sees his shadow is explained in terms that are perfect for children's level of understanding. Pair this informative and entertaining title with one of the many fictional picture books available on this subject for a fun and fact-filled lesson.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

From Booklist

When you come right down to it, Groundhog Day isn't much of a holiday, so it's no surprise that this book needed a little more than just history and customs to make it viable. Gibbons presents the basics, but she also offers information on groundhogs to bolster the text. The book begins with several pictures of a groundhog peeking out of its burrow as text explains shadows and the old adage about six more weeks of winter. There's also a substantial piece about how, in times past, hibernating animals were watched for clues about the weather. Less successful is vaguely worded information; for example, this description of spring festivals: "about 1,500 years ago, people in Europe began lighting candles in the early spring for a new religious celebration." Gibbons' familiar artwork extends the text, especially in a two-page spread that offers an underground view of a groundhog's multichamber burrow. A brief look at how the holiday is celebrated and a page of additional facts conclude the book. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (July 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823421163
• ISBN-13: 978-0823421169
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Science > Customs, Traditions, Anthropology
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( G ) > Gibbons, Gail
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs & Squirrels > Nonfiction

More About the Author

Gail Gibbons has published close to fifty distinguished nonfiction titles with Holiday House. According to "The Washington Post," "Gail Gibbons has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children's writer-illustrator." She lives in Vermont. Her website is www.gailgibbons.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Groundhog Day!, January 3, 2008

By 

A. D. Cox (northern PA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Groundhog Day! (Paperback)

This is a nicely illustrated and informational book. It of course covers Groundhog day on Feb 2, but also covers information about the groundhog, or whistlepig as he is called in much of Pennsylvania.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Groundhog Day!, February 10, 2007

By 

Rosemary Capuder - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Groundhog Day! (School & Library Binding)

A bit wordy for three year-olds but very informative with great illustrations. I definitely recommend it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So cute!, March 21, 2009

By 

Tiffiny Suter (Anderson, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Groundhog Day! (Paperback)

I bought this one for my preschool son. It's a short story, which is good for short attention spans, but relevant for older children as well. This one is a keeper.