Customer Reviews

Groundhog Gets a Say

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I am an elementary school librarian. I used this book in a lesson on Groundhog Day. The story does an excellent job of weaving lots of facts into a cute story. The kids (and I) learned many facts about groundhogs. However, I found this story to be a little too complicated for kindergarten and first grade. The book includes so much non-fiction alongside the 120-year-old folktale about a marmot predicting the weather that little kids have trouble sorting out what's real and what's not. I was afraid that they'd come to school in shorts when Phil didn't see his shadow.
This is a fantastic story to use with 2nd grade and beyond, but I recommend something less complex (like Pat Miller's Substitute Groundhog) for younger kids.

This is a real winner - and a nice change from the typical Groundhog stories you find this time of year. Groundhog is smart, funny and gives a lot of neat information about groundhogs to curious young readers. I will be adding this book to my first grade read-aloud list for early February from now on. And did I mention that the illustrations are terrific too!

In Pam Swallow's delightful picture book, charmingly illustrated by the amazingly talented Denise Brunkus, the lowly groundhog hog finally gets his say. With wit and humor, author and artist present a tale of this much maligned creature. Who would have known that ground hogs whistle, can move about seven hundred pounds of dirt in a day and have their own indoor plumbing? It's fascinating. Kids, parents, and teachers will love this book. After reading it, I agree with the groundhog - he/she deserves not just a day of recognition, but a month. A year!

It's February 3rd, and Groundhog is feeling genuinely unappreciated. People pay attention to him for only one day a year, and he has so much more to offer! He tells his story to the readers and to an on-the-page audience of three: a crow, a squirrel, and a young groundhog who's a reporter and a fan. Groundhog covers the topics of alternate names (whistle pig, woodchuck), his rodent classification, digging prowess, eating habits, and hibernation. The young groundhog takes notes and photos as Groundhog pontificates. Initially skeptical, the crow and squirrel are gradually won over, convinced that Groundhog's not so bad after all. By the last page -- even the front and rear end papers are part of the story -- we see that the young groundhog has written this very book in our hands, as a way to promote his idol. "Groundhog Gets a Say" isn't quite about Groundhog Day, but it's still a great supplement to the holiday genre, with many asides and tidbits to point out on every page.

So you say you know about groundhogs.
So you say if you don't, you couldn't care less.
So you say why would anyone write about them?
WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.
Pamela Swallow has explored the groundhog from his growing teeth to his dirt moving feet. She has made every aspect of the animal interesting and understandable. This is a delightful, funny book that educates while it amuses. I will never look at Groundhog Day in the same way, nor will I ever again swear at those holes near my garden. The wonderful text is matched by the splendid illustrations. My child AND I both loved this book and that's not usually the case.

It's February 3rd and Groundhog is fed up: yesterday he was hot news; today he is nothing. He's tired of one-day fame, and he's determined to promote Groundhog Appreciation Month! Denise Brunkus provides the funny drawings as Groundhog displays his many talents other than weather prediction.