Customer Reviews

Punxsutawney Phyllis

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Young Phyllis the groundhog has a goal: she wants to be the next Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-forecasting groundhog who determines whether or not Spring is on its way. She's been told that no female has ever had that role, and that fact doesn't faze her in the least. She loves the outdoors, and she's got a real talent for reading the signs of Spring. When her Uncle Phil doesn't quite make the right call on Groundhog Day, Phyllis proves to him that she's got what it takes. He officially names her his successor.

This is by far the best Groundhog Day picture book I've seen. The author and illustrator stay true to the facts and give us a beautiful storyline and amusing drawings to go with it. The final page of the book explains the Groundhog Day tradition. Other reviewers see in these pages a message of empowerment for girls; I see an inspiration to youngsters of both sexes to be true to their convictions and talents. And if they have the right stuff, they can succeed at anything.

See my Listmania list for other Groundhog Day recommendations.

This story is not only charming, but it sends the message that a girl can be anything she wants to be if she only believes in herself. As a mother of two young girls, I am always searching for a book that has this message - and the author does it so beautifully here. My four year old asks for this book to be read several times over each time we read it, which is always a sign that the text is lively and fun. But for me, it is the fact that the main character's wit, perceptions, and trust in her own instincts are the things that lead to her achievements that is the real measure of success in this book. I highly recommend it to all girls.

I read Punxsutawney Phyllis every year to my third grade class, and so does the teacher across the hall. The illustrations are a great match for the text and are well done, and Phyllis is a good role model for young girls (and I think young boys too). This books makes learning fun, and the book is a perfect read aloud--not too long, not too short. The kids always really react to the text and pictures and love discussing the book.

I enjoyed the storyline very much, it's great for little girls. Encouraging for big girls too.
The artwork was a joy: creative, subtle and endearing. I particularly enjoyed Phyllis's Titanic pose in the midst of the spring zephyr. I bought five copies as gifts and one to keep.

Say, is this a spelling error? No, it's the actual title of the book. In the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, there is a folkloric legend explaining the reason for Groundhog Day, on February 2nd. Various countries celebrate this day, which is the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox. In the European tradition, February 2nd is Candlemas Day, still the midpoint between winter and spring. As the tradition was handed down from one generation to another, somehow, the prediction of a longer winter or an early spring was put in the care of an animal, one that hibernates when it's cold, and surfaces, as the weather gets warmer. Traditionally, in the United States and Canada, a groundhog has been chosen to be the weather forecaster; in the U.S. he (always a he), is named Punxsutawney Phil. Across the country, people wait for the newspapers and weather forecasts to advise if winter will be ending and if spring is soon to come.

Now, this book, Punxsutawney Phyllis, is a childrens book written and illustrated using acrylics on oak veneer panels. The main character, Phyllis, is waiting to replace her uncle Phil, as the next weather prognosticator, that is, forecaster. Everyone plays down her enthusiasm and interest in taking on this responsibility, because a girl has never been chosen for this role; it's always a male.

As a teacher-librarian, retiring at the time this book was being published, I was fortunate enough to meet the illustrator at a book festival; there he was sitting at a table, sketching Phyllis on the inside of the cover, with just a pen, all for the cost of the book. It was a timely token for me to celebrate my stepping away from a teaching position, and heading for something new in my life. It wasn't until after I bought the freshly illustrated book, that I actually read the text, though I had scanned the book, while waiting for the illustrator to "do his thing".

This is more than a book about Groundhog Day, as Phyllis represents all kinds of possibilities for someone who really wants the job. More than the fact that, if she becomes Punxsutawney Phyllis, is her enthusiasm for life. She is the eternal optimist in any situation. Her Uncle Phil slept longer because he was tired, and this was his way of coping. Phyllis, on the other hand, walked through life filled with hopeful thoughts. She looked forward to each day, as it came. She had a positive influence on others who needed a nudge to get involved in life.

Now, for any adults out there who may be diagnosed with "groundhog day syndrome", turn the page, and get moving. Be as enthusiastic as Phyllis and life will be better, because you are having a better attitude.

While I rarely ask an author to sign a copy of their book, and I have, this is the first book that an illustrator added a sketch, just for me. He titled it: "Moving Beyond Groundhog Day - Here's to Retirement for Me." This book has sentimental value; it's a keeper!

This story about Groundhogs's Day provides some variation to the typical stories. It shows girls can do the same job as boys and just as well. Removes sterotypes.

Susanna Leonard Hill's Punxsutawney Phyllis tells of a groundhog who is not like others: she loves to splash in the cold river and tromp through the snow, and is happy year-round. This Feb. 2nd she's excited about a possible early Spring - but can she awaken old Uncle Phil to make his official Groundhog Day prediction? Jeffrey Ebbeler's whimsical color drawings lend to an inviting story.

Susanna Leonard Hill's Punxsutawney Phyllis tells of a groundhog who is not like others: she loves to splash in the cold river and tromp through the snow, and is happy year-round. This Feb. 2nd she's excited about a possible early Spring - but can she awaken old Uncle Phil to make his official Groundhog Day prediction? Jeffrey Ebbeler's whimsical color drawings lend to an inviting story.

While this story is a sweet one, with an empowering message, it is the illustrations that truly bring the work to life. The earthy feel and tender detail provide a warm mood that brings the reader right into Phyllis's world. The grainy texture, upon close examination of the illustrations, and the pages with only partial backgrounds reveal that the canvas for these pictures was wood. What a clever touch that blends so nicely with the world of the woodchuck. Beautifully done.