Substitute Groundhog [Hardcover]

Pat Miller (Author), Kathi Ember (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2006 | Grade Level: K and up

It's almost Groundhog Day! But this year Groundhog is not feeling well. Dr. Owl diagnoses him with the flu and orders two days of bed rest. Then Groundhog has in idea--he can hire a substitute! Maybe Squirrel can be the substitute, or Eagle, or Bear.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–This whimsical story is sure to please. Groundhog comes down with the flu just before his big day, so he has to hold auditions for substitute weather tellers. As the local animals show up, he is forced to get more and more specific in his requirements–for instance, Bear is able to fit into Groundhog's hole, but he snoozes instead of checking his shadow. The animal that finally fills the bill is a surprising choice that will give readers a chuckle. Ember's warm illustrations alternate between single-page drawings, spreads, and spot art, making the book as cozy as Groundhog's home. The pictures add much life to the various animals as well as to the humor of the search. In the end, Groundhog is forced to think about what makes him perfect for the job, and his wise appointment of a substitute results in an unlikely friend.–Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ
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Review

"This whimsical story is sure to please."

School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company; 1 edition (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807576433
• ISBN-13: 978-0807576434
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #858,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fun story, February 4, 2007

By 

Amber Mann (Sugar Land, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Substitute Groundhog (Hardcover)

This is a fun story that compares characteristics of several animals who are applying to be the temporary groundhog while Phil is out sick. Miller's story is great for teaching comparing and contrasting and has some great opportunities for children to make predictions. Children in Texas will really enjoy the outcome, wherein Armadillo saves the day.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, February 28, 2007

By 

Elizabeth Bequeath (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Substitute Groundhog (Hardcover)

I am an elementary special education teacher. I bought this book to read to my class of 1st - 5th grade students. It was a great book for all of my students. The book brought about a discussion of what groundhog's day was. We also discussed the other animals in the book and why they were/were not able to do the groundhog's job.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun story, January 6, 2007

By 

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

This review is from: Substitute Groundhog (Hardcover)

Kathi Ember's warm drawings enhance the story from Pat Miller, Substitute Groundhog, telling of a young groundhog who gets sick the day before Groundhog Day and is told by Dr. Owl to stay in bed. His search for a substitute groundhog leads to a new assessment of his many unique qualities to fit the job description in this fun story.