No comments about Greedy Groundhogs (Pee Wee Scouts No. 22).

2 comments about Gretchen Groundhog, It's Your Day!.

1. This book is absolutley wonderful! I used it in my classroom on Grondhog's day, and we had the greatest activity with it. It is an up-dated and fun way to view this holiday. Students loved it, especially when Gretchen recieved support letters on her e-mail account. The illustrations are also beautiful, and the groundhogs look very believeable. The best thing about this book is the letters Gretchen recieved from past groundhogs who also looked for their shadows. Goody Groundhog, the early colonist, talks about her fears. Gloria Groundhog, the movie star also provides insight for Gretchen. It is my opinion that there is no other book to use but this one for Groundhog's Day



2. This year will be Gretchen Groundhog's first time to Go Out on February 2, but she feels too shy. When the people of Piccadilly hear that she doesn't want to Go Out, they panic. How will they know whether they should plan for winter or spring? Fortunately, the night before Groundhog Day, Gretchen gets a visit from Hester, the town historian's daughter. Her records show that, through the years, EVERY groundhog has been afraid to Go Out: from Pilgrim Goody Groundhog to Gretchen's Great-Uncle Gus. Gus's advice to Gretchen all along has been that the first time is the hardest. The book ends with Gretchen stepping out her door with a smile on her face, ready to make her prediction and greet the media.
   
   My one complaint here concerns the historical portrayal. It's useful to show Gretchen that others before her experienced the same fears. But the way it's presented is not historically accurate, and it conflicts with the information contained on the explanatory page that opens the book. That first page explains that "German pioneers in Pennsylvania" are responsible for bringing to America the northern European of watching hibernators emerge on February 2nd, and that the first celebration of its kind was held in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Well, so much for Goody Groundhog from the Mayflower, George Groundhog at Valley Forge, and General Grant Groundhog in the Civil War. They were fun images to project, but the story portion of the book doesn't jive with the historical background provided.
   
   Still, the empowerment message is well done here and may inspire both boys and girls to have confidence in tasks they are called upon to perform. The lively and colorful illustrations are filled with lots to discover. See my Listmania list for other Groundhog Day recommendations.

1 comments about Groundhog Day (Ready-to-Read. Level 1).

1. This book was good for my son who is in 1st grade, but not an early reader. The story line, as in the entire series, is slightly different from other early readers. In this case, a hamster stands in for a ground hog. My son was proud to be able to read the book and used it for an optional book report. The plot is not as strong in this story as it is in other books of the series, but this book recreates something you could actually imagine happening in class. The illustrations are good and there is a lot of detail worthy of discussion. At the same time, it is relatively simple and may not be not one a child would want to read over and over. Get free shipping and share the book with other children or donate to the class. I highly recommend the Robin Hill School series by Margaret McNamara.

5 comments about Go To Sleep, Groundhog!.

1. This is a very nice book... the illustrations are terrific and the writing is clever and amusing without being too cutesy. It's perfect for my 3-year old and I already plan to make it a birthday gift for friends.



2. Finally someone wrote a nice groundhog story that will entertain and interest young readers. It also teaches a sense of time by mentioning other holidays associated with fall and winter. Fun!



3. What I loved about this book: the illustrations, what a wonderful use of color and texture -- the language repetition that pre-readers and early readers love to hear -- the ritualistic march through fall and winter holidays -- even the dedication (how clever, how true!). There are a lot of books out there, this is one of the best.



4. This is a clever and very colorful story about a groundhog who just can't seem to get the hang of hibernation. While his peers presumably sleep from autumn until February, this Groundhog keeps waking up-just in time for the holidays he usually misses. In a coup de grace, author Judy Cox's Groundhog has an alarm clock that keeps track of time by months! Each time he wakes up, Cox's narrative repeats the following (changing only the month):
   
   "Groundhog curled up in his warm cozy bed. He closed his eyes. He tossed and turned, but he couldn't get to sleep. Finally he got out of bed. He peered at his clock. Half-past November."
   
   Each new adventure starts with the lines "Groundhog went inside. He saw things he'd never seen before," adding a sense of fresh wonder at his new experiences. At Halloween he sees the costumed children and scarecrows, and a friendly witch flies him back to bed and reads him a story. The next time he wakes up, Autumn, and he sees "tall yellow corn shocks and round orange pumpkins." A turkey flies him home and reads him a story, but not before proclaiming," It's almost winter. You should be in bed, and I should be making myself scarce." At Christmas time, who but Santa himself flies the excited Groundhog back home on his toy-filled sleigh, reading him a Christmas story, and giving him a cookie. On his big day, February 2nd, Groundhog is awakened by the alarm; he has slept very well and can scarcely believe it is time to get up already! Followed by his ever-faithful mouse pal, he goes outside and does his winter prediction duties.
   
   Paul Meisel's depiction of the friendly groundhog and the seasonal colors are appealing, and Cox's narrative premise, complemented by her gentle humor, make this interesting and engaging read. Cox also includes a one-page history of groundhog's day after the story. Bright colors, a casual personal-looking font, and nice glossy paper add to the book's appeal.



5. In many Groundhog Day stories, the main character sleeps deeply or even oversleeps. Not so here. Groundhog goes to bed on Columbus Day but keeps waking up once a month during the winter. Each time, he thinks that maybe a little walk outside will make him sleepy again. Oh, the things he sees for the first time! Witches and children dressed up in costumes. Turkeys and pumpkins. Colored lights on houses and a man named Santa Claus. At the end of each excursion, someone takes Groundhog home and reads him a bedtime story to put him to sleep. When February comes and it's truly time for Groundhog to awaken, he does so reluctantly. He leaves his burrow, sees his shadow, and then goes back to bed for six more weeks of Winter. (Reading a bedtime story to himself first, of course.) A note on the final page explains the history of the Groundhog Day ritual.
   
   Judy Cox has approached this subject in a unique way. We don't give a second thought to what we would miss out on if we were to hibernate during the winter months. And kudos to her for not giving Groundhog a human name. Paul Meisel's colorful illustrations suit the mood of the storyline and portray Groundhog as a timid but inquisitive and friendly creature. An interesting book for the season. See my Listmania list for more books about Groundhog Day.

4 comments about Substitute Groundhog.

1. 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.



2. 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. 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.



4. Groundhog Day, February 2, is fast approaching. According to tradition, if a groundhog leaves his burrow and sees his shadow on that day, there'll be "six more weeks of winter." Groundhog Day may seem a silly tradition, but this is a fun way to introduce young children to the whimsical nature of nature itself.
   
   It's almost Groundhog Day but poor Groundhog has the flu. He will not be able to perform his important work on February 2. After visiting a doctor, Groundhog decides to advertise for a substitute. He ends up with a long list of applicants from a mole to a bear to a squirrel. Although somewhat repetitive, Groundhog ends up selecting Armadillo. Armadillo predicts "six more weeks of winter."

2 comments about Gregory's Shadow (Picture Puffins).

1. Gregory is a groundhog who loses his shadow. He and his shadow finally find each other and make a plan for Groundhog Day.

   This was a little too wordy for my class. I also think this is too abstract for the Three Year Olds I teach. They need to see the shadow stay to learn reality; the fantasy of the shadow and groundhog being separated just didn't make sense to them. But they liked the illustrations and played "catch the shadow"; a game they invented after the story time.

   Would be very good for Older Fours and Kindergarten age; especially ones in a good early learning program.




2. Skittish little Gregory Groundhog is used to having his Shadow follow him all the time, everywhere he goes. But on February 1st when Gregory ran back inside his house, he and his Shadow got separated. Each one searched for the other, and eventually they get together again, just in time for Groundhog Day. Gregory coaxed Shadow to hide closely behind him, unseen, so that winter would be soon over.
   
   This story is an interesting approach to Groundhog Day. The chalk illustrations lend texture to the pages, and even shadows -- an important part of the story -- are well portrayed. See my Listmania list for other recommendations on this topic.

5 comments about The Magic of Groundhog Day: Transform Your Life Day by Day.

1. This book is a very easy read, but its simplicity is its beauty. Using the movie, Groundhog Day, as it's metaphor for change, Paul Hannam, gives us straightforward strategies for taking a step back, recognizing the patterns that keep us stuck, and creating new patterns of behavior that help us develop as people and find real happiness and true love in our lives.
   
   It's an inspirational read and it's strategies are within the reach of just about everyone. That's the amazing part of Groundhog Day!



2. "This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather."
   
   Read this book and watch the film again. Hannam not only captures the magic of Groundhog Day, but writes about the ways in which we can all change the static patterns in our everyday behavior. Comparing Phil's misanthropic adventures in a Punxsutawney time loop, Hannam relates just how unimaginative our own lives can become when we continue to sleepwalk through the week. Hannam's book is not a self help book in the sense that it does not demand any certain action from its readers, but instead allows the reader to catch an invaluable glimpse of themselves outside their conventional habits. It's an awakening for anyone who has ever felt trapped in their own job, relationship or routine.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who needs a little kick in the pants when it comes to finding happiness. Besides, I believe Punxsutawney Phil just saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of cozy winter reading ahead!



3. This book is MUCH more than just another self-help book providing unoriginal advice that makes us feel good but does little to change our attitudes and behaviors. This book tackles the complex issue of change in a way we can all relate to, understand and apply to our daily lives. It's deeply philosophical, but also entirely practical.
   
   I was one of the many fortunate graduate students at Oxford University that had the pleasure of taking classes with Mr. Hannam during the time he taught there. He was, by far, the best instructor I had at Oxford. Throughout his courses on Organizational Behavior, Environmental Leadership and other issues, Paul was able to get to the heart of any problem, rather than just focusing on the symptoms of that problem - as most academics and environmental scholars tend to do.
   
   "The Magic of Groundhog Day" is no different. In this book, Paul transforms what for most of us is just a classic comedy with Bill Murray into an amazing metaphor about personal change. His advice is not only appropriate for changing our personal lives, but is essential if we are to change our relationship with our communities and with the natural environment.
   
   Even as GDP has gone up in America and other industrialized countries, mental health indicators are on a steady decline. The richest countries are suffering from more depression, stress, anxiety and overall unhappiness than ever before. Indeed, our unsustainable focus on unconstrained economic growth has converted the global ecosystem into a commodity and has led to cultural homogenization, manic consumerism, isolating affluence, hyper-individualism and human alienation.
   
   Paul's book helps those of us interested in breaking out of the drudgery of contemporary consumer culture and our unhealthy routines do so by focusing and appreciating the things that truly matter: time, security, mental health and authentic happiness.
   
   Anyone who is interested in improving their own lives and, for that matter, life on this planet, should read this book.



4. If you, too, have watched the movie Ground Hog Day with delight over and over again, you have to read this book! In an easily approachable way, Hannam explores precisely what it is about the main character in this film that compels us to resonate so much with him and his situation. He then proceeds to identify the same things about ourselves that we can change to experience the true magic of Ground Hog Day in our every day lives. This little gem is not your ordinary self-help book, it is guaranteed to make you look at your life through a different lens. That's what it did for me!



5. This book had a lot going for it. The author made several interesting points and had many valuable insights into living a better life. I liked the way he tied the movie Groundhog Day (one of my top five movies) into the book. He also had many insights into the movie that I found enlightening.
   Given all this, this book could have been a five-star book. However, I found the book repetitive and wordy. It was not as bad as your typical self-help book, but the author spread 80 to 90 pages of material over 182 pages. I found myself scanning sections of this book, something that is usually anathema to me. This book could have used a longer gestation period and/or a better editing.
   My other complaint with the book was that the author decided to tack on a final 21-page chapter attempting to tie the book in with his pet cause, the environment. The chapter had a very tenuous connection at best with the rest of the book, lacked any real insight, and was not going to convince anyone who was did not already share his opinions. It was completely out of place. Where was this book's editor?
   If you are looking for better books on a similar subject, I recommend The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom, Stumbling on Happiness, and possibly Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts and Origin of Wealth: Evolution, Complexity, and the Radical Remaking of Economics

3 comments about Groundhog Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays).

1. I love this series and this new addition is simply adorable! Perfect for a young reader learning about Groundhog Day.



2. Groundhog Day is a good introduction for young children to the holiday. My class will love the photos.



3. As an elemenatry librarian I found this book to be very clear and concise about the "holiday". The text is straight forward, clear and to the point. It also presents a starting point for further research about the holiday for older readers. The photos are very clear and there is a "glossary" of sorts that I have used with Kindergarten classes.

1 comments about Groundhog Day (BFI Modern Classics).

1. Ryan Gilbey has written a splendid book that can only increase one's enjoyment of one of the most enjoyable movies of the Nineties. He begins by showing how the project came together. (The original script was rather darker, more SF than comedy.)
   
   His analysis of the movie itself is serious but never pretentious, yet never betrays the humor of the film. (His comments on the "Ned Ryerson" character made me laugh.) His discussion of Bill Murray's performance is wonderful.
   
   Finally, Gilbey briefly sketches the influence of "Groundhog Day" on subsequent movies. All in all, a thorough and most enjoyable and informative book, a fine addition to the BFI series.

5 comments about Groundhog Day!.

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



2. This reissue of a popular holiday title is perfect for celebrating Goundhog Day so if you missed adding it to your collection, here's another chance. Libraries strong in holiday books for grades 2-4 will find GROUNDHOG DAY a fine blend of visual drawings and history surveying the day's origins and facts about the groundhog. A wonderful choice highly recommended for any collection strong in holiday titles.



3. 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"



4. I gave this as a gift to two different children. One was 2 1/2, and the other was 3 years old. Neither were interested in the book. I think this is a fine book, but just for kids that are a little older.



5. The book was of the quality that I expect from Gail Gibbons. My birthday is on Groundhog Day and this book helped me share that day with my granddaughter. She is young and we used mostly the pictures but she can enjoy this book all through her first school years.