Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year 2016
A sly and funny take on truth-telling and friendship. — Kirkus Reviews
Six more weeks of winter? Maybe. Maybe not.
When Groundhog sees his shadow, half the forest creatures are excited at six more weeks of winter, and the other half aren’t so happy. Hare and Bear are excited for more sleep, while Squirrel and Sparrow are tired of being stuck indoors.
The animals get the idea that they can bribe Groundhog to report the shadow verdict that they each desire. Before he knows it, Groundhog’s social calendar and stomach are both full as the animals shower him with treats and invites to baseball games, picnics, and bonfires. Groundhog begins to enjoy all the attention and time with his new friends, so he decides to play along and promises to return the prediction each animal wants.
When the next Groundhog Day arrives, a nervous Groundhog is torn between lying to maintain his popularity and telling the truth. He finally realizes that he can’t please everyone. He must resist peer pressure and truthfully report what he sees.
Matt Faulkner’s vibrant illustrations are packed with fun details and speech balloons accompany the main text, adding another amusing layer to the animals’ interactions.