Groundhog Day

Children's Literature

This unusual holiday is celebrated on February 2nd when thousands gather at Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to learn if the groundhog will see his shadow. If the groundhog does see his shadow, winter is not over and will last for six more weeks. If he does not see his shadow, then spring is on its way. Readers will get a good grounding in the habits and habitat of this critter, how the custom started in the U.S., and what actually happens on Groundhog Day. The earlier roots of this holiday are presented—and much to the surprise of this reviewer—Punxsutawney Phil is not the only groundhog that performs this service. There are other weather-predicting groundhogs in the U.S. and Canada. The book clearly points out that groundhogs do not really predict the weather—it is all just an excuse to have some fun. At the end of the book there is a glossary, "Did you know?" section, and a page telling readers where they can learn more. There is even an index and a brief blurb about the author. 2005, Compass Point Books, Ages 5 to 8.
—Marilyn Courtot