Substitute Groundhog

School Library Journal

This whimsical story is sure to please... 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.
— School Library Journal

Children's Literature - Sheilah Egan

Poor Groundhog has the flu and will not be able to perform his important February 2 work of "weather telling." After visiting the doctor, he decides to advertise for a substitute for the day. With a nice long line of applicants, he begins the process of testing their qualifications for the job. Mole is not disturbed by the small hole but he can not see well enough to notice if he has a shadow or not. Following a predictable pattern (an important reading skill-building practice), Groundhog eliminates those who cannot see well, are bothered by small spaces, go back to sleep (Mr. Bear cannot resist the groundhog's snuggly bed.), and the one who will not stay "popped up," (little Miss Squirrel keeps "forgetting to look" and "pops up and down" continuously). Then along comes a creature from Texas, Armadillo, who assures Groundhog that she possesses all the necessary skills. At this point the requirements are enumerated once again (an important opportunity to reinforce reading comprehension), and Armadillo proves her reliability as a substitute. All ends well and Armadillo invites Groundhog to return to Texas with her—a prospect that delights Groundhog since his substitute predicts "6 more weeks of winter." The bright, cartoon illustrations are perfectly suited for the straightforward text and give a real glimpse of Groundhog's frustrations while trying to find the perfect "temp."

School Library Journal

K-Gr 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 Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.