Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday! Since Groundhog Day is only a few weeks away, I thought I would share this fun book about the holiday.
SUBSTITUTE GROUNDHOG
Written by: Pat Miller Illustrated by: Kathi Ember
Albert Whitman & Company 2006
Fiction for ages 4 to 8
Themes: helping others, sickness, holidays, animals
Opening and brief synopsis:
The day before Groundhog Day, Groundhog woke up sick. His muscles ached and his throat hurt.
Groundhog goes to see Dr. Owl and is told to stay in bed for two days, but that means missing Groundhog Day. Rather than disappoint his friends, Groundhog decides to find a substitute groundhog to look for his shadow.
Why I like this book:
It was fun to see the different animals audition to be a substitute groundhog. Finding the perfect animal just in time allowed Groundhog to get the rest he needed. The illustrations made me feel warm and cozy while reading the book with my son.
Resources:
The author’s website, www.patmillerbooks.com, has many resources including a teacher’s guide and a readers’ theater script.
Perfect Picture Book Friday is a wonderful idea started by Susanna Leonard Hill. For other “Just Right” books, visit her blog.
If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check out my post from Wednesday about a surprise I have planned!
With Susanna's passion for groundhogs, I really do need to read up about this US tradition and educate myself some more. This PB looks a fun place to start!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this wonderful book, Jennifer. I love Substitute Groundhog. Also Gretchen Groundhog It's Your Day. Of course, it just so happens I have a personal favorite Groundhog Day book :)
ReplyDeleteI just read this book in my Goodreads Challenge. I loved it - the voice and characters were adorable. It was a pleasure to read a STORY among a pile of non-story picture books. I love stories!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this book before. I do, however, also have a penchant for a special Groundhog named Phyllis. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know Groundhogs are getting their due in kidlit.
Apparently you have excellent taste, Julie :)
DeleteI just happen to see this book on the Whitman website. It caught my attention. I am so glad you reviewed it. Sounds like a fun book for kids with some lessons. Thank you for reviewing this book.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny to think Ground Hog day will be here soon. In some parts of the US, I don't believe winter has arrived. Warm and cozy illustrations sound good to me.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking an elephant will audition! ;) I'll check this book out!
ReplyDeleteErik
This sounds like fun! (Not for poor Groundhog who's sick, of course.)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer!
Thanks everyone for stopping by today. Glad everyone loves their groundhogs! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see another groundhog book--I'm a groundhog fan too. For another great groundhog book, check out Pamela Curtis Swallow's Groundhog Gets A Say.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion! I will check it out!
DeleteThis sounds like a sweet book. Who couldn't love a groundhog, let alone named Phyllis?! The cover illustration looks great and the story sounds sweet. I like that the author included a theater script. That is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the chaos that ensues as Groundhog tries to find his replacement! Beautiful cover.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun book. I wonder who he picked. Groundhog's Day is a fun holiday.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a precious book! I love the cover. I'll have to get my hands on a copy of this one for school before Feb 2nd! Thank you for sharing :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree the illustrations and cover are great!
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