It's Groundhog Day!

Steven Kroll is the author of more than fifty picture books, including The Biggest Pumpkin Ever. His work has been translated into French, Spanish, and Japanese. He lives with his wife in New York City and Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania.

Kindergarten-Grade 2 When Godfrey Groundhog predicts at an autumn picnic that he won't see his shadow in early February, his animal friends are elated. But this jubilant announcement causes only despair for rascally ski lodge owner Roland Raccoon, and he decides to kidnap the unsuspecting groundhog. The woodchuck, however, is as enterprising as his ring-tailed captor. True to his animal nature, Godfrey chews through his imprisoning ropes and then burrows through the ground, with Roland hot on his trail. Emerging from below, Godfrey is happily reunited with his concerned cohorts who, in turn, capture the mischievous raccoon. A repentant Roland reveals his problem to the understanding quartet who propose that he open a hot dog stand on the beach. The brightly colored drawings extend the buoyancy, gentle humor, action, and warmth of the simple text. Children will be especially intrigued by the many scenes of life underground. Given the appeal to young children of this European-descended custom and its established place in the elementary school curriculum, this light-hearted romp with its tender message about friendship should be a welcome addition to holiday and general picture book collections. Julie Corsaro, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.