Children's Books

Substitute Groundhog

It's almost Groundhog Day! Everyone knows that Groundhog has an important job to do every February 2, but this year he's not feeling well. Dr. Owl diagnoses him with the flu and orders two days of bed rest. But how will people know the weather forecast if Groundhog is down in his hole in bed?

Then Groundhog has in idea—he can hire a substitute! Maybe Squirrel can be the substitute, or Eagle, or Bear. But at the subtitute auditions, Groundhog realizes that none of his friends is quite right for the job. Will he be able to find a substitute or will Groundhog Day be cancelled this year?

Hardcover
0-8075-7643-3
Published 2006

Age Levels 5-8, Grades K-3, 32 Pages, 8" x 10", Illustrations: Full Color

Substitute Groundhog is illustrated by Kathi Ember and is published by Albert Whitman

School Library Journal Review

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