Gregory Groundhog and his shadow desperately look for each other after they become separated just before their annual appearance on Groundhog Day. Full-color illustrations.
Posthumously published, this ingenuous tale by the creator of Corduroy introduces another endearing, though not likely as enduring, animal character. Gregory Groundhog always feels braver when his best pal, his shadow, accompanies him. On the day before Groundhog Day, Gregory suggests that he and Shadow go find something to eat. "Sure... I'm right behind you," quips his amorphous companion, whom Gregory inadvertently leaves outdoors when he returns to his burrow. After the two are reunited, the groundhog faces another dilemma: He doesn't want to be separated from his friend again, yet he knows that his appearance with his shadow on the following morning will make the local farmers unhappy, since this augurs six more weeks of winter. Not surprisingly, Gregory devises a simple solution to this quandary that pleases all involved. Less engaging than Freeman's light yet satisfying narrative are his wispy, sketchy pictures a number of which seem unfinished. Still, the whimsical notion of a groundhog's all-important shadow taking on a life of its own will pique readers' imaginations, and the antics of these two earnest buddies will bring smiles to young faces. Ages 2-6. (Dec.) FYI: A portion of the author royalties from this title will go to the Don and Lydia Freeman Research Fund to support psychological research concerning children afflicted with cancer. Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
PreS-Gr 2-Published posthumously by Freeman's estate, this story tells of a shy, unassuming little groundhog whose bravery is bolstered by his shadow. When the two are separated, both suffer. Ultimately, after a long search, they are reunited, and devise a plan so that they can be together, yet not disappoint the farmers who will interpret the appearance of the shadow to mean six more weeks of winter. The softly colored illustrations are somewhat sketchy but are still charming, and the tale is sweet. This book will be used as a much-needed read-aloud for Groundhog's Day, but many children will relate to it on another level-as a search for belonging in this bewildering world-and will gain courage from the tale.-Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Shopping Cart
