Groundhog's Day Off

Starred review from September 7, 2015
It isn’t easy being a celebrity: you give and give and give, but the public never cares about the real you. The famous prognosticating Groundhog is fed up: “I am a groundhog with feelings and things to say! But all you care about it the weather,” he writes in a note before decamping to a spa. Unsuccessful (but very funny) auditions for a replacement include an ostrich who “got the whole thing backward” (sticking its head in the ground) and a louche monkey who trashes the stage with banana cream pies. It finally dawns on everyone that while a spa can give Groundhog aromatherapy candles and a seaweed wrap, those are no substitute for an old-fashioned ego massage. Pearlman (Fun with Kirk and Spock) has written an up-to-the minute mashup of American folklore and contemporary culture, expertly abetted by Helquist’s knowing illustrations. Yes, some grownups may see Groundhog’s “You really, really like me!” speech coming from a mile away, but getting there is enormously fun. Ages 3–6. Author’s agent: Jean Sagendorph, Mansion Street Literary Management. Illustrator’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.

November 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-It's Groundhog's custom to wake up extra early on his special day, groomed and ready to meet his public. But not this year. He's fed up. Each year everyone asks him the same questions: "Is spring around the corner?" "Are there going to be six more weeks of winter?" No one ever asks, "Who does your fur?" or "seen any good movies lately?" Groundhog definitely has more to offer. This year he will show them. He is going on strike-vacation, actually-and heads out for the local spa. The townsfolk don't know what to do, so the mayor announces auditions for a new groundhog. Unfortunately, Elephant is too big. Ostrich gets the concept backward and goes into the hole instead of popping out. Bat, Owl, Mole, and Possum just want to follow their natural body rhythms and sleep. The Mayor decides that only Groundhog can do the job and makes a media appeal. When Groundhog sees the news, he is thrilled that people really do see him "as more than just a weather vane." He takes the first taxi home and is happily greeted with the questions he's been waiting to hear: "Where did you go on vacation? Which team are you rooting for in the playoffs?" The famous rodent goes off to bed early, however, because tomorrow is Groundhog Day. He's now a star on the celebrity circuit with all the attention he'd like. He's very happy, until he sees another media report: the Easter Bunny has quit. The last panel shows Easter Bunny and Groundhog relaxing and tanning on the beach. The naturalistic drawings are rendered in acrylic and oil paint on watercolor paper. Groundhog has a cute, toothy grin, and the large pictures make the book easy to use in group settings. The story itself is a bit predictable, but the artwork is thoroughly engaging. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries looking to increase picture book holdings about special holidays.-Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2015
A groundhog who wants to be appreciated for more than his meteorological skills decides to go on vacation. Every year, it's always the same: "Are there going to be six more weeks of winter?! Is spring around the corner?!" People never ask Groundhog about him. So he packs up and heads to the spa, leaving a letter behind to explain himself. The mayor holds auditions for Groundhog's position, but no animal can match him: among others, Elephant is too big, the nocturnal animals' schedules are wrong, and "Ostrich got the whole thing backward." But the auditions do make the TV news, and Groundhog is pleased to hear that his flair, work ethic, and all-around specialness are appreciated after all. He heads home to wide acclaim and loads of questions about himself. Happy, he gives his February forecast and heads into his hole]where Pearlman shatters Groundhog's peace with a televised announcement that the Easter Bunny has quit. Helquist uses Groundhog's perspective to show readers just how he is feeling]the scene after he's shown himself on Groundhog Day, surrounded by litter and utterly alone, is particularly poignant, though the images of him at the spa, cucumbers on his eyes, and the auditioning animals help balance the mood. Readers will never look at Groundhog Day in quite the same way again. (Picture book. 4-7)

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