Groundhog Day! (U)

every February 2, People All Across The Country Wonder About The Groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. Will He See His Shadow On That Day Or Won't He? Will Spring Come Early Or Late? Here Is Information About Groundhog Day, Its Origins, And The Animal At The Center Of This Delightful Annual Event.children's Literatureeither Six More Weeks Of Winter! Or The Promise Of An Early Spring, Is The Prediction People Anticipate Hearing On February 2 Groundhog Day. The Queen Of Explanatory Books, Gail Gibbons, Has Given Us The Definitive Groundhog's Day Book For Young People. In This Accessible Picture Book, Gibbons Presents The History Of The Custom Of Observing The Actions Of Groundhogs As They Emerge From Their Burrows (willingly Or Not) On Feb. 2 And A Brief Look At Their Natural History. Many People Think That If A Groundhog Sees Its Shadow Upon Popping Out From Underground, That There Will Be A Six Weeks Extension Of Winter; Should He Fail To See His Shadow There Will Be An Early Spring. The Custom Of Observing Animals In The Middle Of Winter Came To North American With European Settlers. In The Small Town Of Punxsutawney Pennsylvania, The Custom Has Become A Yearly Celebration And All Of The Weather Predictions Are Made By Punxsutawney Phil a Long Line Of Groundhogs All Give The Same Name. Gibbons Then Goes On To Present A Close Look At The Actual Life-cycle Of Groundhogs, Also Called Woodchucks, Using A More Realistic Watercolor Style Than Her Usual Cartoon-like Depiction Of Humans Or Other Animals. The Cutaway Sections Showing Groundhog Burrows Make It Particularly Easy For Young People To Understand The Living Habits Of These Furry, Hibernating Creatures. A Simple Map Of North America Shows Areas Populated By Groundhogs, And Gives The Names Of Other Celebrated Hogs. My Favorite Is, Sir Walter Wally Of Raleigh, Nc Although, I Do Think Chuck Wood Of Los Angeles, Ca Is A Clever Name, As Well. Teachers And Care Givers Will Appreciate Having This Title To Add To Theircollection Of Books That Lay Out The Basic Facts About Holidays Or Other Areas Of Interest To Early Listeners/readers.