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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Phil's Big Day: A Groundhog Story. Written and illustrated by Liza Woodruff. Margaret Ferguson Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2024. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 


"What if I start to shake? 
What if my voice is too soft?
What if I stumble?
What if I trip? 
What if I fall? 
What if I start to shed? 
What if I throw up? 

It's not often I get ahead of myself in posting books about upcoming special days. Being able to tell you about this book you might want to have for February is quite a leap! However, here we are with a story about Phil, who is a groundhog dealing with anxiety as his family's big day puts him in the spotlight. They are so proud of him, and the role he will play on February 2nd. 

Phil has many concerns. He knows nothing about the weather, and would rather not take his turn at all. Maybe making pancakes will bring calm. It appears to be going well; or is it? His concentration is weak, his stomach is tied in knots, his mind is racing. Even his hands are shaking. His sister Marla scares him badly when she comes into the kitchen. She is not able to sleep, consumed by thoughts of Phil's big day. 

In comforting words, she does her best to reassure her brother. Phil's wild thoughts leave him wondering what he will do if he forgets what he is supposed to be doing. Marla has a poem to help him remember it all. 

"See you shadow 
at your feet, 
back to bed to 
get more sleep. 

If your shadow can't 
be seen, early spring 
will turn things green.

Attempting a promising delivery of his news does not work at all. Marla quietly disappears. Too soon, it's showtime. Being outside doesn't improve his spirit, but Marla does! 

Captivating details show the groundhog family in their comfy underground home, and the emotional toll that worrying about his task has on Phil. A recipe for Phil's Pancakes is included., as well as an explanation for the Groundhog Day tradition.  

There you have it! In lots of time for purchase prior to Groundhog Day 2025.  

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