They didn't notice the black sky
turning gray.
They didn't notice the pink light
of morning creeping over the hills.
And they didn't notice Groundhog's
nose twitching at the entrance of his
hole -
until
it
was ... "
February is such a busy month, for kids and for schools. Many discuss Groundhog Day, then the 100th day, Valentine's Day and even I Love to Read. There is fun and excitement at every turn. It's almost too much! Moose and his friends know nothing about the 100th Day celebration, but they do know about what being a good friend means.
Valentine's Day is coming up soon, and Moose wants to be ready. He solicits help from his forest friends, with just two weeks to go. There is a worry, of course! Groundhog Day is just around the corner, and they are worried that he might see his shadow and return to his burrow, thus missing the party. What will they do without him?
Groundhog Day arrives and their fears become reality. Groundhog sees his shadow, and goes back inside to his newspapers and morning coffee. In an attempt to diminish his fear of shadows, each friend plans to show Groundhog just how much fun shadows can be - they dance, they provide silhouettes, clouds cast shadows, and tiny hands create shadow puppets. Groundhog is suitably impressed, and willing to take a chance on each of the different ways to have fun.
Despite that fun, Groundhog will not be deterred from saving himself from winter's cold. After sharing 'Groundhugs' with Moose, Bunny and Squirrel - and a nose-kiss with Porcupine - back inside he goes, until six weeks later ... when the world is warm and a new party is worthy of planning. Will someone else miss out this time?
Expressive characters, realistic backgrounds, and lush golden light and soft shadow add to the charm that makes this a terrific book for reading aloud this month.
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