Publishers Weekly
"A restless groundhog toys with the idea of timing in this perky look at the February 2 tradition," according to PW. "Thanks to a simple repetitive story structure and a cheery design, trick-or-treaters, turkeys and Santa Claus all seem right at home in the same story." Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-At last, Groundhog Day finally has an irresistible story to call its own. Groundhog goes to sleep on Columbus Day as usual, setting his alarm clock for February 2, but he keeps tossing and turning. He checks the clock and gets up at half-past October, half-past November, and then half-past December. Each time, he sees the trappings of holidays that he had always slept through before. Halloween Witch, Turkey, and Santa each take a turn tucking him back into bed, reading him a seasonal story, and giving him a holiday treat. Naturally, when February 2 rolls around, Groundhog is finally sound asleep, but he wakes up long enough to go up to the surface and see his shadow. An afterword describes the development of the Groundhog Day superstition. The text flows smoothly, and Cox makes effective use of repetition. Meisel's vibrant acrylic-and-gouache illustrations will help make this a favorite in storytimes.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Groundhog doesn't know what he's been missing when he hibernates, but a case of insomnia gives him the opportunity in this toasty story of autumn and winter festivities. Secure in the umbers and ochers of his burrow, Groundhog crawls under his quilt to catch a few months of shuteye. He tosses and turns for a couple of weeks before deciding to jump his sleep engine with a short walk. It's Halloween, a whole new experience for him to marvel at, until a kindly witch whisks him home and tucks him in. A month later, after more tossing and turning, he's back outside, and it's Thanksgiving-where a turkey does the honors; then it's Christmas and Santa. Fortunately, he sees his shadow on Groundhog Day and can catch up on his sleep. The pleasing mood and gentle pacing makes Cox's tale ideal for bedtime, and Meisel's artwork is dreamily transporting. If young readers are sharing Groundhog's insomnia, a thorough note on the origins of Groundhog Day will give them something to chew on at book's end. (Picture book. 3-7)
School Library Journal - Audio
★ 04/01/2015
Gr K-2—Groundhog usually goes to sleep on Columbus Day and wakes up on February 2, but this year he just can't seem to fall asleep. Instead of tossing and turning he decides to climb out of his den and explore. To his surprise October, November, and December are full of exciting things he's never seen before. Groundhog sees and hears the sights and sounds of the holidays, before finally falling asleep and waking up right on time for his shadow-seeing (or not?) duties. This strikes the perfect balance between heart-warming, funny, and clever. Children will love hearing about Groundhog's adventure, which Susie Berneis's narration brings to life. Additional sound effects such as turkeys gobbling will have kids smiling and wanting to listen again. VERDICT This is a must-have audiobook for a Groundhog Day storytime.—Jessica Gilcreast, Bedford High School, NH
