Groundhog's Dilemma

Get your copy from your favorite indie bookstore, from Amazon, from Barnes & Noble, or your local library! This is my first book, illustrated by Matt Faulkner, published by Charlesbridge, 2015.

Announcing six more weeks of winter earns Groundhog both friends and grumblers. When Groundhog sees his shadow, half the animals cheer, and the other half groan. But things really go downhill when spring finally arrives. Bear and Squirrel see nap-happy Hare give Groundhog a basket of berries as a gift for the extra weeks of slumber, so Squirrel invites him to a ballgame, hoping to cozen Groundhog into declaring an early spring next year. Though he initially protests, "I don't actually control the weather. I just report it," he finds that he's enjoying the attention. Pretty soon, Groundhog gives in, and his social calendar fills up with picnics, bonfires, and more ballgames. Stricken by conscience as winter nears, he goes to the barn for advice from Owl, who simply says—wisely—that Groundhog got himself into this problem and must solve it himself. When Groundhog Day rolls around again, he risks disfavor by telling the truth and invites his friends to his home for a warm-up and some snacks. And so they pass much of those six extra weeks of winter, comfortably. Faulkner's anthropomorphic animals and vibrant colors recall Uncle Wiggly, and the illustrations are packed with humorous details that repay re-readings. Remenar's graceful prose and the subtlety of her message, pitched to older preschoolers and early-elementary students, are a good match.
A sly and funny take on truth-telling and friendship.
-Kirkus Reviews

You can download any of the free activity sheets below, print them, and share with your students!