It's Groundhog Day, Dear Dragon

by Margaret Hillert, David Schimmell (Illustrator)

"A boy and his pet dragon go to see what will happen when the groundhog peeks out of his hole"--Provided by publisher.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Margaret Hillert has written over 80 books for children who are just learning to read. Her books have been translated into many languages and have helped children throughout the world learn to read. She first started writing poetry as a child and has continued to write for children and adults throughout her life. As a first grade teacher, Margaret realized that the books available for students just learning to read were beyond their comprehension. She then began to write her easy readers and poetry for children. Her first collection of poetry Farther Than Far was published in 1969. Her many awards include the Chicago Children's Reading Round Table Annual Award for outstanding contributions to the field of children's literature. Other honors include the David W. Longe Prize and the Michigan Bookwoman of the Year Award. A teacher for 34 years, she is now retired and lives in Michigan where she continues to write stories and poetry.

Reviews

[Lisa Clark]

This is a nice easy read for little ones that are just beginning. It is also a good book to use if an adult is reading to ask comprehension questions with. The colors are bright on each of the pages. There is even a guy going bald on one of the pictures---so realistic. I do not like how they say that it will get pretty if the ground hog does not see his shadow. I feel that winter is such a pretty season. Otherwise a great read.

[groundmar]

This is a simple early reading book for young readers. My kid really liked the dragon. Its the only memorable thing about the book. This is the kind of book you would want in a library or classroom for lots of kids to enjoy. It is helpful. The reading reinforcement notes at the end of the book are helpful.

[Konner Crawford]

Every single book in the large Dear Dragon series is perfect for your kindergartener! Focus on this and the "There wad an Old Lady" books and your midget will be reading ahead of their classmates in no time!

[Anthony]

A boy and his pet dragon goes to see what will happen, if the ground hog sees his own shadow. Afterwards they pick out a surprise for the boy's mother.

[☼Pam Might Read Too Much ☼]

~ from the Library

IT'S GROUNDHOG DAY, DEAR DRAGON is at the beginning First Grade reading level. It has 77 vocabulary words; 253 words Total. Like most of the practice readers that I'm reviewing, this one has an Accelerated Reader test that students can take to make sure their comprehension is good.

In this story Dad takes Dragon and Boy to see the Ground Hog celebration.

I really like this little story and the artwork and I'm not surprised that it is Common Core Suggested. One of the things that Ms. Hillert explains is the Groundhog tradition. Stay out, and there will be nice weather. Go in, and there will be more cold weather.

The artwork gives children an idea of what happens. There is marching band and men wearing fancy suits.

What makes this book extra useful is the look at musicals instruments and what a change in weather means. In the case of the instruments, the boy notes that the lady is playing a triangle, just like the one he and his friends play at school. He also looks at a huge drum, which is big, big, BIG; and a tuba.

In regards to the weather the boy, readers get to see that spring makes him think of rain, baseball, tulips and kites; while Dragon thinks of ducks, robins, butterflies and more. Adults can use this to ask children what they think of when they think of Spring, as well as use this to talk about the seasons.

At the end father says:

We can make Mother happy now.
We can get her something pretty.

Boy is thinking jewelry, but it's a plant that father has in mind. Quite sweet.
.

[Carla]

The Dear Dragon series is made up of several books that are easy readers. They use site vocabulary that is printed in the back of the book. It reminds me of the books I learned to read with.

In this book, father and son travel to see what Groundhog Day is all about. They go to see the Groundhog come out of his burrow to see if he will see his shadow. Of course Dragon comes along as well. They learn what a groundhog is and a little bit about them, what happens if he sees his shadow, and about the celebrations surrounding Groundhog day. The one thing I would like to have seen would have been some mention that this is not a scientific notion, it is more like an "Old Wives Tale" that many people participate in. The illustrations are wonderful and illustrate the text perfectly. These Beginning-to-Read books capture the imaginations of beginning readers and help them on their way to independent reading. They could also be read aloud to young children who are not able to read yet. A great addition to a family library or a primary classroom.

Thank you to Netgalley and Norwood House Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Jayna]

This is a semi-informational fiction book about Groundhog Day. It is a simple book, at a first grade level.
The illustrations are cute and interesting.
The story, well, it could be better. It doesn't always make sense (talking about musical instruments mid-way).

I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Christy]

A boy and his pet dragon go to see what will happen when the ground hog peeks out of his hole.

[Brandy Wilkes]

Great for early readers. Simple.