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The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun
This book of facts and fun provides plenty of information about groundhogs and the origin of Groundhog Day. Groundhog riddles and ideas for throwing a Groundhog Day party are included.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 21, 2023
As someone whose adult self and and inner child do both not really enjoy anthropomorphic animals stories all that much (if at all), I must admit that I am really glad that The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun is pretty much entirely non fiction. And indeed, author Wendie C. Old, she certainly with The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun presents for her young readers (for children from about the age of seven or so onwards) in an engagingly penned and reading interest retaining text much intriguing and educational bits of information regarding Groundhog Day as a North American holiday (including some ideas about how to host a themed party, with suggestions for decorations, games and foods to serve), about and concerning the background and origin of Groundhog Day, how European settlers to the United States and Canada also brought with them their hibernating animals waking up and predicting the arrival of springtime traditions and superstitions (for Candlemass) and then basically transplanted these onto the endemic to North America groundhog (a type of marmot) and of course with the author also showing in The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun that the predictions by Punxsutawney Phil and other similar such prognosticators are generally not all that accurate, but that it is indeed true for many hibernating mammals to awaken for a short period of time in early February, to emerge from their dens, look around, move around, feed a bit and then to return to their dens to continue sleeping.
Lots of information, lots of fun and facts as the book title of The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun is indicating and suggesting (and yes, as a Canadian, I do really enjoy that Wendie C. Old mentions the 1999 Wiarton Willy controversy and fiasco in The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun, how when on February 2, when on Groundhog Day in Wiarton, Ontario, as Willy the Albino Groundhog was taken from his enclosure for his public weather predictions, well, Willy was found to have died of old age, and to also have died quite a while ago, since he was mouldy and giving off quite a noticeable stench, which did not go over very well with the crowds who had gathered to celebrate, since the organisers had also tried to pass off a stuffed groundhog as the real one, as the actual Willy), an enjoyable and educational picture book, warmly recommended, although that the absence of a bibliography with suggestions for further reading and that I do find Paige Billin-Frye's accompanying artwork much too cartoon-like and rather overly silly for my personal aesthetics, this does make my final rating for The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun three stars and not the four I was originally intending.
Lots of information, lots of fun and facts as the book title of The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun is indicating and suggesting (and yes, as a Canadian, I do really enjoy that Wendie C. Old mentions the 1999 Wiarton Willy controversy and fiasco in The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun, how when on February 2, when on Groundhog Day in Wiarton, Ontario, as Willy the Albino Groundhog was taken from his enclosure for his public weather predictions, well, Willy was found to have died of old age, and to also have died quite a while ago, since he was mouldy and giving off quite a noticeable stench, which did not go over very well with the crowds who had gathered to celebrate, since the organisers had also tried to pass off a stuffed groundhog as the real one, as the actual Willy), an enjoyable and educational picture book, warmly recommended, although that the absence of a bibliography with suggestions for further reading and that I do find Paige Billin-Frye's accompanying artwork much too cartoon-like and rather overly silly for my personal aesthetics, this does make my final rating for The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun three stars and not the four I was originally intending.
December 4, 2022
Here’s a great little chapter book to read in preparation for Groundhog Day! It’s full of facts, history, jokes, party ideas and activities - a fun resource! Illustrations throughout too.
Ages: 4 - 12
Cleanliness:nothing to note.
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Ages: 4 - 12
Cleanliness:nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
April 16, 2015
Summary
The Groundhog Day Book is a book about the groundhog, its life, eating habits, hibernation, burrows, and about the traditions that surround it. It’s a colorful, non-fiction book that clearly explains what a ground is, what it does, how it makes its home, how it survives winter, and many other interesting facts about groundhogs. It also explains the tradition of looking for the groundhog’s shadow on February 2ND. The book uses language that would be used by older kids, but always stops to explain possibly confusing words for younger children. It’s full of illustrations that add to the fun of the book. It has simple graphs and small picture jokes on every other page. The last chapter encourages a child to have fun with this information and have a Groundhog Day party. I like this book because it gives information in a fun and interactive way so that kids are interesting in learning.
The Groundhog Day Book is a book about the groundhog, its life, eating habits, hibernation, burrows, and about the traditions that surround it. It’s a colorful, non-fiction book that clearly explains what a ground is, what it does, how it makes its home, how it survives winter, and many other interesting facts about groundhogs. It also explains the tradition of looking for the groundhog’s shadow on February 2ND. The book uses language that would be used by older kids, but always stops to explain possibly confusing words for younger children. It’s full of illustrations that add to the fun of the book. It has simple graphs and small picture jokes on every other page. The last chapter encourages a child to have fun with this information and have a Groundhog Day party. I like this book because it gives information in a fun and interactive way so that kids are interesting in learning.
February 24, 2023
A fun and informative book about the origins of Groundhog Day and an explanation for what's the Groundhog's observations mean and why.
It has several chapters, with different focuses on history, the science of the changing seasons and reasons for hibernation, groundhog information, cultural background, the prognostication reliability of Punxsutawney Phil and even a chapter on planning a Groundhog Day party.
It took us a few days to read through all the chapters of this book. It's very comprehensive and recommend it for parents reading with elementary school age children. There are lots of corny jokes and riddles scattered throughout the book that are perfectly suited for schoolchildren.
It has several chapters, with different focuses on history, the science of the changing seasons and reasons for hibernation, groundhog information, cultural background, the prognostication reliability of Punxsutawney Phil and even a chapter on planning a Groundhog Day party.
It took us a few days to read through all the chapters of this book. It's very comprehensive and recommend it for parents reading with elementary school age children. There are lots of corny jokes and riddles scattered throughout the book that are perfectly suited for schoolchildren.
October 29, 2013
This short chapter book offers interesting facts about groundhogs and Groundhog Day. It teaches children about Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, his purpose, and what it means if he does or does not see his shadow on Groundhog Day. This book also teaches children about seasons, why they occur, and what happens during each season; hibernation is another topic that is covered. Scattered throughout the book are cute, funny jokes and interesting pictures related to Groundhog Day.
Reading Level: 5.9
Grade Level: 3 - 5
Lexile: 920L
Reading Level: 5.9
Grade Level: 3 - 5
Lexile: 920L
Read
February 2, 2012Delightful, entertaining, and informative book about Punxsutawney Phil, the history of Groundhog Day, and groundhogs in general. I read this with my 7-year old on Groundhog Day and was surprised at the facts I learned. The last chapter gives you ideas of how to throw a Groundhog Day party.
February 1, 2020
Fun
It's very cute. It has lots of information pretty much everything you need or would want to know about groundhogs day. Not a lot of pictures very easy to read would be hard for younger children
It's very cute. It has lots of information pretty much everything you need or would want to know about groundhogs day. Not a lot of pictures very easy to read would be hard for younger children
June 27, 2018
Interesting and engaging.
February 4, 2019
Information on Groundhogs Day and seasonal changes.
Easy to understand information to read together.
Easy to understand information to read together.
February 14, 2012
I normally don't do much for Groundhog Day, but I thought I should try it this year. I got all the books I could from my library and was able to find a few my kids liked. This one is really best for the highest readers.
January 31, 2010
Fun children’s book explains origins of Groundhog Day and interesting facts.
March 22, 2016
This is the most thorough book on Groundhogs and Groundhog Day I have run across. It is too long to read in one setting, but we are having a blast working our way through this one.
February 14, 2017
This non-fiction was boring. I barely made it through it. I cannot imagine using this is my classroom. I would love to have books about all sorts of holidays but this one would not make the cut.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews