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Groundhog's Day Off
Key Features Description Every year, people ask Groundhog the same boring old question. Is spring around the corner? Or are we doomed to more winter? Sure, they care about his shadow, but what about him and his interests? He's had enough! Groundhog packs his bags and sets out for a much-needed vacation. Now the town is holding auditions to find someone to fill his spot. None of the animals seem right for the job, though. Not Elephant, not Ostrich, and most certainly not Puppy. No one has Groundhog's flair for the dramatic, but is it too late to woo him back into the spotlight? Every year, people ask Groundhog the same boring old question. Is spring around the corner? Or are we doomed to more winter? Sure, they care about his shadow, but what about him and his interests? He's had enough! Groundhog packs his bags and sets out for a much-needed vacation. Now the town is holding auditions to find someone to fill his spot. None of the animals seem right for the job, though. Not Elephant, not Ostrich, and most certainly not Puppy. No one has Groundhog's flair for the dramatic, but is it too late to woo him back into the spotlight? Product Details Item #: NTS596478 9780545964784 Paperback Book 40 Comedy and Humor K - 2 Lexile® AD470L Guided Reading GR Level L DRA 20 - 24 ACR 3.1 Key Features Item #: NTS596478 9780545964784 Paperback Book 40 Comedy and Humor K - 2 Lexile® AD470L Guided Reading GR Level L DRA 20 - 24 ACR 3.1
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First published December 8, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 2, 2020
Tired of being asked the same boring question every February, of being treated as if he were simply a weather vane, rather than a thinking, feeling creature, Groundhog decided to go on vacation, rather than stick around for the usual seasonal ceremony. Everyone from the mayor to the reporters was dismayed, especially when their auditions for a replacement didn't produce anyone suitable. It turned out that Groundhog was irreplaceable, and when the mayor finally communicated that, on national TV, Groundhog returned home, discovering to his delight that things had really changed. At least, for him...
The second picture-book I have read that is devoted to Groundhog Day - the first was Judy Cox's Go to Sleep, Groundhog! - Groundhog's Day Off pairs an entertaining tale with appealing illustrations. Groundhog's desire for recognition as a person (so to speak) will resonate with young children, who might sometimes also feel that they aren't being truly seen for who they are. The colorful artwork, done by Brett Helquist in acrylic and oil paint, is humorously expressive. My favorite scene was the one in which a joyful Groundhog realizes that he is truly appreciated. Recommended to Helquist fans, and to anyone looking for engaging stories featuring Groundhog Day.
The second picture-book I have read that is devoted to Groundhog Day - the first was Judy Cox's Go to Sleep, Groundhog! - Groundhog's Day Off pairs an entertaining tale with appealing illustrations. Groundhog's desire for recognition as a person (so to speak) will resonate with young children, who might sometimes also feel that they aren't being truly seen for who they are. The colorful artwork, done by Brett Helquist in acrylic and oil paint, is humorously expressive. My favorite scene was the one in which a joyful Groundhog realizes that he is truly appreciated. Recommended to Helquist fans, and to anyone looking for engaging stories featuring Groundhog Day.
February 2, 2018
Interesting story about a groundhog who does not feel appreciated and decides to take the day off. It is kind of silly and points out that no one really cares about his feelings, etc. Kids will enjoy it. There is a nice twist at the end. Cue and has fun, colorful illustrations. Recommended for Grades 2-4.
February 2, 2021
Today I learned that Punxsutawney Phil lives at the Library.
The Punxsutawney Library read this book for storytime
The Punxsutawney Library read this book for storytime
January 30, 2016
There will be days when you not only feel unappreciated; you are unappreciated. The stress of being stuck in a rut weighs heavily on your entire outlook. You are locked into a time schedule over which you have no control. To make matters even worse you are just plain tired. You NEED a vacation.
For most people making a checklist and following it to the letter means you are good to go on that much needed rest. For others their absence leaves a huge hole in the scheme of things affecting a great many individuals. Groundhog's Day Off (Bloomsbury, December 8, 2015) written by Robb Pearlman with illustrations by Brett Helquist calls our attention to a holiday hero who has had it.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
For most people making a checklist and following it to the letter means you are good to go on that much needed rest. For others their absence leaves a huge hole in the scheme of things affecting a great many individuals. Groundhog's Day Off (Bloomsbury, December 8, 2015) written by Robb Pearlman with illustrations by Brett Helquist calls our attention to a holiday hero who has had it.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
December 12, 2015
Really cute take on a groundhog who's tired of just being a weather predictor
February 3, 2020
Groundhog's Day Off is a children's picture book written by Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Brett Helquist. It is about a groundhog who wants to be appreciated for more than his meteorological skills decide to go on vacation. As today is Groundhog's Day (2 February), I thought it would be apropos to read this book.
Pearlman's text is rather simplistic. Pearlman has written an up-to-the minute mash-up of American folklore and contemporary culture. Helquist's illustrations are nicely done and depicted the text well and done from the Groundhog's visual perspective.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The famous prognosticating Groundhog is fed up and decides to go on vacation. Unsuccessful, auditions for a replacement include an ostrich and a louche monkey. It finally dawns on everyone that while a spa can give Groundhog aromatherapy candles and seaweed wraps, those are no substitute for an old-fashioned ego massage.
All in all, Groundhog's Day Off is a wonderful children's book about being appreciated especially when one is a groundhog on Groundhog's Day.
Pearlman's text is rather simplistic. Pearlman has written an up-to-the minute mash-up of American folklore and contemporary culture. Helquist's illustrations are nicely done and depicted the text well and done from the Groundhog's visual perspective.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The famous prognosticating Groundhog is fed up and decides to go on vacation. Unsuccessful, auditions for a replacement include an ostrich and a louche monkey. It finally dawns on everyone that while a spa can give Groundhog aromatherapy candles and seaweed wraps, those are no substitute for an old-fashioned ego massage.
All in all, Groundhog's Day Off is a wonderful children's book about being appreciated especially when one is a groundhog on Groundhog's Day.
February 8, 2023
( 3 stars for me, but kids loved it.) It was entertaining and humorous. My youngest wanted re-reads and even wanted to read it with Daddy when he got home from work, so I consider that a success with the target audience :-) I think all the other animals auditioning (poorly) for Groundhog's job was the biggest hit. The first time we read it, I though, gosh, this is a great message: we should be seen as more than just our jobs, valued as a whole person (er, um, groundhog) with many and diverse interests and facets. The second time I read it, I though, gee, Groundhog is seeking maybe too much external validation almost where he needs the adoration to be happy? However, I think the bigger message is that we should be appreciated and not taken for granted, and I can get behind that.
February 2, 2020
This was a fun story about a groundhog who feels unappreciated due to his role on Groundhog Day. Everyone only cares about the weather!
The only thing I can say about this book is that your audience needs some background knowledge about the Groundhog Day phenomenon. I read this as a start to our (very mini) unit, and since I have kindergarteners, their faces were mostly like 🤨🧐. I’d read this a little later in the unit next time! But it was pretty good.
The only thing I can say about this book is that your audience needs some background knowledge about the Groundhog Day phenomenon. I read this as a start to our (very mini) unit, and since I have kindergarteners, their faces were mostly like 🤨🧐. I’d read this a little later in the unit next time! But it was pretty good.
March 10, 2022
Groundhog was sick of being asked the same ol' questions every year.."early spring..or 6 more weeks of winter"? Instead, he wanted people to actually ask him about his interests and how he was doing! Groundhog decides to take a vacation and finds out how much the people really do care about him when they plead for him to return home. The ending is cute when he turns on the tv, and the EB is now on strike and taking vacation.
February 3, 2024
This charming tale is about a groundhog who feels unappreciated. people only care about his prediction and never show any interest in him. No one asks him how he is feeling or what he is like, they simply treat him like a weather vane. Groundhog decides to take the day off, but the town can't find anyone else to do the job as well as he can. chldren and adult readers alike can relate with feeling unappreciated. This story helps teach that people are multifaceted and have more to offer than what is on the surface. The book is full of quips and comments that will make older readers laugh. the cute illustrations are a delight. I have been reading a few Groundhogs day books and this is one of my favorites.
February 10, 2018
"Groundhog has more to offer than the forecast. But that's what happens, year after year."
So, taking his shadow with him, Groundhog goes on vacation. It is then that people realize that they have taken groundhog for granted. So, when he comes back, they take an interest in him beyond his weather predictions.
A nice subtle message about friendship.
So, taking his shadow with him, Groundhog goes on vacation. It is then that people realize that they have taken groundhog for granted. So, when he comes back, they take an interest in him beyond his weather predictions.
A nice subtle message about friendship.
January 7, 2019
Story of groundhog who feels unappreciated and wants to be asked about something besides the weather so he takes off. The town tries to replace him but can't and when he comes back to save the day, he gets asked all kinds of questions! Cute story. Hope to use for a k-5 program. Also could be used for preschool age.
February 3, 2026
Children's picture book/ fiction
K-2nd
I really enjoyed reading this book. This book is about Groundhog deciding he needs a break from his yearly job of predicting the weather. This can teach responsibility, empathy, problem-solving, etc. I believe with the humor and illustrations, the students will be super engaged.
K-2nd
I really enjoyed reading this book. This book is about Groundhog deciding he needs a break from his yearly job of predicting the weather. This can teach responsibility, empathy, problem-solving, etc. I believe with the humor and illustrations, the students will be super engaged.
January 21, 2020
Very cute-the groundhog feels unappreciated and heads to a spa to take the day off. When the townspeople finally mention how special he is, he comes back to safe the day. Small twist at the end continues the fun. Humorous artwork too, nice details.
October 17, 2025
This is a cute book for groundhogs day. The groundhog feels unappreciated so he decides to go on vacation and realizes that everyone does care about him but then the easter bunny decides to quit so then he does too.
January 31, 2018
Funny sweet book!
February 9, 2018
This was a funny story to read on Groundhog Day.
July 10, 2018
Groundhog is tired of doing his job and nobody caring about him, just what he can do to tell the weather. So he decides to take a vacation.
August 7, 2018
Cute story. I'm trying to find one to read for Groundhog's Day, and this may be it.
Curriculum Tie-Ins -Groundhog Day, appreciation, animals
Curriculum Tie-Ins -Groundhog Day, appreciation, animals
January 12, 2019
Groundhog's have feelings. A fun take on Groundhog's... more than just a "weather vane."
January 25, 2019
A silly look at what would happen if the groundhog wanted to take the day off because he's feeling under appreciated!
February 11, 2020
I think this one goes a few pages too long - it seems like the story could end nicely a few times before it actually does. But a good reminder to appreciate people outside their box.
December 31, 2020
A cute enough book about how the groundhog feels underappreciated. I do have mixed feelings about it as I think throwing a hissy fit and quitting isn’t the best thing to model.
February 2, 2021
We LOVE celebrating little holidays with our kids here at the Library. http://donnelly.lili.org/punxsutawney...
February 22, 2021
Loved this book that takes a look at how it feels to only be needed for one thing and not the whole of you.
January 17, 2022
Groundhog has feelings! This book is a sweet reminder that we are all more than just one thing.
January 23, 2022
Thinking about resting for Library read aloud
January 21, 2023
I don't like the art or the story. I feel that the story has an (unintentional) negative message.
January 31, 2023
Groundhog wants to be recognized and valued as a whole, not just for forecasting the weather. A humorous take, but good concept.
February 4, 2023
Mildly entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews