Groundhog Gets a Say!

Groundhog Gets a Say

Written by Pamela Curtis Swallow

Illustrated by Denise Brunkus

Scholastic Inc., 2005

34 Pages

Fiction

          Groundhog Gets a Say is a great rendition to the traditional Groundhog Day story; that is what appealed to me and made me want to read this book.  Groundhog believes that he is more than just a shadow and should be appreciated more. He believes Groundhog Day should be for a week or maybe even a month.  The groundhog is teaching a crow, a squirrel and another groundhog, who just so happens to be a reporter, about the life of a groundhog. He teaches them about the many nicknames he has, such as the whistle pig and woodchuck. He teaches them about the burrow he builds, the animals he is related to, and his predators. He even teaches them his scientific name, about hibernation, and why he is helpful to scientists. Groundhog Gets a Say is a great way to teach children about not only groundhogs but also many other science topics. This is a great read for any age! 

Brunkus’ illustrations are created by using watercolor and color pencil. Her illustrations are bright and humorous. True to Brunkus’ form of illustration, the illustrations are cartoonish, yet realistic in style. The illustrations vary between formal and informal text placement. The illustrations also vary between whole and part page illustrations. 

This book would be great for a science lesson on groundhogs and other similar animals, hibernation, habitats, and animal families. Language Arts could be incorporated by having students write their own version of a Groundhog Day story from the groundhogs point of view. History could be incorporated by learning the reason and history behind Groundhog Day.  This book did not receive any awards.