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This
colorful picture book provides a fantastical story about how
the groundhog, Mr. Phil, predicts whether or not there will
be six more weeks of winter. Although humans may believe the
prediction is based on the groundhog's fearfulness at seeing
his own shadow, Mr. Phil and his daughter, Mona Marmotte,
know the truth behind the prediction.
A secret underground National Groundhog Weather Center filled
with state-of-the-art technology actually forecasts the weather.
Mr. Phil only pretends to be afraid of his shadow for the
entertainment of humans. Tired of other groundhogs also believing
in magic, Mona sends an email to the Groundhog Broadcasting
Company revealing the truth. Groundhog reporter Jane Underbite
goes on-location to cover the story for her television audience,
and individual responses from her viewers show how the newly
revealed science inspires young animals.
The story begins and ends with a boy and his mother awaiting
the arrival of Mr. Phil. Although humans hold tight to the
belief in the magical tradition of Groundhog Day, the animals
now know the truth thanks to Mona, Mr. Phil, and Jane Underbite.
Young readers will learn about weather, science, groundhogs,
and the Groundhog Day tradition.
The fun illustrations are large and uncomplicated, as parents
and teachers would expect to find in most early reader picture
books. However, the story itself (at 34 pages long) may be
too complicated for early readers to fully comprehend. The
language (mesmerized, barometer, celestial, etc.) is also
rather advanced for a picture book, so ideal readers may be
ages 7-11, depending upon individual reading skills. Most
children in that age range should enjoy this fanciful tale
of weather forecasting. Younger children also might get something
from the story, with parental guidance to help them with the
more difficult words and concepts.
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