Groundhog Gets It Wrong

It’s February 2, and the furry scion of the Groundhog family is slated to make his inaugural weather proclamation: “The entire town was counting on him to determine if winter was coming to an end.” Confident that “groundhogs know weather,” he confirms his lack of a shadow and proclaims, “Celebrate spring—for it starts today!” When the winter-weary town wakes up to a fresh snowfall, the shocked rodent faces furious residents; desperately trying to cover his tracks, he even attempts to melt the snow with a hair dryer. After seeking other gigs, Groundhog retreats to his home and makes a startling discovery: an entire meteorological library left behind by his ancestors, whose predictions were grounded in scientific observation. After reading extensively and earning a degree from an online meteorology school, he offers an evidence-based prediction—and this time, no one is angry at winter’s persistence. This pro-science fable from Townes (Spellbound) and Miles (The Anti-racist Kid) feels a little padded in spots, but its cheery, animation-style digital cartooning makes an unmistakable point: there are no shortcuts to understanding one’s calling, one’s strengths, or the natural world. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Stephanie Fretwell-Hill, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Chad W. Beckerman, CAT Agency. (Jan.)