Groundhug Day

February holidays collide in this warm and funny story: Moose is planning a Valentine’s Day party and insists that “Everyone has to come.” But if Groundhog sees his shadow the next day, “he’ll go back into his hole for six more weeks.” As Moose, Bunny, Porcupine, and Squirrel debate how to keep Groundhog from seeing his shadow, dawn breaks and Groundhog ventures outside. Denise’s digital illustrations have the lushness of oil paintings, and his image of Groundhog staring at his shadow in shock, his robe tied tight and mug of coffee dropped on the fieldstone walkway, is a showstopper. The revelation that Groundhog is scared of shadows sends the story in a new direction (and sets off more bickering). Pace nimbly balances the rewards of trying new things against the necessity of compromise. Ages 3–5. [em]Author’s agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. Illustrator’s agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management. (Dec.) [/em]