Bear and Hare want six more weeks of winter. Squirrel and Sparrow want an early spring. All four bribe Groundhog to rule in their favor. In the end, Groundhog cannot ignore his shadow, even if it means displeasing some of his friends. Rich paintings of anthropomorphized forest creatures are engaging, though the story's messages about friendship and honesty aren't very clear.

Groundhog has a problem! Every year, half of his friends want more winter and the other half want spring. Recently they've started offering bribes: delicious pies, peanuts, and games of catch. Although Groundhog keeps insisting that he doesn't make the weather, he just reports it, no one listens. Desperate, Groundhog asks Owl for help and gets tough but wise advice. Remenar's rhythmic text is peppered with humor and descriptive vocabulary that is supported wonderfully by Faulkner's ebullient illustrations done in pencil, watercolor, and gouache. The bright, bold illustrations completely fill each large page, making this book perfect for large group storytimes, while closer inspection also rewards. Individual readers will find many humorous details like a Save-the-Date calendar and a large bear sitting in front of a bowl marked "porridge." Ideal for public and school libraries.