by Iris Kiskey Arno
Paperback, 32 pages
Published 2003
by Scholastic Inc
ISBN-13-978-0-545-15210-5
ISBN-10-0-545-15210-0
Book Source: Bought
Rated: 5 Stars
Book Overview: When Lila, a young groundhog, objects to going to sleep for the winter, Uncle Wilbur tells her to rest so that she can try to be the first one to wake up in the spring and discover a big secret. She is indeed the first groundhog to awaken and quickly runs up the tunnel and outdoors, where she is greeted by all of the animals that do not hibernate and learns from them how important her shadow is. Lovely, warm illustrations, created with gouache, colored pencils, and acrylics, depict the groundhog household as well as a variety of winter animals
Mary’s Review: Can you keep a secret? This quaint paperback book tells the story of Lila Groundhog. She doesn’t want to go to sleep for the winter with the rest of her family. She wants to play and stay awake. She also wants to know why Uncle Wilbur is always the first one awake and Above Ground before everyone else. His reply to her is that it’s a secret and Lila wants to know the secret because she loves secrets. Uncle Wilbur tells her that if she wants to know the secret then she needs to make sure she is the first one up and Above Ground before anyone else. Does Lila make it Above Ground before everyone else? Does she learn the secret of the Groundhog? Well, you will have to read the book and see for yourself.
This book is illustrated by Renee’ Graef with lovely and warm illustrations depicting the groundhog family and many of the beautiful winter animals.
I recommend this book for ages 4-8.
About The Author: Iris Hiskey Arno began her career as a classical singer. She toured the US, Canada, and Europe singing opera, medieval, and contemporary music. When she became a mom, she took off her traveling shoes and started writing children’s books. She also combined her interest in music with her interest in children’s literature and wrote several musicals for children to perform. Iris lives with her family just outside New York City in a house with a rainbow-colored porch.
About the Illustrator: Renee’ Graef received her Bachelor’s Degree in Art from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has illustrated over 40 children’s books, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, and the “Kristen” books and paper dolls from the American Girl Collection. Renee’ lives in Wisconsin with her Husband and their two children.
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