Groundhog’s Dilemma by Kristen Remenar
Groundhog’s Dilemma
To see or Not to See, THAT (of course) is the question!
After Groundhog announces six more weeks of winter, half his animal friends are disappointed, while the other half are excited. Each animal asks Groundhog to make his prediction in their favor the following year. Rather than being truthful about the fact that he just “calls it like he sees it,” he leads them to believe he can control the weather, accepting their gifts of food and favor. On the next Groundhog Day, he finally admits he made promises he couldn’t keep because he was trying to please everyone and makes amends.
Matt Faulkner’s rich illustrations are packed with hilarious details that will delight readers of all ages. No matter what weather the Groundhog predicts, curling up with this fun book is a great way to spend the winter.
“Faulkner’s anthropomorphic animals and vibrant colors recall Uncle Wiggly, and the illustrations are packed with humorous details that repay rereadings. Remenar’s graceful prose and the subtlety of her message, pitched to older preschoolers and early-elementary students, are a good match. A sly and funny take on truth-telling and friendship.”
- Kirkus Reviews
“The colorful pencil, watercolor, and gouache illustrations, which take up the full pages and are quite detailed, keep the story interesting and work to bring the forest animals to life. Whimsical details, such as the baseball stadium named “Wiggley Field,” will keep adults entertained as well…VERDICT A nicely illustrated, satisfactory story that meets a need for Groundhog Day titles.”
- School Library Journal
“Faulkner’s highly detailed illustrations complement Remenar’s tale, offering the reader a wealth of added elements to observe while they ponder the weighty story. This is a great starting point for difficult discussions about friendship, honesty, acceptance, and doing what’s right. All’s well that ends well in this lovely story. Recommended for public libraries, elementary classrooms, and home collections.”
- Children’s Literature
About the Author:
Learn more about Kristen at kristenremenar.com
I’m an author, children’s librarian, teacher, and a national speaker on early literacy. Aside from my deep, abiding love for chocolate, children’s books are my passion. Unlike chocolate, the more books I get my hands on, the better.
I am thrilled to announce that GROUNDHOG’S DILEMMA is available! My debut picture book is published by Charlesbridge and is illustrated by the award-winning author/illustrator (and super-cute husband), Matt Faulkner.
You can buy the book at www.indiebound.org , at your local independent bookshop, at Barnes and Noble, or at Amazon.
For those with a snarky, dark sense of humor, you’ll like DRAW WITH A VENGEANCE: GET EVEN IN INK AND LET KARMA HANDLE THE REST written by my alter ego, Helen Wrath. Find it at indiebound.org, at your local bookshop, or at Amazon.
I also teach seminars about early literacy for preschool teachers, librarians, media specialists, authors, and illustrators. These seminars can be tailored to fit your schedule, from hour-long sessions to half-day or full-day seminars, and can held in person or virtually. My latest seminar is called The Best Books to Teach the Common Core State Standards for Reading (K-3). I write for ReaderKidZ, Nerdy Book Club, and Curious City.
I am lucky enough to be married to the very talented author/illustrator Matt Faulkner. Together we have three lovely children and two mostly-lovely cats. The FaulkneRemenars live in Michigan.
