Punxsutawney Phyllis

by Susanna Leonard Hill

Book Overview

Phyllis can't convince Uncle Phil to get out of bed to make his prediction on Groundhog Day. When Uncle Phil realizes he has missed all the signs of an early spring, he knows it's time to retire and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823418723
• ISBN13: 9780823418725
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Holiday House
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.3" x 9.7"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Girls & Holidays are Fun

I read Punxsutawney Phyllis every year to my third grade class, and so does the teacher across the hall. The illustrations are a great match for the text and are well done, and Phyllis is a good role model for young girls (and I think young boys too). This books makes learning fun, and the book is a perfect read aloud--not too long, not too short. The kids always really react to the text and pictures and love discussing the book.

Great artwork

I enjoyed the storyline very much, it's great for little girls. Encouraging for big girls too. The artwork was a joy: creative, subtle and endearing. I particularly enjoyed Phyllis's Titanic pose in the midst of the spring zephyr. I bought five copies as gifts and one to keep.

Set your goals and go after them!

Young Phyllis the groundhog has a goal: she wants to be the next Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-forecasting groundhog who determines whether or not Spring is on its way. She's been told that no female has ever had that role, and that fact doesn't faze her in the least. She loves the outdoors, and she's got a real talent for reading the signs of Spring. When her Uncle Phil doesn't quite make the right call on Groundhog Day, Phyllis proves to him that she's got what it takes. He officially names her his successor. This is by far the best Groundhog Day picture book I've seen. The author and illustrator stay true to the facts and give us a beautiful storyline and amusing drawings to go with it. The final page of the book explains the Groundhog Day tradition. Other reviewers see in these pages a message of empowerment for girls; I see an inspiration to youngsters of both sexes to be true to their convictions and talents. And if they have the right stuff, they can succeed at anything. See my Listmania list for other Groundhog Day recommendations.

A groundhog who is not like others

Susanna Leonard Hill's Punxsutawney Phyllis tells of a groundhog who is not like others: she loves to splash in the cold river and tromp through the snow, and is happy year-round. This Feb. 2nd she's excited about a possible early Spring - but can she awaken old Uncle Phil to make his official Groundhog Day prediction? Jeffrey Ebbeler's whimsical color drawings lend to an inviting story.

A Girl Can Do Anything

This story is not only charming, but it sends the message that a girl can be anything she wants to be if she only believes in herself. As a mother of two young girls, I am always searching for a book that has this message - and the author does it so beautifully here. My four year old asks for this book to be read several times over each time we read it, which is always a sign that the text is lively and fun. But for me, it is the fact that the main character's wit, perceptions, and trust in her own instincts are the things that lead to her achievements that is the real measure of success in this book. I highly recommend it to all girls.