It's Up to You, Griffin

Bought this for my nephew because his name is Griffin. Had no idea if it would be a good story or not, so I was happy with such a cute story. The illistrations are pretty good and the story is original and sweet. It's just on the edge of a bit long for a three year old, but he sits through it just fine.

Mother Nature asks Griffin Groundhog to wake up early and let all the other animals know when Winter is over. He eagerly accepts the responsibility and revels in the honor ... until his friend Hugo squelches that enthusiasm with visions of hungry foxes and wolves waiting patiently at the burrow opening. When Griffin wakes up, he cautiously makes his way out of the burrow. He sees his monstrous shadow and scurries back to his bed in fright. After several more weeks of sleep, he wakes up to a glorious Spring day and gives the other animals the good news. This is one of the better Groundhog Day and hibernation stories for children. Susan Pickford provides a good explanation for why Winter will continue when the groundhog sees his shadow -- he's scared of it. Ramsey's colorful illustrations are animated without being cartoony. Mother Nature is portrayed as a senior citizen matron with flowers in her hair bun and mice in her apron pockets. A fun book that should entertain even the youngest children. (Make sure they find the wooly-bear caterpillars in the fall and hibernation scenes.)