Shadow Chaser: From the Land of the Barely There

Gabriel Groundhog is afraid of shadows and does not want to leave his burrow on Groundhog Day. He even lashes out at a "bundled bunny" who knocks on the door several times to rouse him. The creatures of the forest get together and decide that if they can't take Gabriel to his shadow, they will take shadows to Gabriel. They enter his bedroom and make shadow figures on the wall, showing him that there's nothing to be afraid of. Together they laugh, and together they emerge into the world -- with Gabriel in his red and white striped pajamas, purple robe, gold scarf, blue jacket, and green slippers -- where the animals give him room to check for a shadow. He doesn't see one. The moral of the story is that friends can help you through tough times, if you just give them a chance. Pages of intricate and exquisite full-color illustrations give this story a classic feel and make "Shadow Chaser" one of the best Groundhog Day picture books currently available. See my Listmania list for more recommended Groundhog Day titles.