Phil's Big Day: A Groundhog's Story
by Liza Woodruff (Author)
Everyone is excited for Punxsatawney Phil's big day. . . except for him.
It's the night before Groundhog Day, and Phil can't sleep. His family's voices fill his head: It's a family tradition! You'll make us so proud! We're all counting on you, you, you! Making pancakes usually sets Phil's mind at ease, but before he can finish making this batch his little sister, Marla, joins him in the kitchen. She can't wait for his big day and insists on helping him practice. She even teaches him a poem to help him keep things straight.
But when Phil's big (scary) day arrives, his nerves take over and his mind goes blank. What had Marla said? If you see your shadow does it mean an early spring? Or is that if you don't see your shadow? His worries are all coming true until he has an idea that saves the day.
In her picture book Phil's Big Day, Liza Woodruff warmly and reassuringly addresses the common but consuming feelings anxiety brings up, and suggests coping mechanisms useful for grown-ups and kids alike. Readers who struggle to have fun in the face of their fears will resonate with Phil's restless thoughts and find joy as Phil takes on his challenges with a supportive sister at his side.
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Publishers Weekly
The night before groundhog Phil is due to predict whether winter is staying or going, he has major performance anxiety. While everyone's in bed, he works to soothe his nerves by doing what he does best--whipping up pancakes--until sister Marla enters the kitchen excited about the event. Phil quickly spirals in response to her question about what could go wrong ("WHAT IF I FORGET WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO DO AND MESS IT ALL UP?"), and Marla offers a mnemonic rhyme to help him carry out the family tradition. When Phil nevertheless remains jittery on February 2, he reaches for a support in the form of Marla's ceremony savvy. Together, their shadows predict six additional weeks of winter, and a much-relieved Phil returns to his skill set: cooking pancakes. Digitally collaged images by Woodruff (Once Upon a Winter Day) contrast the snugness, both emotional and physical, of the groundhog family's lives with more elaborate scenes of Phil's frantic state of mind, pulling readers along to a revelation that asking for help can make a big moment--and an asker--all the better. A recipe and more about the holiday conclude. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
"A sweet and candid representation of anxiety, with a creative twist."—Kirkus Reviews
JUV002000 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | General
JUV017080 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Other, Non-Religious
Fear
Marmots
Groundhog Day
Animal fiction
Siblings
Woodchucks
