Brownie Groundhog and the Wintry Surprise

K-Gr 2—One December day, Brownie Groundhog shares a last picnic with her friends before she heads home to hibernate. Fox is sad that he won't see her until February, but she reassures him that he can keep himself busy doing wintry things. Bunny tries to cheer him up, but the fox is cold and forlorn until they decide to go and borrow Brownie's red scarf. Despite a Do Not Disturb sign, Fox awakens his friend and the sleepy groundhog mumbles something that Fox is certain is a "yes." He discovers other fun things in Brownie's house and borrows them as well. Not long afterward, Brownie is awakened by loud music and wanders outside to see where it is coming from. Fox and Bunny have decorated a huge tree and turned it into a wintry extravaganza. The surprise is magnificent and Brownie decides to stay up and celebrate with her friends before settling back down to snooze. The acrylic paintings are inviting and the spread of the decorated tree is glorious. The ending of this tale of friendship is most satisfying. This book is a natural for a winter celebration that is not attached to Christmas.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA