Holub presents a clever look at the weather as readers follow some groundhogs (and an imposter) through their training at Professor Groundhog’s school. In their lessons (including “GeHOGraphy”) they write reports on “Famous Furry Hognosticators,” learn other natural weather predictors, read about famous figures in weather history, learn about burrow building, do a skit entitled, “The Reasons for Seasons” and experiment with making shadows. Readers can take “The BIG Test” along with students to see how much they have learned. Sorra’s illustrations combine a scrapbook style, with letters, checklists and typed research reports, and a comic-book style complete with speech bubbles and panels. The result really lets readers get into the premise and allows for diverse facts to be presented in little snippets (and funny comments to be assigned to each unique groundhog). Bright colors, textures and the incorporation of found objects, as well as the busyness of each page will keep readers searching the artwork. Backmatter includes information about Groundhog Day. Nothing in-depth or too serious here, but good fun that will subtly teach in between laughs. (Picture book. 4-8)
