Much like children at bedtime, Groundhog doesn't want the fun to end and refuses to hibernate when winter comes. At first, he has fun playing in the snow, but eventually he gets cold and hungry. His friends refuse to wake up - or let him share their nests or food - so he announces spring early, in January! The other animals realize they've been tricked, but by then, Groundhog is already asleep in his cozy burrow. ( )

Groundhog loves to run and play with all his forest animal friends. He's just not the type to hibernate, and sleeping all winter is boring. After all, who has time for hibernating when there are so many fun things to do? Groundhog would rather play hide-and-seek than prepare for winter. Even when winter arrives, he would rather be building a snowman than taking a long winter nap.

Staying up is great except for being alone. All the other forest animals have burrowed into their warm homes until spring. All alone and hungry, Groundhog cooks up a plan to celebrate an early spring, but will his friends play along?

The Bottom Line: There aren't too many books out there about Groundhog Day, but this one is a winner. In this charming book, Groundhog learns about the consequences of breaking the rules. Luckily, his friends are there to teach him the error of his ways. Groundhog Stays Up Late is highly recommended for tots ages 3 - 5. Jean Cassels used gouache to beautifully illustrate Groundhog's winter adventure. Parents will enjoy reading this to kids at bedtime. Also, it would make a great book for story hour at school or at the library.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )