Gregory's Shadow
From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 3-This is an unabridged recording of the posthumously published work by Don Freeman (Viking, 2000), author of the popular Corduroy titles and other well-known picture books. In this story, shy Gregory Groundhog and his friend Shadow have become separated on the eve of Groundhog Day. Scared and lonely, Gregory searches for Shadow so that they can be reunited in time for Gregory's appearance at the Groundhog Day celebration. When the two find each other at last, they don't want to be separated again, but Gregory knows that the farmers will be unhappy if Gregory and his shadow both appear on Groundhog Day. So, Gregory comes up with a clever solution. Narrator Jim Weiss gives a superb reading of this story and effectively conveys the emotions of Gregory, which many young children will be able to relate to. Weiss's use of different voices for Gregory, Shadow, and the other characters is well done. The recording also contains original music and sound effects that enhance the story. One side of the cassette has page-turning signals which are sometimes difficult to hear, while the other side contains an uninterrupted reading. A worthwhile purchase for school and public libraries.Shauna Yusko, King County Library System, Bellevue, WACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. Product Description When Gregory the Groundhog sees his shadow and runs away from it the day before Groundhog Day, he must find a way to overcome his fears in order to make his important appearance at the big event. From AudioFile When Gregory Groundhog and his shadow are separated just before February 2, their need to find each other and provide the all-important weather report is acute. Each has an adventure-filled outing before he teams up to wow the assembled crowd about the possible early end of winter. Jim Weiss has a knack for enlivening a story with just the right touches of suspense, animal voices, and judicious pacing. Listeners come away feeling as if they've been right there when Gregory's shadow talks with Scarecrow, when the shadowless Gregory trudges dejectedly to the barn, and when the farmer's feast is shared. Young listeners will enjoy Groundhog Day lore from a new perspective. A.R. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine