Review by Booklist Review
It's hard to find a winter-setting picture book with bright lights and trimmings, packages, and a feast that doesn't mention Christmas, but Blackaby has created just that. When Brownie Groundhog leaves friends Bunny and the fox for her winter's nap, the fox feels cold, sad, and bored. On impulse, he decides to borrow Brownie's scarf (disturbing her more than once) and gets an idea that grows into a surprise. Children will enjoy Bunny's translations of Brownie's sleepy remarks (Beaky white, yam slippy! Doony dizzer! means Be quiet, I'm sleeping! Do not disturb!). Segovia's acrylic paint-and-ink illustrations emphasize blue tones, suggesting a nip in the air, and the use of red and orange add warmth. The fox's chaotic antics also heat up the pages. Although readers may wonder why Bunny is individualized and fox is always the fox, this is a good choice for a winter storytime without any religious or cultural connotations.--Ching, Edie Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
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 (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
When winter comes, Brownie Groundhog goes into hibernation, leaving her fox friend at a loss ("What about me?"). On a whim, the fox and his new friend Bunny throw a festive winter party with supplies raided from Brownie's house; luckily, she doesn't mind waking up (briefly) for the celebration. The droll story's distinctive characters are brought to life in cozy acrylics. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this sequel to Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox (2011), the two pals meet a new friend, Bunny, and together, the three animals enjoy a winter celebration. Brownie Groundhog just wants a long winter's nap after a December picnic with her friends the fox and Bunny. The fox is bereft at the loss of Brownie's companionship, so he visits her tree-trunk home to borrow her red scarf while she is sleeping. A comical series of misinterpreted questions from the fox and mumbled responses from Brownie ensues, and the fox loads up on all sorts of supplies from Brownie's well-stocked cupboards to create a surprise for his beloved friend. A decorated tree outside, musical entertainment, presents and a candlelit supper appear as if by magic, all planned to astonish Brownie, who is woken by the noise. She's cross, but she forgives the fox when she sees the "wintry surprise holiday feast." A hip design with lots of white space and appealing illustrations using a palette of cool hues complement the snappy dialogue and clever humor. ("[D]on't eat Bunny. She's company.") Each animal has its own distinct look and personality: the grumpy groundhog, the dependent, determined fox, and the cheery, polite rabbit attuned to the feelings of others. Quirky, quiet, clever. Watch for more seasonal adventures from this tantalizing trio. (Picture book. 3-8)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
