School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Gregory and Greta squabble over everything. Their constant bickering is apparently regarded as endearing, as the adults smile indulgently while the twin groundhogs pull at ears and tails, fighting over the last piece of pie. "'Double trouble,' said Grannie Groundhog with a smile." Grampie Groundhog, who appears to be having a glass of red wine, then announces that he is retiring and will be passing his spring-forecasting job down to one of the twins, who immediately begin to fight over it. Both siblings are only interested in the fame the job will bring ("I'll be in all the newspapers!" "I'll be on TV!"). Apparently qualifications aren't relevant, as Grampie decides between the children by drawing straws. Gregory wins and gloats, Greta loses and sulks, and the fight that ensues is once again greeted with indulgent smiles from the adults. Gregory sleepwalks during the winter, and, on February 2, he finds that he has misplaced his glasses and will not be able to see his shadow. Greta comes to his rescue. The two realize that they make a good team, then return to the ear tweaking and tail pulling. Their family may love them-but most children will find them unpleasant. Cauley's watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations depict a cozy groundhog world, but its denizens are neither interesting nor memorable. For a good Groundhog Day tale, try Pamela Curtis Swallow's Groundhog Gets a Say (Putnam, 2005) and for the supreme teamwork tale, nothing beats Peggy Rathman's Officer Buckle and Gloria (Putnam, 1995).-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A squabbling set of twins learns the art of cooperation in this seasonal tale from Roberts. When Grampie Groundhog announces his retirement, fractious twins Gregory and Greta decide they each want the job. Like most siblings, twins or otherwise, the duo have no little difficulty sharing. Disappointment looms when Grampie selects just one successor, Gregory. However, when his anxiety over this new responsibility nearly ruins Groundhog Day, the pair discover that two is better than one--especially when they work together. Cauley's watercolor-and-colored pencil illustrations have a classic feel to them, featuring amber-hued, cozy home scenes that neatly complement the tale and capture the twins' antics with a keen and comical precision. The happy resolution of the story provides a satisfying conclusion and with its simple explanation of Groundhog Day, this warm-hearted tale offers readers an entertaining introduction to an annual event. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
It's the night before hibernation in the Groundhog burrow, when the family enjoys a sustaining feast punctuated by the squabbling of twins Gregory and Greta (aka Double Trouble). Grampie Groundhog, who announces his decision to retire from his annual gig as a weather forecaster, lets the twins draw straws to decide who will take over his responsibilities. Gregory wins, but when they awaken on February 2, he discovers that he needs his sister more than he imagined. With a good balance of sibling conflict and support, the story creates a tension familiar to children and diffuses it in a playful way. Cauley's colored-pencil-and-watercolor illustrations create a cheerful setting peopled by dressed animals that express very human emotions. Teachers looking for picture books to read aloud on Groundhog Day will find this a satisfying choice.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2008 Booklist
