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Groundhog Secrets: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Woodchucks. A children's non-fiction in a narrative way.
Prepare to embark on a captivating journey into the secret world of groundhogs through the eyes of Margot, the wise woodchuck. Witness the wonders of wildlife and immerse yourself in whimsical photo illustrations that bring these fascinating creatures to life.Have you ever wondered about the mysterious woodchuck? Look no further! This book unravels the enigma surrounding groundhogs (also known as woodchucks) by providing a wealth of information about their habits, traits, and unique characteristics.Margot, our charming woodchuck narrator, is your personal guide on this extraordinary journey. She spills all her secrets, revealing how groundhogs are born, what they truly look like, and who their furry family members are. You'll be captivated by her charming anecdotes and insider knowledge.Ever wondered why medical doctors and scientists study groundhog hibernation? This captivating book uncovers the intriguing reasons behind their fascination. Explore the depths of their winter slumber and discover the remarkable adaptations that make groundhogs true marvels of nature.Are you ready to uncover the hidden world of groundhogs and become an expert in their ways? If so, this remarkable illustrated book is a must-have addition to your collection. Join Margot the woodchuck as she takes you on an unforgettable adventure, offering a close-up encounter with these fascinating creatures.Grab your copy of "Margot the Unveiling the Mysteries of the Groundhog World" today and embark on an educational and enchanting journey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of nature.
- GenresChildrens
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
4 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Lieve Snellings
10 books90 followersLieve Snellings is a retired freelance photographer/author who lives in Leuven (Belgium).
Her series of picture books/children's books, featured with whimsical photos illustrations of wildlife, 'Stories of Groundhogs, Squirrels and Chipmunks' consists of five books, available in Dutch, English, and French:
1) Margot Gets an Unexpected Visit
2) Groundhog Secrets
3) Time for Margot to Go to Bed
4) Why We Wear a Mask
5) Chipmunk Secrets
Lieve Snellings is a Multi-Awarded children’s book author:
‘Why We Wear a Mask’
– Winner of the Gold Medal in the Readers’ Favorite Book Award 2021, category Children’s non-fiction
– Winner Kidlit World Book Award 2021 in the category children’s non-fiction
– Finalist the 2021 IAN (The Independent Author Network) Book of the Year Awards
‘Time for Margot to Go to Bed’ has been honored as
– A Book Excellence Awards Finalist 2020 in the Animals/Pets category
– Honorable Mention Readers’ Favorite Book Award 2020
– Finalist IAN Book of the Year Award 2020
‘Groundhog Secrets – Everything You Always wanted to Know about Woodchucks’
– The winner of the TopShelf Book Award 2020 in the category Children / Animals.
– IAN (The Independent Author Network) Book of the Year Award 2018:
– Reader’s Favorite Book Award 2018
‘Margot Gets an Unexpected Visit‘
– BookGoSocial Top Voted Children’s Author 2017
– Readers Review Room Author of the month of October 2017
Her images illustrated many books, magazines and were published online. Her photos were shown in exhibitions all over the world.
Since 2008, after meeting up with her partner who lives in Quebec, you can find her for about 5 months a year in Canada. There she became a passionate nature photographer. She spent hours, weeks... Observing wildlife and searched every info she could find. This and her imagination made her publish three children's books in which photos are as important as words.
Her stories take the traditional picture book experience and transform it by replacing illustrations by her own nature photography. The books are written in her mother tongue Dutch and translated in English and French.
Her series of picture books/children's books, featured with whimsical photos illustrations of wildlife, 'Stories of Groundhogs, Squirrels and Chipmunks' consists of five books, available in Dutch, English, and French:
1) Margot Gets an Unexpected Visit
2) Groundhog Secrets
3) Time for Margot to Go to Bed
4) Why We Wear a Mask
5) Chipmunk Secrets
Lieve Snellings is a Multi-Awarded children’s book author:
‘Why We Wear a Mask’
– Winner of the Gold Medal in the Readers’ Favorite Book Award 2021, category Children’s non-fiction
– Winner Kidlit World Book Award 2021 in the category children’s non-fiction
– Finalist the 2021 IAN (The Independent Author Network) Book of the Year Awards
‘Time for Margot to Go to Bed’ has been honored as
– A Book Excellence Awards Finalist 2020 in the Animals/Pets category
– Honorable Mention Readers’ Favorite Book Award 2020
– Finalist IAN Book of the Year Award 2020
‘Groundhog Secrets – Everything You Always wanted to Know about Woodchucks’
– The winner of the TopShelf Book Award 2020 in the category Children / Animals.
– IAN (The Independent Author Network) Book of the Year Award 2018:
– Reader’s Favorite Book Award 2018
‘Margot Gets an Unexpected Visit‘
– BookGoSocial Top Voted Children’s Author 2017
– Readers Review Room Author of the month of October 2017
Her images illustrated many books, magazines and were published online. Her photos were shown in exhibitions all over the world.
Since 2008, after meeting up with her partner who lives in Quebec, you can find her for about 5 months a year in Canada. There she became a passionate nature photographer. She spent hours, weeks... Observing wildlife and searched every info she could find. This and her imagination made her publish three children's books in which photos are as important as words.
Her stories take the traditional picture book experience and transform it by replacing illustrations by her own nature photography. The books are written in her mother tongue Dutch and translated in English and French.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 15, 2022
I simply loved this book! Primarily because I learned so much (even as an adult.) Little did I know that groundhogs are also known as woodchucks and that they are also part of the marmot family.
Groundhog Secrets would be an excellent reference book for young readers. Perfect for show and tell well well as for a child's first book report.
The photo illustrations really added to the overall narrative. And photos are a definite plus for this book, and certainly much better than graphic illustrations.
Groundhog Secrets is a must have for any child's reference library. Five excellent stars.
I received a digital copy of the book from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Groundhog Secrets would be an excellent reference book for young readers. Perfect for show and tell well well as for a child's first book report.
The photo illustrations really added to the overall narrative. And photos are a definite plus for this book, and certainly much better than graphic illustrations.
Groundhog Secrets is a must have for any child's reference library. Five excellent stars.
I received a digital copy of the book from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 6, 2022
This is a fun and adorable book that is full of facts about groundhogs. I learned so much as an adult! It’s perfect for any animal lover. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
June 1, 2017
A beautifully illustrated children's book that talks about the Groundhog. Filled with intriguing facts about groundhogs and squirrels. Gorgeous illustrations and overall just lovely. Really enjoyed reading
November 27, 2025
I chose this informative Nonfiction because February means many of us have Groundhogs on the mind (smile). I learned quite a lot. Groundhogs hibernate more deeply even than Bears or Badgers (who knew?) even though Bears are the "poster child" of Hibernation. (Wish I could sleep as deeply as Groundhogs!) Groundhogs are actually Woodchucks, they're blind at birth and till a month after, and even though female Groundhogs are capable of motherhood at one year, frequently they postpone for another two years! Oh, Groundhogs in the wild aren't popping out of their deep burrows early in February! Generally (since they don't like Cold weather), they don't appear till March; later in the far North. Fascinating!
June 2, 2017
Groundhog Secrets: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Woodchucks by Lieve Snellings is a fantastic illustrated children's book about groundhogs. The pictures are stunning and the facts are very interesting. For example, I honestly had no idea that the groundhog was related to the squirrel or the chipmunk! I would definitely recommend this book to readers of animal lovers.
August 29, 2018
GROUNDHOGS HAVE THE MOST AMAZING LIFE!
From the moment Serafine the Postwoman swoops down with a personal letter from Margot’s human friends Marie and Lowieski, Margot is inspired to write her life’s story. If you’ve read “Margot Gets an Unexpected Visit,” you know how precious their friendship is, and how important it is for Margot to impart precisely every fascinating detail of a groundhog’s life, habits and distinguishing characteristics.
But if this is your first encounter with nature photographer and author Lieve Snellings darling woodchuck, you are never left with any questions about what came before. The exquisite detail, the up close and personal photos of Margot and her Sciuridae cousins (squirrels, chipmunks, etc.), and the educational components are all presented in an entertaining narrative.
With Snellings remarkable photography as the backdrop, Margot sometimes goes au naturel, other times she is chic and cheeky with bonnets, hats and scarves which give a hint as to her playful personality. But make no mistake, Margot and her marmot species are brilliant in their use and adaptation of nature’s gifts, especially as architects of very complex underground habitats. This is a book for parents, teachers, and children who will be rewarded with a rich reading experience, a treasure trove of scientific information, and a new respect for the amazing creatures known as groundhogs.
From the moment Serafine the Postwoman swoops down with a personal letter from Margot’s human friends Marie and Lowieski, Margot is inspired to write her life’s story. If you’ve read “Margot Gets an Unexpected Visit,” you know how precious their friendship is, and how important it is for Margot to impart precisely every fascinating detail of a groundhog’s life, habits and distinguishing characteristics.
But if this is your first encounter with nature photographer and author Lieve Snellings darling woodchuck, you are never left with any questions about what came before. The exquisite detail, the up close and personal photos of Margot and her Sciuridae cousins (squirrels, chipmunks, etc.), and the educational components are all presented in an entertaining narrative.
With Snellings remarkable photography as the backdrop, Margot sometimes goes au naturel, other times she is chic and cheeky with bonnets, hats and scarves which give a hint as to her playful personality. But make no mistake, Margot and her marmot species are brilliant in their use and adaptation of nature’s gifts, especially as architects of very complex underground habitats. This is a book for parents, teachers, and children who will be rewarded with a rich reading experience, a treasure trove of scientific information, and a new respect for the amazing creatures known as groundhogs.
February 2, 2019
I’ve read a lot of informational books about animals, books with photographs of animals and stories narrated by animals, but this book does it all . . . AND it’s just SO cute! It is my new favorite animal book bar none!
You will immediately fall in love with Margot, a Canadian groundhog from Quebec, and you will learn more about groundhogs than you ever thought you would. At least I did! Did you know groundhogs are also called woodchucks? Do you know what they eat, how they live, where they live, how they look and what they do when they’re scared, how they hibernate and when and how many pups they have? Well, you will after reading this charming book! This book is appealing to children because the story is told by Margot, who will teach you all about groundhogs (and about some of her cousins, the chipmunk and various squirrels, too)!
There’s a lot of information in this book, but little ones (and their parents/caregivers/teachers) won’t feel like it’s a boring lesson because the photographs of Margot (and some of her darling cousins) on every page are just that adorable! Kids will have a new found respect for these animals and will want to look at this book over and over again. In fact, I think Iwill be looking at this book over and over again!
You will immediately fall in love with Margot, a Canadian groundhog from Quebec, and you will learn more about groundhogs than you ever thought you would. At least I did! Did you know groundhogs are also called woodchucks? Do you know what they eat, how they live, where they live, how they look and what they do when they’re scared, how they hibernate and when and how many pups they have? Well, you will after reading this charming book! This book is appealing to children because the story is told by Margot, who will teach you all about groundhogs (and about some of her cousins, the chipmunk and various squirrels, too)!
There’s a lot of information in this book, but little ones (and their parents/caregivers/teachers) won’t feel like it’s a boring lesson because the photographs of Margot (and some of her darling cousins) on every page are just that adorable! Kids will have a new found respect for these animals and will want to look at this book over and over again. In fact, I think Iwill be looking at this book over and over again!
January 6, 2019
Groundhog Secrets: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Woodchucks by Lieve Snellings is a delightful children's book that kids of all ages will enjoy. Filled with fascinating facts about our "groundhogs" and endearing pictures of the marmot, this book will sure to bring a smile to everyone's face and encourage little ones to explore our beautiful world.
February 3, 2019
What a great way to learn about Groundhogs
This wonderfully illustrated book teaches you everything there is to know about Groundhogs otherwise known as woodchucks. We also learn some interesting facts of animals in their family including squirrels. This book is jam-packed with true facts from the eating habits, living quarters, and hibernation process. Schools would benefit having this factual book in their libraries children and adults alike will love this.
This wonderfully illustrated book teaches you everything there is to know about Groundhogs otherwise known as woodchucks. We also learn some interesting facts of animals in their family including squirrels. This book is jam-packed with true facts from the eating habits, living quarters, and hibernation process. Schools would benefit having this factual book in their libraries children and adults alike will love this.
November 13, 2019
Love it!
This picture book is a must-read for children and adults alike. Who knew groundhogs hibernated for 5 months? Author Snellings is a talented photographer too.
This picture book is a must-read for children and adults alike. Who knew groundhogs hibernated for 5 months? Author Snellings is a talented photographer too.
November 22, 2017
Cute and endearing (the book and the groundhogs!). I gave this a score of 16/20. Full review here:
https://rhianwriting.wordpress.com/ai...
https://rhianwriting.wordpress.com/ai...
June 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this book with its pictures. For once, I had the photos of groundhogs, not illustrations of them. Never imagined how groundhogs live, breed, collects foods, which I can read and reveled in images as real as if I can see them in front of my eyes.
September 16, 2022
My daughter and I really enjoyed this book, which was presented by Margot the Woodchuck, a cute character who made us laugh. The book is full of photographs and interesting, detailed information about woodchucks, groundhogs, marmots and squirrels, and their lives, such as what they look like, where they live, how they build their homes, what they eat, and how they hibernate in the winter.
It is a great book, which I highly recommend, as we found it really fascinating.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
It is a great book, which I highly recommend, as we found it really fascinating.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
August 23, 2017
Found out some new things!
I had no idea that wood chucks could climb trees! I still don't quite get how they store fat on a veggie diet. How do they locate each other if they are so solitary? I know I love watching mine, and really enjoyed this book. Thank you.
I had no idea that wood chucks could climb trees! I still don't quite get how they store fat on a veggie diet. How do they locate each other if they are so solitary? I know I love watching mine, and really enjoyed this book. Thank you.
June 15, 2017
A beautiful book for children all about woodchucks with stunning photographs and lots of information, such as why they like salt so much, how they drink, and how their burrows underground are built. I can imagine this book being carefully preserved and passed from child to child, enchanting each one. Very well done to the author for an original, and interesting, book.
August 13, 2017
This is an excellent book, full of facts woven into Margot the Groundhog's story. I enjoyed learning about groundhogs and truly loved the photography. I plan to recommend this book to school librarians as it will be a great addition to school libraries as well as home.
April 15, 2022
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
We don’t have groundhogs here in my country, but I do love the little creatures and always eager to learn more about them! And I thought it was fitting to read to read this book now (Feb 7th) because it has just been Groundhog day, a day that is still a bit odd to me, but also I find it an interesting tradition.
I love that this book is told from the POV a groundhog named Margot (love her name) and that she is going to tell us, the readers, everything about herself and her family. From where she lives (in Quebec) to what she eats (yummy clover, alfalfa, and berries and seeds, oh and the occasional egg) to their teeth! I do think that saying they are herbivores but then saying they eat meat (insects etc.) was a tad odd, I think it would have been better to say they are primarily herbivores. Because now it just seems you are describing omnivores. I didn’t know that groundhogs loved salt that much and would even lick the roads (which seems dangerous, but I guess they just cannot resist, so people watch out). And there is tons and tons of information to learn and read up on! I learned a lot while reading and I love it!
I didn’t know that groundhogs were called woodchucks! I already learned something new by page 9! Nice!
But groundhogs aren’t the only one getting a chance to tell their story! We also meet various creatures in the Sciuridae family. I had fun with that interlude and reading about various squirrels/chipmunks~
While I did love the book and all the facts I learned, I do feel it was a shame that it got so monotone. That it was just facts after facts. I would have rather seen the story mix and mingle fiction with non-fiction. Read about her adventures and along the way we get some facts.
There are tons of cute photographs though! Of Margot/other woodchucks and other cute animals. I really loved seeing those!
All in all, despite it getting monotone, I still had fun reading this one and I learned a lot. Also cute photographs is always a win for me! I think this would be a nice addition to classrooms.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
We don’t have groundhogs here in my country, but I do love the little creatures and always eager to learn more about them! And I thought it was fitting to read to read this book now (Feb 7th) because it has just been Groundhog day, a day that is still a bit odd to me, but also I find it an interesting tradition.
I love that this book is told from the POV a groundhog named Margot (love her name) and that she is going to tell us, the readers, everything about herself and her family. From where she lives (in Quebec) to what she eats (yummy clover, alfalfa, and berries and seeds, oh and the occasional egg) to their teeth! I do think that saying they are herbivores but then saying they eat meat (insects etc.) was a tad odd, I think it would have been better to say they are primarily herbivores. Because now it just seems you are describing omnivores. I didn’t know that groundhogs loved salt that much and would even lick the roads (which seems dangerous, but I guess they just cannot resist, so people watch out). And there is tons and tons of information to learn and read up on! I learned a lot while reading and I love it!
I didn’t know that groundhogs were called woodchucks! I already learned something new by page 9! Nice!
But groundhogs aren’t the only one getting a chance to tell their story! We also meet various creatures in the Sciuridae family. I had fun with that interlude and reading about various squirrels/chipmunks~
While I did love the book and all the facts I learned, I do feel it was a shame that it got so monotone. That it was just facts after facts. I would have rather seen the story mix and mingle fiction with non-fiction. Read about her adventures and along the way we get some facts.
There are tons of cute photographs though! Of Margot/other woodchucks and other cute animals. I really loved seeing those!
All in all, despite it getting monotone, I still had fun reading this one and I learned a lot. Also cute photographs is always a win for me! I think this would be a nice addition to classrooms.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 21, 2017
Excellent non-fiction book!
This is an excellent children's book with many facts about the groundhog. It contains beautiful photographs on each page. My daughters enjoyed learning all about this intriguing animal! I highly recommend this for classrooms everywhere!
This is an excellent children's book with many facts about the groundhog. It contains beautiful photographs on each page. My daughters enjoyed learning all about this intriguing animal! I highly recommend this for classrooms everywhere!
February 13, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about groundhogs and learned so much new information in the process. For example, I was unaware that groundhogs and woodchucks are the same. I didn't realize that groundhogs hibernate, nor could I imagine the intricacy of their tunnel passageways that can extend five feet below the ground. It's strange to think that groundhogs crave sodium and often get it by eating the snow plowed against the side of the road.
The author's beautiful photographs and book design add another dimension to the work. Readers learn about the physical characteristics of the groundhog, their diet, their tunnels, mating practices, and communication. They belong to the class of marmots which live in the Northern Hemisphere. Snellings gives a brief account of the marmots related to the groundhog such as the black, squirrel, gray squirrel, red squirrel, and chipmunk.
Doctors study the hibernation habits of the groundhog and hope to be able to use this information to help humans undergo surgery without anesthesia one day. Young readers will learn so much in this charming tale, narrated by Margot the Groundhog. I highly recommend this book for parents, teachers, and young animal lovers ages six through twelve.
The author's beautiful photographs and book design add another dimension to the work. Readers learn about the physical characteristics of the groundhog, their diet, their tunnels, mating practices, and communication. They belong to the class of marmots which live in the Northern Hemisphere. Snellings gives a brief account of the marmots related to the groundhog such as the black, squirrel, gray squirrel, red squirrel, and chipmunk.
Doctors study the hibernation habits of the groundhog and hope to be able to use this information to help humans undergo surgery without anesthesia one day. Young readers will learn so much in this charming tale, narrated by Margot the Groundhog. I highly recommend this book for parents, teachers, and young animal lovers ages six through twelve.
February 12, 2022
Good, educational content and pictures🙂
This book is a good educational tool, with lots of facts about groundhogs and even some about squirrels, their rodent cousins. Where they live; what and how they eat; how they survive the cold of winter and raise their babies are just a few of many facts provided about furry groundhogs along with some good, close-up photos. Need to know why they are sometimes called whistle-pigs? You'll learn it here. I think it would be useful in a primary school classroom or at home in conjunction with the celebration of Groundhog Day on February 2.
Unfortunately reading my copy in ebook format did not do the content justice. The pages were out of order and many of the photos were segmented and spread over several pages. Despite the lack of text flow, it was still an interesting lesson.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary ebook copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This book is a good educational tool, with lots of facts about groundhogs and even some about squirrels, their rodent cousins. Where they live; what and how they eat; how they survive the cold of winter and raise their babies are just a few of many facts provided about furry groundhogs along with some good, close-up photos. Need to know why they are sometimes called whistle-pigs? You'll learn it here. I think it would be useful in a primary school classroom or at home in conjunction with the celebration of Groundhog Day on February 2.
Unfortunately reading my copy in ebook format did not do the content justice. The pages were out of order and many of the photos were segmented and spread over several pages. Despite the lack of text flow, it was still an interesting lesson.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary ebook copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
December 22, 2017
What a fantastic educational book which provides stunning photographs and images throughout. I was amazed at the detail. I have to say I also learnt a few things I didn’t know and there will stay with me, including the section on squirrels and also the Groundhog Day story comes from.
An enjoyable read that I will be sharing with my children.
An enjoyable read that I will be sharing with my children.
February 6, 2019
A beautifully presented educational book all about Groundhogs. The information is presented in the form of a story and is fully illustrated with stunning photographs, some of which really made me smile. There’s lots of great factual content and I can imagine this story being popular with schools and children who are interested in nature.
April 21, 2019
Groundhog and wildlife heaven for my Little Girl, Sophina and Scarlett.
We must have read this book, one hundred times. She loves the professional photos of the animals and the fun and educational story within. This is the best put to getter and professional book in my kindle and I have hundreds. Can’t wait for more from this author. Neither can my daughters.
We must have read this book, one hundred times. She loves the professional photos of the animals and the fun and educational story within. This is the best put to getter and professional book in my kindle and I have hundreds. Can’t wait for more from this author. Neither can my daughters.
February 5, 2022
A charming, informative read narrated by our marmot guide Margot. Children learn about groundhogs' and other North American rodents' anatomy, dietary needs, and behaviors. Colorful photographs, maps, and diagrams accompany the information-dense reading. A fantastic read for those young readers foraging for more grains of wisdom. A great addition for any young reader's library section.
January 27, 2021
I had the pleasure of reading book two of the Groundot Secrets series. Margot is a sweet character and all of her woodland friends truly love her. I enjoy the nature photography the most and believe each child can be transformer from their living room or bed into nature by reading Lieve's books.
November 27, 2025
⭐ Children’s Book | Animals
Thank you to BooksGoSocial for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Groundhog Secrets: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Woodchucks takes a narrative-driven approach to children’s non-fiction, blending factual information with a playful storyline. Having read the author’s other book featuring Fiston the chipmunk, this one feels quite different in tone and style.
The visuals rely on photo manipulation, featuring animals wearing hats, holding satchels, and interacting with props. While the concept is fun, the composites are noticeably edited and not entirely seamless. The text can also be a bit difficult to read because it’s placed directly over detailed photographs, and the blocky paragraph layout lacks the visual variety that would make it more engaging for young readers. A more playful font, better spacing, or varied text weights would have helped the readability. In Fiston there was a thought/speech bubble like texture for the text that probably could've worked here too.
Aesthetics aside, the book does deliver information about groundhogs, staying true to its title. There’s even a cameo from Fiston, which may feel slightly out of place if you haven’t read the previous book, but for returning readers, it’s a cute nod.
Overall, Groundhog Secrets is an imaginative attempt to blend narrative storytelling with animal facts. While the visual execution leaves room for improvement, the book provides educational content wrapped in a whimsical and creative presentation that children may find entertaining.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Groundhog Secrets: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Woodchucks takes a narrative-driven approach to children’s non-fiction, blending factual information with a playful storyline. Having read the author’s other book featuring Fiston the chipmunk, this one feels quite different in tone and style.
The visuals rely on photo manipulation, featuring animals wearing hats, holding satchels, and interacting with props. While the concept is fun, the composites are noticeably edited and not entirely seamless. The text can also be a bit difficult to read because it’s placed directly over detailed photographs, and the blocky paragraph layout lacks the visual variety that would make it more engaging for young readers. A more playful font, better spacing, or varied text weights would have helped the readability. In Fiston there was a thought/speech bubble like texture for the text that probably could've worked here too.
Aesthetics aside, the book does deliver information about groundhogs, staying true to its title. There’s even a cameo from Fiston, which may feel slightly out of place if you haven’t read the previous book, but for returning readers, it’s a cute nod.
Overall, Groundhog Secrets is an imaginative attempt to blend narrative storytelling with animal facts. While the visual execution leaves room for improvement, the book provides educational content wrapped in a whimsical and creative presentation that children may find entertaining.
November 27, 2025
I liked the photos in the book that tell a little bit of a story as well as giving facts.
The facts given in the book were good and a great way to learn more fun facts about Groundhogs, or Woodchucks - the names do change at the start of the book as either can be used and there is an explanation and other nicknames discussed a little way in to the book such as whistle-pigs, but I think if you are interchanging Groundhog and Woodchuck from the outset, possibly highlighting this for children sooner would be a good idea so they don't get confused if they are not aware.
The book was well laid out and the text was nice and clear to read too but it does have quite a bit of scientific information on the family groups, some Latin is used and measurements so I feel it is a book for primary school children that are a little older. It also has a few mentions of other animals - it is not just restricted to groundhogs and covers other species in the squirrel family that they belong, along with small chipmunks and prairie dogs.
As a little note, 9% in to the book it says Artic Circle, not Arctic Circle which could do with being corrected as it is a children's book.
The facts given in the book were good and a great way to learn more fun facts about Groundhogs, or Woodchucks - the names do change at the start of the book as either can be used and there is an explanation and other nicknames discussed a little way in to the book such as whistle-pigs, but I think if you are interchanging Groundhog and Woodchuck from the outset, possibly highlighting this for children sooner would be a good idea so they don't get confused if they are not aware.
The book was well laid out and the text was nice and clear to read too but it does have quite a bit of scientific information on the family groups, some Latin is used and measurements so I feel it is a book for primary school children that are a little older. It also has a few mentions of other animals - it is not just restricted to groundhogs and covers other species in the squirrel family that they belong, along with small chipmunks and prairie dogs.
As a little note, 9% in to the book it says Artic Circle, not Arctic Circle which could do with being corrected as it is a children's book.
January 24, 2026
This informative book is full of more information about groundhogs and their cousins than anyone would even think to ask. This excellent reference book is written at a third or fourth grade level, but it will fascinate readers of any age. As an adult, I learned a lot about groundhogs, including the fact that groundhogs and woodchucks are one and the same and that they are part of the squirrel family. The fantastic nature photography will interest any reader and the occasional cute photoshopped pictures of the groundhog wearing clothes made my preschool grandson giggle. There is a lot of information, but if an adult reader skims and reads aloud selectively, than even a little one can be entertained. As the subtitle explains the nonfiction book is also narrative. The book is narrated by a groundhog who is writing a letter to friends who want to know more about her. This initial style would appeal to little ones, but is in direct conflict with the dense fact filled text, so the narrative style doesn't quite work. That said, this is an excellent reference book that should be on classroom shelves and will appeal to any nature lover.
December 3, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful and educational book about groundhogs. Narrated by Margot the Groundhog, it shares fascinating facts I didn’t know—such as that groundhogs and woodchucks are the same, the complexity of their tunnels, and their surprising craving for sodium. I also loved learning about their hibernation habits and how doctors study them to advance human medicine.
The book is beautifully illustrated with stunning photographs that bring the groundhog and its world to life. My daughters enjoyed exploring it with me, and I found it engaging and informative as well. I highly recommend this book for parents, teachers, and young animal lovers ages six through twelve.
A huge thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
The book is beautifully illustrated with stunning photographs that bring the groundhog and its world to life. My daughters enjoyed exploring it with me, and I found it engaging and informative as well. I highly recommend this book for parents, teachers, and young animal lovers ages six through twelve.
A huge thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
December 21, 2025
Margo, the wise narrator will be are guide to the hidden world of groundhogs. I became so fascinated in the ways they live. There are close-up encounters with these creatures. The result of reading this and studying the colorful illustrations I am going out to my backyard where I saw one poking his head out and looking around. I wonder if I will find any other “holes” with dirt right next to it. Wish me luck!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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