Greedy Groundhogs

Pee Wee Scouts #22

by Judy Delton

Groundhog Day is coming up and the Pee Wees are desperate. They've learned all about hibernation and spring. Now they've got to spot a real live groundhog quickly -- or no furry groundhog badges for them. Squirrels don't count!

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Chapter Books

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Born on May 6th in St. Paul, Minnesota, Judy Delton lived in her hometown for most of her life. She wrote more than one hundred books for children, including the popular Pee Wee Scouts series, which sold more than seven million copies. Her writing was often compared to Beverly Cleary or Carolyn Haywood for her ability to capture the essence of childhood.

For many years, Ms. Delton taught writing classes in her home. Today, those writers are having their own books published and remember her forthright instruction and critique with appreciation. Many writers have benefited from her handbook, The 29 Most Common Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

Ms. Delton had four children and decided to quit teaching so she could stay home and raise them. Writing prolifically was her way of supporting her family. She died very suddenly of a blood infection in December of 2001. Her legions of friends and all those she taught were greatly saddened.

Reviews

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cover:



Today I learned that groundhog meat tastes really good... allegedly. Hmm. Internet is currently selling it for $200... guess I'm not THAT curious! (No, I'm not a hunter, or I doubtless would already know.)

This story is a cute "quest" to spot a groundhog, though apparently the scout leader will just take their word for it they saw one. Nowadays, a photo would be a simple enough request for scouts, I would think. They also have a side quest to make (for no reward other than the satisfaction of making the world a little bit better) something for their homes and/or families, which the main character (Molly) worries about another scout (Tim) being able to do, since his family is poor.

Overall, it's a fun story, though I feel frustrated that some of the scouts really can't tell the difference between a groundhog and a squirrel. Like, size is the big thing! Also... GROUNDhogs are on the GROUND, not in a tree like a squirrel. Is this intentional, to make young readers feel smarter for knowing that? If so, I wish the art didn't have such squirrel-like groundhog illustrations. Good read for younger readers, but possibly a bit dated for them to feel a connection, especially young readers in big cities with fewer places to spot wildlife at ALL, much less real groundhogs in the wild.

[Alexandra Chauran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect reading for the kids during February. A very silly story with good talking points.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Old Children's Book. Liked it as a kid, but haven't read it in years.