Lila is a little groundhog trying to find out a big secret! What happens all winter long while she is asleep? And what's so important about being the first groundhog to wake up? Uncle Wilbur challenges Lila to wake up first and find out. But while devising her plan to be first, Lila falls asleep . . . What happens when Lila does wake up and goes Above Ground to see what's happening? Why are all the other animals waiting for her? Lila discovers the secret of the first one up, and just how important it is to be a groundhog. This charming story about the tradition of Groundhog Day celebrates the arrival of Spring and one little groundhog's moment in the spotlight. Warm, nostalgic illustrations of cuddly critters add to this cozy story, making a perfect family read-aloud. An author's note includes further information on this treasured American tradition of waiting for Spring.

Kindergarten-Grade 2-When Lila, a young groundhog, objects to going to sleep for the winter, Uncle Wilbur tells her to rest so that she can try to be the first one to wake up in the spring and discover a big secret. She is indeed the first groundhog to awaken and quickly runs up the tunnel and outdoors, where she is greeted by all of the animals that do not hibernate and learns from them how important her shadow is. Lovely, warm illustrations, created with gouache, colored pencils, and acrylics, depict the groundhog household as well as a variety of winter animals. A short note on Groundhog Day is appended. This book can be used for holiday celebrations or as an addition to a storytime or unit on hibernation. ---SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Secret of the First One Up is a story about the tradition of Groundhog Day.