Book Review: Andrew McGroundhog and His Shady Shadow by Peter J. Welling

Kathleen Angelone — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 06:09:10 +0000

Children know about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. But do they know the story of Groundhog Day? Peter J. Welling’s entrancing new children’s book, Andrew McGroundhog and His Shady Shadow, hopes to impart this legendary celebration to the young and young at heart of today.
The book starts with stories about Thane Andrew McGroundhog’s activities. He wears a tartan kilt, he eats haggis, he hikes and he fishes. The colorful, cartoon-like illustrations feature wonderful pictures of the Loch Ness Monster, the signs for the High Road and the Low Road, Hadrian’s Heights and more Scottish themes. One day he meets his shadow and is surprised that the shadow is unhappy with him. As he learns why and how to deal with it, the story of the groundhog’s prediction of the timing of the winter’s transformation into spring emerges. The book even includes a “Scottish” word glossary.
The book is cute and fun just on the face of it. More than that, though, it offers the opportunity for children to begin to learn about the popular images of Scotland and the holiday we celebrate annually on February 2.
Peter J. Welling will be at Bookmamas on Saturday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m. to read his story. Signature at Irvington will serve Groundhog Cookies and Tea. Bookmamas is located at 9 S. Johnson Avenue (1/2 block east of Ritter and 1/2 block south of Washington). Reservations are not required, but can be made by e-mailing info@bookmamas.com. The event is free. Books will be available for purchase. The author will be glad to personalize and sign any book purchased that day.

Applause!: Jan. 23-30

Weekly View — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:08:43 +0000

• Audrey Britain, who founded Audrey’s Place Furniture and Thrift on East 10th St., passed away Jan. 15. She and her husband John Sr. started the business in 1990, and their son John Jr. runs it now. She was a grand lady who was much loved. Our deepest sympathy to her family and many, many friends.
• IMPD blocked off the street between 9th and Walnut one evening recently, kicking up concern on social media in Emerson Heights. Turns out a good citizen reported an injured owl in the street, and IMPD closed the street to protect it until a wildlife bird rescue from Greenfield could retrieve it. The owl is safe and being taken care of. Good work IMPD and residents!
• Children know all about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, but have they ever heard about Andrew McGroundhog? Learn all about Groundhog Day as Indianapolis Author Peter J. Welling reads his new book, Andrew McGroundhog and his Shady Shadow. Signature at Irvington will provide their special Groundhog Cookies and Groundhog Tea during the reading at Bookmamas, 9 S. Johnson Ave. at 2:00 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 31. Books will be available for purchase. Reservations are requested but not required. E-mail info@bookmamas.com for reservations.
• Many neighborhood associations on the east side have come out against the new proposed ordinance allowing digital billboards in the city. There will be a meeting at City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St., Room 260 on Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. about the subject. A strong neighborhood presence will make a big impression on the Metropolitan and Economic Committee.
• The 2nd Annual Indy Seed Swap, hosted by our own Pete Kuhns and sponsored by the Weekly View, will be Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.-noon at the Benton House (312 S. Downery). Come swap veggie, flower, and herb seeds, talk with your fellow gardeners, see a new hydroponic seed starting system and dream of spring. Everyone is welcome to this free event.
• While the Colts may not be in the Super Bowl, we can all support Second Helpings at the Souper Bowls fundraiser on Jan. 24. You buy a ceramic bowl from local artists, and get an opportunity to sample soups from some of the city’s best known chefs who are competing for bragging rights. Chefs from Pogue’s Run, Barto’s Catering, 120 West Bar & Grill, St. Elmo Steakhouse, The Northside Social, and more will be there. The event will take place Jan. 24 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Second Helpings, the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Center, 1121 Southeastern Ave. Tickets are only $10 each.
• Fourth Friday at Coal Yard Coffee looks like fun! This month’s host is author Brinton Farrand with guest speakers Chi Sherman, Chris Paynter, Lyrikal Remedy and Cyrus Youngman. The fun will be on Jan. 23 from 6-9 p.m. at Coal Yard Coffee, 5547 Bonna Ave.

Weekly View » Andrew McGroundhog

Book Review: Andrew McGroundhog and His Shady Shadow by Peter J. Welling

Applause!: Jan. 23-30