Page 2 - Kind News, Jr. Activity Guide, January/February 2025

ANSWER KEY

Critter Clues FROM PAGE 7
Our mystery critter is the groundhog, also known as the woodchuck.
This large marmot in the squirrel family also earned the name “whistlepig” for the
high-pitched sound made to warn the colony when alarmed. Found in the eastern and
central US and Alaska, they are one of Pennsylvania’s most common mammals. And
that state has made them famous with its Groundhog Day tradition.
Pennyslvania Dutch lore says that if the groundhog emerges from his burrow on
February 2nd and sees his shadow, he will return to hibernation as will winter. If no shadow
is seen, spring will arrive early. Science shows that groundhogs prove out the tradition just
50% of the time. So what are some groundhog hibernation facts?
Groundhogs prepare from summer through early fall by eating large amounts of grasses, fruits,
vegetables, and tree buds and bark. They can eat more than one pound in one sitting and wipe VISIT
out a garden while gorging themselves in preparation for a long rest! Around the end of October KINDNEWS.ORG
or early November, groundhogs situate themselves in a large (as long as 66 feet!) burrow in or for online
activities!
near clear land. Their heart rate slows and body temperature drops to nearly that of their burrow.
They’re kept alive by a two-layered fur coat and the stores of fat from their summer and fall
feasting. Groundhogs rest in this way all winter, and come out after the ground has thawed, in
late February or March.
COVER: PROJECT STREET VET. THIS PAGE: GERALD MARELLA/BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM.
BOOK NOOK

Rescue and Jessica

Written by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes
Illustrated by Scott Magoon
Recommended for ages 4-8

Rescue, a black lab puppy, comes from a family of Seeing Eye
dogs. He’s not sure he’s cut out for the job of service dog, but
that’s what Jessica needs. She’s just lost the lower parts of her legs and is learning to
walk with prosthetics. Together, Rescue and Jessica overcome immense change and
form an incredible friendship and way forward.

A title in the RedRover Readers program, Rescue & Jessica is a wonderful tool Where’s
to help children understand how relationships can serve as a social support; and Raja?
how decisions people make and how we treat others impacts individual lives,
communities and society. Search this title at PenguinRandomHouse.com and find RAJA IS HIDING
ON PAGE 3!
a wonderful video with the authors and Rescue under “Video and Media.”
RESCUE AND JESSICA © 2018 BY CANDLEWICK

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