We all know how Shubenacadie Sam spends Groundhog Day, but what does she do on Groundhog Night?
That's the focus of Doretta Groenendyk's latest children's book.
The NSCAD grad tells CityNews Halifax, it focuses on the night before Sam's big day.
"The groundhog is wandering around Shubenacadie Wildlife Park wondering if all the other animals will have shadows too," Groenendyk explained.
"As Sam goes, she comes across moose and otter and all the other animals you can visit in the park, and starts asking questions about her impact in the park and what the other animals are like."
For such a little animal, according to folklore, Sam has a big impact on our local weather this time of year.
In addition, Groenendyk says she portrays the groundhog as a budding biologist with hints of a philosopher.
"Looking for signs all around in nature and exploring, that's a really crucial thing for kids to do, and asking questions about where we live and discovering the diversity," the award-winning illustrator and author stated.
"Any parent or teacher who is interested in sharing nature, outdoors and our local animal wildlife with kids, this book is really a nice bridge to that."
Groundhog Night: Shubenacadie Sam's Shadow is available in stores, online, and can also be picked up in the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park gift shop.
It comes highly recommended by Shubenacadie Sam herself, who has it listed as her favourite book.
The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park will be open from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, February 2, with Sam scheduled to emerge from her burrow at 8 a.m.
The prediction can be watched in-person or online through the park's Facebook page.
According to folklore, if Sam sees her shadow, we get six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will come early.
