Christopher Denise (www.christopherdenise.com) is the illustrator of many critically acclaimed books for young readers including Alison McGhee's Firefly Hollow, Rosemary Wells's Following Grandfather, and Betsy Devany's Lucy Lovey, as well as several in Brian Jacques's award-winning Redwall series. His books have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list and have been recognized by Bank Street College of Education, Parents' Choice Foundation, and the Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition. Christopher lives in Rhode Island with his wife and three daughters, who all give excellent hugs.

Praise for Groundhug Day:

* "February holidays collide in this warm and funny story... Denise's digital illustrations have the lushness of oil paintings, and his image of Groundhog staring at his shadow in shock, his robe tied tight and mug of coffee dropped on the fieldstone walkway, is a showstopper.... Pace nimbly balances the rewards of trying new things against the necessity of compromise."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A moose and his forest friends are busy planning a Valentine's Day party, but one aspect of the organizing stops them in their tracks.... The light and shadows in the artwork are magical, a golden glow pervading the spreads. Readers may learn a thing or two about both being a friend and getting over their own fears."--Kirkus Reviews