"Do you know how to make a resolution?" Squirrel asked Bear. "Is it like making a snack?"

Bear laughed. "Resolutions are more important than snacks."

"More important than snacks?" said Squirrel. "What is a resolution?"

Squirrel knows that New Year's Day is a great day for making resolutions! But what does it mean to make a resolution, anyway? As she makes visits around the forest she learns about New Year's resolutions and helps her friends get started on theirs. If only she can think of a resolution of her very own . . .

"Ember's illustrations allow the cuddly characters to pop against the bright acrylic spreads, and these anthropomorphized woods (a classic diner perches in a tree, for instance) will appeal to the audience." —Kirkus Reviews

"The happy pictures and the (possibly new) knowledge that a resolution is an important, attainable goal carry the day. Perfect for those tired of pumpkins and Santa." —Booklist

"Ember's thoughtfully detailed acrylic paintings create a friendly woodland setting. . . . It should get kids considering resolutions of their own." —Publishers Weekly

"The simple dialogue and predictable plot make this a good read-aloud, and the brightly colored, acrylic cartoons are full of fun details and expression, giving the woodland creatures anthropomorphic characteristics. This introduction to the tradition of resolutions is a strong addition to holiday collections." —School Library Journal

"The concept of making a resolution may be difficult for young children to grasp; however, Miller does a terrific job of capturing this meaning as Squirrel faces a new year and wants to learn more about them. . . . Ember's illustrations make this story worthwhile, as the plates are vibrant, detailed, and very cute. The story is straightforward and easily understood by younger audiences. This would be an excellent book to teach about resolutions in a fun way." —Library Media Connection

Pat Miller is a writer, teacher, and school librarian. Substitute Groundhog, her first picture book collaboration with Kathi Ember, was a Junior Library Guild selection. Pat lives in Texas with her husband and three children.

Kathi Ember is the illustrator of many books for children, including Substitute Groundhog and A Father's Day Thank You. She lives with her husband, three sheep, and four cats in an old stone farmhouse just outside of Kutztown, Pennsylvania.