Hello, friends! My name is Holly, and I’m proud to call Woodstock, Illinois my home. There’s no other town quite like ours—especially on Groundhog Day! Each year, the whole community gathers on the square to see the groundhog make his big prediction. It’s a celebration full of laughter, cocoa, and small-town magic. Our town holds an extra-special place in Groundhog Day history—because the beloved Groundhog Day movie was filmed right here in 1993! To this day, it’s a cherished memory that brings people together every February. You’ll notice that this book includes many things near and dear to Woodstock’s heart: our pageant queen, the groundhogs typing on typewriters (after all, we’re known as Typewriter City!), the historic Opera House, and even our farmers market, where friends and families gather all year long. These are just a few of the things that make our town so special. As for me, I’ve been a teacher and a mama to four wonderful kids, and writing children’s books has been a dream of mine since I was in elementary school. The combination of my love for art and the spirit of Woodstock inspired this story, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I loved creating it. With warmth and whimsy, Holly Adkins.

About the book

Join in as two furry friends turn a chilly Groundhog Day into a warm celebration of friendship, community, and cocoa-fueled adventure. "When Will Meets Phil" is perfect for elementary-aged kids and lovers of the movie Groundhog Day and the people of Woodstock, IL. This is a fun innocent book that brings two communities together and promotes acceptance and friendship.