Groundhog Day is a fun holiday to celebrate with children. Early February is usually a cold and dreary time of year thus the “excitement” of Groundhog Day is a good excuse for some family fun. When my children were young we would get out our Groundhog Day books on the last weekend in January. We would spend the next few days reading our small collection of Groundhog Day books and looking forward to what would happen on Groundhog Day – would the groundhog see his shadow or not?
The following list of Groundhog Day books is made up of a few of our family’s favorite Groundhog Day books as well as a just-released Groundhog Day book. You can order these Groundhog Day books on-line or from your local bookstore. You may also be able to find some of these great Groundhog Day books at your local library.
Great Groundhog Day Books for Children –
Geoffrey Groundhog Predicts the Weather by Bruce Koscielnak
In this story Geoffrey has to deal with the media frenzy that surrounds him coming up from his burrow and how it made it impossible for him to see his shadow – or lack of it. A funny story that is very culturally current. Click here for more information on Geoffrey Groundhog Predicts the Weather.
Wake Up, Groundhog! by Susan Korman
In this book Gregory Groundhog is too cozy and sleepy to get out of bed. All his animal friends try to wake him up, but Gregory is determined to stay in bed. Finally a very grumpy Gregory gets out of bed, much to the delight of his friends, only to see his shadow, which sends all his friends back to their beds. Click here for more information on Wake Up, Groundhog!.
It’s Groundhog Day by Steven Kroll
This story has a bit of a twist in that it deals with a raccoon that wants there to be six more weeks of winter. The raccoon even goes so far as to kidnap Godfrey Groundhog but never fear, a happy ending is in store. Click here for more information on It’s Groundhog Day.
Gretchen Groundhog, It’s Your Day! By Abby Levine
This is a Groundhog Day story for the girls (although boys will enjoy it as well). Gretchen is needed to take over for her Great-Uncle Gus but Gretchen doesn’t think she can do it, because she is too shy. Click here for more information on Gretchen Groundhog, It’s Your Day!.
Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub
This book is a recent addition to the Groundhog Day genre as it was published in December, 2009. Our family does not yet own a copy of this book but it has received very good reviews. The amazon.com website says “Professor Groundhog opens a school so groundhogs can learn to accurately forecast the weather each February. Following along with the amusing cast of students, kids are drawn in by the thoroughly engaging tale while they learn fun facts about different animals (groundhogs in particular), seasons, weather, and predicting the weather. With funny asides and a comic-style approach to the illustrations, this informational story presents a fresh look at Groundhog Day through the eyes of the animals who live it each year.” Click here for more information on Groundhog Weather School.
If reading Groundhog Day books has your family interested in more Groundhog Day fun, check out Associated Content author Mindy Carson’s articles “Fun Groundhog Day Activities for the Whole Family” and “Groundhog Day: Free Printable Coloring Pages for Kids.
I wish you and your family a very happy Groundhog Day!
