Jan 30, 2025
February 2 is Groundhog Day—the day when we discover if there will be six more weeks of winter or an early spring.
According to folklore, the U.S. tradition springs from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and spots its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will continue for an additional six weeks. If he emerges and doesn’t see his shadow, we can count on an early spring.
There are other such animal forecasting celebrations across the globe, but none more popular than the one with Punxsutawney (pronounced punk-sue-tawny) Phil in Punxsutawney, a small town of about 6,000 residents in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Each year, thousands of people flock to Punxsutawney’s Gobbler’s Knob for a celebration where town leaders dressed in tall black hats converge to wake a groundhog for weather prognostication.
Whether you plan to celebrate the folklore forecast or not, here are some great reads about groundhogs:
Groundhog Day
By Betsy Lewin
$14; Ages 2-6
Publisher: Scholastic Trade
Amazon.com
This early reader book takes kids on an adventure where the true relationship between groundhog Phil and his shadow.
How Groundhog’s Garden Grew
By Lynne Cherry
$9.91; Ages 3-6
Publisher: Blue Sky Press
Amazon.com
Little Groundhog has been making trouble stealing from his friends’ gardens, so his buddy, Squirrel, teaches him how to plant and grow his own food. The result: a grand feast.
The Night Before Groundhog Day
By Natasha Wing & Amy Wummer
$5.99; Ages 3-6
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Amazon.com
It’s coming! Groundhog Day! This tells the whole tale in rhyme.
Groundhog Day Adventure
By Justin Derames
$7.99; Ages 3-8
Publisher: Independently published
Amazon.com
This beautifully-illustrated brand new book tells the story of a lovable groundhog who accidentally misses the Groundhog Day celebration.
Facts About the Groundhog
By Lisa Strattin
$9.99; Ages 3-10
Publisher: Independently Published
Amazon.com
Find out all about the real groundhog in this picture book chock full of facts about the rodent.
Groundhog Secrets: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Woodchucks
By Lieve Snellings
$13.25; Ages 8-10
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Amazon.com
Margot, a wise woodchuck (aka groundhog) takes you into the world of groundhogs, squirrels and chipmunks. Discover all about the family of rodents with photos and more.
The Adventures of Johnny Chuck
By Thornton W. Burgess
$5; Ages 8-14
Publisher: Dover Publications
Amazon.com
Author and conservationist Burgess teaches important lessons through stories about wildlife. This book tells the story of Johnny Chuck, who gets into many adventures as he learns about life.
Mr. Groundhog Wants the Day Off
By Pat Stemper & Olga Levitskiy
$11.99; Ages 9-12
Publisher: UNKNO
Amazon.com
Mr. Groundhog is done with his weather forecasting job—too much drama—so he tries to get a friend to take over. In the process, he realizes he may indeed be the best animal for the job.
50 Groundhogs Coloring Pages
By Janelle Parkton
$7.95; All ages
Publisher: Independently published
Amazon.com
Grab your crayons or colored pencils and celebrate Groundhog Day with some relaxing art! This book has 50 images plus facts. Color and learn!
Serious Nonsense: Groundhog Lodges, Versammlinge and Pennsylvania German Heritage
By William W. Donner
$29.95; Ages teen-adult
Publisher: Penn State University Press
Amazon.com
If you want the real history of Groundhog Day, this is the book. Go inside Pennsylvania German cultural practices and discover the origins and traditions.
According to folklore, the U.S. tradition springs from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and spots its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will continue for an additional six weeks. If he emerges and doesn’t see his shadow, we can count on an early spring.
There are other such animal forecasting celebrations across the globe, but none more popular than the one with Punxsutawney (pronounced punk-sue-tawny) Phil in Punxsutawney, a small town of about 6,000 residents in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Each year, thousands of people flock to Punxsutawney’s Gobbler’s Knob for a celebration where town leaders dressed in tall black hats converge to wake a groundhog for weather prognostication.
Whether you plan to celebrate the folklore forecast or not, here are some great reads about groundhogs:
By Betsy Lewin
$14; Ages 2-6
Publisher: Scholastic Trade
Amazon.com
This early reader book takes kids on an adventure where the true relationship between groundhog Phil and his shadow.
By Lynne Cherry
$9.91; Ages 3-6
Publisher: Blue Sky Press
Amazon.com
Little Groundhog has been making trouble stealing from his friends’ gardens, so his buddy, Squirrel, teaches him how to plant and grow his own food. The result: a grand feast.
By Natasha Wing & Amy Wummer
$5.99; Ages 3-6
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Amazon.com
It’s coming! Groundhog Day! This tells the whole tale in rhyme.
By Justin Derames
$7.99; Ages 3-8
Publisher: Independently published
Amazon.com
This beautifully-illustrated brand new book tells the story of a lovable groundhog who accidentally misses the Groundhog Day celebration.
By Lisa Strattin
$9.99; Ages 3-10
Publisher: Independently Published
Amazon.com
Find out all about the real groundhog in this picture book chock full of facts about the rodent.
By Lieve Snellings
$13.25; Ages 8-10
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Amazon.com
Margot, a wise woodchuck (aka groundhog) takes you into the world of groundhogs, squirrels and chipmunks. Discover all about the family of rodents with photos and more.
By Thornton W. Burgess
$5; Ages 8-14
Publisher: Dover Publications
Amazon.com
Author and conservationist Burgess teaches important lessons through stories about wildlife. This book tells the story of Johnny Chuck, who gets into many adventures as he learns about life.
By Pat Stemper & Olga Levitskiy
$11.99; Ages 9-12
Publisher: UNKNO
Amazon.com
Mr. Groundhog is done with his weather forecasting job—too much drama—so he tries to get a friend to take over. In the process, he realizes he may indeed be the best animal for the job.
By Janelle Parkton
$7.95; All ages
Publisher: Independently published
Amazon.com
Grab your crayons or colored pencils and celebrate Groundhog Day with some relaxing art! This book has 50 images plus facts. Color and learn!
By William W. Donner
$29.95; Ages teen-adult
Publisher: Penn State University Press
Amazon.com
If you want the real history of Groundhog Day, this is the book. Go inside Pennsylvania German cultural practices and discover the origins and traditions.
