Picture Books About Groundhog Day

Preschool and Kindergarten Stories That Feature Groundhogs

Jan 4, 2009

It's getting close to spring. Will the groundhog see his shadow? Use these picture books to get your preschool or kindergarten class into Groundhog Day activities.

Groundhog Day falls on February 2nd. It's the mid point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. If the groundhog sees his shadow, according to folk tales there will be six more weeks of winter. If it is cloudy and there is no shadow, spring is coming! The day originates from the German tradition of looking to a badger or a hedgehog's shadow for a weather report in early February.

Celebrating Groundhog Day with a preschool or kindergarten class helps begin a discussion about the signs of spring. Of course, spring will come no matter what the groundhog sees, but Groundhog Day is a fun way to start talking about the ways in which animals and plants are getting ready for spring.

What is a Groundhog?

A groundhog is a rodent who live in a burrow under the ground. Groundhogs hibernate during the winter and emerge from the burrow in the spring.

Groundhog Day Picture Books to Read to Your Preschool or Kindergarten Class

Whether these books introduce a unit on light and shadow, folk tales and history, or animals and hibernation, they are all an entertaining introduction to groundhogs and Groundhog Day.

This book tells a little bit about the history of Groundhog Day from the perspective of a Scottish groundhog. It’s full of funny pictures and verbal humor, too.

Poor Geoffrey sleeps in. While everyone waits for spring to come and the groundhog to appear, Geoffrey the Groundhog is nowhere to be found. When the media arrive, Geoffrey is unable to see his own shadow because of the glare of the television lights! Not only is this an opportunity to discuss hibernation and sleep, it is also a chance to talk about the media and folk tales.

Gregory the groundhog gets separated from his shadow. How will he be able to tell if spring is coming? This book can help introduce light and shadow activities.

In this picture book about groundhog stage fright, Gretchen must appear to announce whether spring is coming. Can she do it? Or is she too shy? Use this book to talk about feelings, shyness, stage fright, and courage.

In this beautifully-illustrated book, Lila the groundhog helps children discuss and think about the mythology surrounding Groundhog Day. It’s also a good introduction to activities and stories about hibernation and animals in winter.

A groundhog is tired and doesn’t want to wake up, even though spring is almost here. This story is also good for talking about morning routines for those children who have a hard time doing activities in the morning.

Groundhog Day is a time for funny stories and a discussion of the myths and folk tales surrounding different animals. It’s also a great time to introduce activities related to light and shadow to a preschool or kindergarten class. And of course, if the groundhog sees his shadow, it’s time to order some seeds and begin preparing classroom activities for spring!

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The copyright of the article Picture Books About Groundhog Day in Picture Books is owned by Tricia Edgar. Permission to republish Picture Books About Groundhog Day in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.