The Best Picture Books for Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day isn’t just a fun tradition — it’s a great opportunity to explore animals, weather science, prediction, seasons, and storytelling with kids. Picture books are the perfect way to introduce young learners to the lore of Punxsutawney Phil and the wonder of the natural world.
Whether you’re planning a cozy read-aloud, a short science lesson, or a fun holiday celebration, these are some of the best picture books for Groundhog Day that both kids and adults will love.
Groundhog Day Books for Kids
Groundhog Gets a Say by Pamela Curtis-Swallow
A wonderful read-aloud that turns the traditional Groundhog Day story on its head. When the groundhog decides he wants a vote in the weather forecast, kids will giggle at his antics and enjoy the message about being heard. This is perfect for ages 3–7.
Use it for lessons about feelings, respect, and choices.
Groundhog Day! by Gail Gibbons
Bright illustrations and simple text make this one ideal for your youngest readers. It explains the Groundhog Day tradition in a clear, cheerful way, making it perfect for preschool and early elementary kids.
Use it for vocabulary building and introducing holiday traditions.
Groundhog Weather School: Fun Facts from the Forecast by Joan Holub
Part storybook, part non-fiction, this book takes kids inside the weather world of a groundhog. With fun facts and humor, it’s a great way to bridge seasonal reading and science.
Use it for weather science extensions and inquiry time.
The Night Before Groundhog Day by Natasha Wing
Groundhog doesn’t know what season it is, and neither do his forest friends. This creative take on Groundhog Day lets kids follow along with Groundhog’s journey as he learns about seasons and shadows.
Use it for teaching seasons, shadows, and critical thinking.
Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow by David Biedrzycki
This gorgeous fold-and-peek book brings the groundhog’s shadow to life with layered illustrations. It’s interactive and will keep kids engaged from start to finish.
Use it for interactive reading time and observation skills.
Why We Celebrate Groundhog Day: Everything to Know about Your Favorite Holiday by Karen Bush Gibson
A sweet celebration of guessing whether the groundhog will see his shadow, this book invites little ones to make predictions, just like real meteorologists.
Use it for prediction practice and math extensions.
Groundhogs!: A My Incredible World Picture Book for Children (My Incredible World: Nature and Animal Picture Books for Children) by Hope Aicher
A classic that combines warm, nostalgic illustrations with gentle storytelling about what happens each year when the groundhog comes out of his burrow. Great for extended Groundhog Day discussions.
Use it for comparing past and present traditions.
Bonus: Winter and Weather Picture Books to Pair with Groundhog Day
Even if they don’t mention groundhogs, these seasonal titles make lovely companions.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is perfect for talking about weather predictions.
The Snowy Day is a favorite for exploring winter sensations and observations.
What Will the Weather Be? introduces weather vocabulary and forecasting basics.
Find more winter related books in this post: Winter Books for Kids
How to Celebrate Groundhog Day with Books
Create a prediction chart and have kids guess whether the groundhog will see his shadow. Track predictions and revisit the story later.
Add a weather science extension by charting the week’s weather or doing a simple shadow experiment.
Include craft time by making a groundhog puppet or shadow box to explore light and shadows.
Set up book stations with seasonal picture books for independent reading or quiet time.
Why Groundhog Day Reading Matters
Picture books make holiday traditions meaningful by blending literacy with science, culture, and curiosity. Groundhog Day books help kids make sense of the world around them while delighting in stories that spark questions and conversation.
Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching, or reading at home, these titles are sure to make Groundhog Day one of your favorite February traditions.
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