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Groundhog Day!
Will he see his shadow? Will spring come early or late? But most importantly-- what does a groundhog have to do with the weather?
Every year on February 2nd, people all across America watch groundhogs come out of their burrows-- especially in the town of Punxsutawney-- trying to figure out if the weather will stay cold, or begin to warm up.
In Groundhog Day! , children's nonfiction master Gail Gibbons delves into the history behind this unusual holiday, and examines the ancient traditions that evolved into our modern holiday.
With her signature combination of simple, clear text and bright illustrations, Gibbons introduces everything you need to know about groundhogs, too-- what they eat, where they live, and how they raise their young.
An overview of different Groundhog Day traditions around the country is included, as well as a page of groundhog trivia. A perfect introduction to this unique celebration!
Every year on February 2nd, people all across America watch groundhogs come out of their burrows-- especially in the town of Punxsutawney-- trying to figure out if the weather will stay cold, or begin to warm up.
In Groundhog Day! , children's nonfiction master Gail Gibbons delves into the history behind this unusual holiday, and examines the ancient traditions that evolved into our modern holiday.
With her signature combination of simple, clear text and bright illustrations, Gibbons introduces everything you need to know about groundhogs, too-- what they eat, where they live, and how they raise their young.
An overview of different Groundhog Day traditions around the country is included, as well as a page of groundhog trivia. A perfect introduction to this unique celebration!
32 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2006
9 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Gail Gibbons
226 books164 followersFrom gailgibbons.com: I was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1944. Even as a little child, I was always busy putting books together. Sometimes I would bind them with yarn to hold the pages together. I've always loved drawing and painting. I was also a very curious child. My parents tell me that I was always asking lots and lots of questions.
Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.
Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 28, 2020
A book I read out loud to my son for a school assignment. I walked away more knowledgeable about Groundhog day and groundhogs. The hibernating process is fascinating.
Instant homeschooling for COVID-19.
Rating: G
Language: clean
Recommend: yes
Instant homeschooling for COVID-19.
Rating: G
Language: clean
Recommend: yes
February 3, 2019
It was nice learning the history of Groundhog Day, which I didn’t know. Some of the traditions were a little vague, though, but I guess that's all they know about them, since they're centuries old.
I wasn’t expecting the book to also have info on groundhogs.
February 2nd is about the middle of winter.
Groundhog Day came about from old customs and beliefs. Some ancient peoples celebrated a spring festival in early February. Many people cleaned their homes and the areas where they lived, getting ready for a new beginning, and the new spring season.
1,500 years ago, people n Europe started lighting candles in early spring for a new religious celebration. This practice coincided with older observances that celebrated the end of winter and the beginning of spring. (I doubt kids would know what observances meant).
People always thought they could predict when spring would come by watching animals. They thought if a hibernating animal woke up in the beginning of February and saw its shadow, there would be several more weeks of winter. Likewise, if it didn't see its shadow, spring would come early. I was surprised to learn they didn't just watch groundhogs, but hedgehogs, bears, and badgers as well. I also didn't know those animals hibernated.
Some Europeans who came to North America settled in Pennsylvania. They brought along the tradition of predicting spring by watching animals. Many groundhogs lived in this region. Because of that, and the fact that they hibernated, it was logical for them to choose groundhogs to predict when spring would come.
It's funny to think of people going outside and looking for animals to pop up to see if they'll see their shadows.
Early in February, people watched groundhogs to see if they'd see their shadows or not. It became a yearly tradition in many places, such as Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
In 1886, Clymer Freas wrote in the town newspaper that February 2 would be Groundhog Day.
In this town, the groundhog used for groundhog's day is always called Punxsutawney Phil(which I've seen on TV). There's been many Punx. Phils over the years, and each year thousands of people show up at Gobbler's Knob to see if Phil will see his shadow. It seems like they should switch the names up, so it's not just the same every year.
Phil is kept in a burrow under a fake tree stump. At exactly 7:25 am Phil is taken out by town officials who make it look like Phil is whispering to them about whether or not he saw his shadow. I thought that was cute, and I'd like to see that, because I've never noticed that before. Which I've only seen it maybe once on tv.
Sometimes Phil gets it right, and sometimes not. It's still a fun tradition, though.
Lots of new facts I learned about groundhogs.
They're also called woodchucks, which I didn't know. I thought those were two separate animals.
They usually weigh between 5 and 10 lbs, and are about 20 inches long. Groundhogs, like other rodents, like mice, squirrels, and beavers, their large front teeth continuously grow. They wear them down by gnawing, biting, and eating twigs and branches.
Groundhogs are found in parts of the US and Canada.
They live alone in burrows that dig out with their claws, which I thought was sad. They can dig as deep as 6 feet, and their burrows can be spread out more than 30 feet; very impressive.
In the illustration, it showed a toilet chamber on the left, then a hibernating chamber, a nesting chamber, food storage chamber, and finally a sleeping chamber. Pretty elaborate just for one groundhog to live in.
Because they're prey to may animals, they stay close to home, usually near one of the entrances to their burrows. When outside their burrows, they might sit up straight with their front paws held tightly to their chests, eating and watching for danger.
When danger is near, they make a sharp, high-pitched whistle to warn other groundhogs.
They eat as much as they can during summer to increase body fat. In the fall, they go into their burrows to hibernate through the cold winter months. During winter, their fat provides nourishment to keep them alive. To save energy, their body temperature drops and their breathing and heart rate slow down. That was incredible to learn. It's amazing how they prepare for hibernation and what their bodies can do to sustain them.
In some parts of the US and Canada, groundhogs sometimes poke their noses out of their burrows during February, around the middle of winter. Male groundhogs look for female groundhogs around this time, and they mate. Around 30 days later, the female gives birth to their litters of tiny, blind kits. I was shocked to learn their pregnancy only lasts 30 days. In the northern areas, this happens much later.
There's usually 4 or 5 kits, also called cubs, in each litter.
For the first month, the mother takes very good care of their young. After about a month later, the kits can open their eyes and crawl.
When they're around two months old, they are able to leave their mothers to dig their own burrows, and a new generation of groundhogs is ready to care for itself. I couldn't believe it happened so soon, at only 2 months old!
It said that on Groundhog Day, some kids draw pictures of groundhogs, have snacks, and play games, like Shadow Tag. People also read stories to kids about it. I feel like Groundhog Day is a much bigger deal in places like Pennsylvania, and other places where they have the famous groundhogs. I've never known anyone to celebrate it around here.
Punxsutawney Phil is the big star, but there are other famous groundhogs too. I liked seeing all the famous groundhogs in the US and Canada.
There's Chuck Wood, in LA, Unadilla Bill in Nebraska, Jimmy in Wisconsin, Dunkirk Dave in NY, General Lee in Georgia(cute name!), Sir Walter Wally in Raleigh NC(which is adorable), and Staten Island Chuck in NYC.
Novia Scotia even has one, called Shubenacadie Sam. Ontario has a Wiarton Willie, and Alberta has Balzac Billie.
Gardeners and farmers often think groundhogs are pests, because they eat their vegetables, but other people think they're good at tilling the soil when they dig burrows.
Even though groundhogs aren't native to every region, people celebrate the day all over the US and Canada.
There were even more facts at the end.
When a groundhog hibernates, its teeth stop growing and it takes only one breath about every 5 mins.
I thought it was sad they only live 3 to 5 years.
The hibernating chamber is the deepest one in the burrow. A groundhog will often plug up the entrance to that chamber to keep out cold air.
People say in Punxsutawney say their town is the Weather Capital of the World.
About 700 lbs of dirt can be removed by a groundhog digging a very dig burrow. Sometimes they can do all that in one day.
Most of the time groundhogs live alone, except when the females are raising their young.
On Groundhog Day, people read and listen to the news to see if spring will come early.
(I was watching the news that morning and didn't see anything on the groundhogs and their shadows, but I was hoping to watch it).
The illustrations were ok, but dated and old-fashioned looking, like an old cartoon show. I noticed instead of the pine trees being drawn, a blob green was painted, and then dark green lines were drawn over it, so it didn't really have the tree formation.
This was ok. Nice, informational book on a yearly tradition as well as groundhogs. Would be good for a kid's project.
I wasn’t expecting the book to also have info on groundhogs.
February 2nd is about the middle of winter.
Groundhog Day came about from old customs and beliefs. Some ancient peoples celebrated a spring festival in early February. Many people cleaned their homes and the areas where they lived, getting ready for a new beginning, and the new spring season.
1,500 years ago, people n Europe started lighting candles in early spring for a new religious celebration. This practice coincided with older observances that celebrated the end of winter and the beginning of spring. (I doubt kids would know what observances meant).
People always thought they could predict when spring would come by watching animals. They thought if a hibernating animal woke up in the beginning of February and saw its shadow, there would be several more weeks of winter. Likewise, if it didn't see its shadow, spring would come early. I was surprised to learn they didn't just watch groundhogs, but hedgehogs, bears, and badgers as well. I also didn't know those animals hibernated.
Some Europeans who came to North America settled in Pennsylvania. They brought along the tradition of predicting spring by watching animals. Many groundhogs lived in this region. Because of that, and the fact that they hibernated, it was logical for them to choose groundhogs to predict when spring would come.
It's funny to think of people going outside and looking for animals to pop up to see if they'll see their shadows.
Early in February, people watched groundhogs to see if they'd see their shadows or not. It became a yearly tradition in many places, such as Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
In 1886, Clymer Freas wrote in the town newspaper that February 2 would be Groundhog Day.
In this town, the groundhog used for groundhog's day is always called Punxsutawney Phil(which I've seen on TV). There's been many Punx. Phils over the years, and each year thousands of people show up at Gobbler's Knob to see if Phil will see his shadow. It seems like they should switch the names up, so it's not just the same every year.
Phil is kept in a burrow under a fake tree stump. At exactly 7:25 am Phil is taken out by town officials who make it look like Phil is whispering to them about whether or not he saw his shadow. I thought that was cute, and I'd like to see that, because I've never noticed that before. Which I've only seen it maybe once on tv.
Sometimes Phil gets it right, and sometimes not. It's still a fun tradition, though.
Lots of new facts I learned about groundhogs.
They're also called woodchucks, which I didn't know. I thought those were two separate animals.
They usually weigh between 5 and 10 lbs, and are about 20 inches long. Groundhogs, like other rodents, like mice, squirrels, and beavers, their large front teeth continuously grow. They wear them down by gnawing, biting, and eating twigs and branches.
Groundhogs are found in parts of the US and Canada.
They live alone in burrows that dig out with their claws, which I thought was sad. They can dig as deep as 6 feet, and their burrows can be spread out more than 30 feet; very impressive.
In the illustration, it showed a toilet chamber on the left, then a hibernating chamber, a nesting chamber, food storage chamber, and finally a sleeping chamber. Pretty elaborate just for one groundhog to live in.
Because they're prey to may animals, they stay close to home, usually near one of the entrances to their burrows. When outside their burrows, they might sit up straight with their front paws held tightly to their chests, eating and watching for danger.
When danger is near, they make a sharp, high-pitched whistle to warn other groundhogs.
They eat as much as they can during summer to increase body fat. In the fall, they go into their burrows to hibernate through the cold winter months. During winter, their fat provides nourishment to keep them alive. To save energy, their body temperature drops and their breathing and heart rate slow down. That was incredible to learn. It's amazing how they prepare for hibernation and what their bodies can do to sustain them.
In some parts of the US and Canada, groundhogs sometimes poke their noses out of their burrows during February, around the middle of winter. Male groundhogs look for female groundhogs around this time, and they mate. Around 30 days later, the female gives birth to their litters of tiny, blind kits. I was shocked to learn their pregnancy only lasts 30 days. In the northern areas, this happens much later.
There's usually 4 or 5 kits, also called cubs, in each litter.
For the first month, the mother takes very good care of their young. After about a month later, the kits can open their eyes and crawl.
When they're around two months old, they are able to leave their mothers to dig their own burrows, and a new generation of groundhogs is ready to care for itself. I couldn't believe it happened so soon, at only 2 months old!
It said that on Groundhog Day, some kids draw pictures of groundhogs, have snacks, and play games, like Shadow Tag. People also read stories to kids about it. I feel like Groundhog Day is a much bigger deal in places like Pennsylvania, and other places where they have the famous groundhogs. I've never known anyone to celebrate it around here.
Punxsutawney Phil is the big star, but there are other famous groundhogs too. I liked seeing all the famous groundhogs in the US and Canada.
There's Chuck Wood, in LA, Unadilla Bill in Nebraska, Jimmy in Wisconsin, Dunkirk Dave in NY, General Lee in Georgia(cute name!), Sir Walter Wally in Raleigh NC(which is adorable), and Staten Island Chuck in NYC.
Novia Scotia even has one, called Shubenacadie Sam. Ontario has a Wiarton Willie, and Alberta has Balzac Billie.
Gardeners and farmers often think groundhogs are pests, because they eat their vegetables, but other people think they're good at tilling the soil when they dig burrows.
Even though groundhogs aren't native to every region, people celebrate the day all over the US and Canada.
There were even more facts at the end.
When a groundhog hibernates, its teeth stop growing and it takes only one breath about every 5 mins.
I thought it was sad they only live 3 to 5 years.
The hibernating chamber is the deepest one in the burrow. A groundhog will often plug up the entrance to that chamber to keep out cold air.
People say in Punxsutawney say their town is the Weather Capital of the World.
About 700 lbs of dirt can be removed by a groundhog digging a very dig burrow. Sometimes they can do all that in one day.
Most of the time groundhogs live alone, except when the females are raising their young.
On Groundhog Day, people read and listen to the news to see if spring will come early.
(I was watching the news that morning and didn't see anything on the groundhogs and their shadows, but I was hoping to watch it).
The illustrations were ok, but dated and old-fashioned looking, like an old cartoon show. I noticed instead of the pine trees being drawn, a blob green was painted, and then dark green lines were drawn over it, so it didn't really have the tree formation.
This was ok. Nice, informational book on a yearly tradition as well as groundhogs. Would be good for a kid's project.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2019
I was going through my library's catalog under this author, and she had written a lot of different holiday books. I noticed Groundhog Day and saw it was coming up soon so I figured I would read it on that day to celebrate this little holiday.
It's crazy that we turn to a groundhog to determine a season. The date Feb 2 was chosen because it's about the middle of winter. Old stories say that if one sees its shadow there will be 6 more weeks of winter. And if they don't see their shadow spring will come early.
Some ancient people celebrated a spring festival in early February. Many cleaned out their houses to get ready for a new beginning and the spring season.
1,500 years ago Europeans lit candles in early spring for a religious celebration that occurred at the same time as older celebrations for the end of winter and beginning of spring.
It was interesting that people always thought they could predict when spring came by watching animals. They believed that if a hibernating animal woke up in the beginning of February and saw its shadow that there would be several more weeks of winter. The illustrations showed people watching a bear, hedgehog, and badger.
When these Europeans came to North America, some settled in Pennsylvania. They brought their tradition of watching animals to predict spring. They started watching groundhogs because there were a lot in this region and they hibernated.
It became a yearly tradition in many places, including Punxsutawney. In 1886 Feb 2 was named Groundhog Day.
She wrote that the groundhog is always called Punxsutawney Phil but didn't day where the name came from. I assumed someone just made up a P name to have alliteration with the town's name but it was such a miss not to share that and explain the name. I also wondered why the site was named Gobbler's Knob.
I learned that the groundhog is kept in a burrow under a fake stump, and that he's taken out at exactly 7:25am. They make it look like Phil is whispering to them and I thought that was taking it too far!
I liked that it pointed out that sometimes he's wrong, that way kids understand that this isn't fact, but I would have liked for her to specify that it's not the groundhog who is wrong. He hasn't done anything! It's not like he told us anything; the people are the ones who made this custom up, so I didn't like that the blame is on the animal.
It was neat that she included facts about groundhogs, their size and weight and what they eat and that they're also called woodchucks. She also explained that they have long teeth like other rodents so they constantly have to be chewing to wear them down.
I particularly liked learning about their burrows. An illustration showed what the inside of one looks like and explained they can be up to 6 feet deep and 30 feet long. I was surprised that they live alone. They have a toilet, hibernating, nesting, food storage, and sleeping chamber.
They stay close to home since they're prey animals, near one of the entrances to their burrow. They stand up and eat and watch for danger when outside. It reminded me of a prairie dog.
They make sharp, high-pitched whistled when danger is near to warn others. They eat a lot in the summer to put on fat for when they hibernate in the fall through the winter. I like that she explained that their fat gives them nourishment to keep them alive, and their body temp and heart rate lowers to save energy.
It was a bit awkward when it mentioned that in some regions males look for females in February and they mate, and the females give birth 30 days later. Wow. The babies are called kits or cubs and they're born blind. At 1 month they open their eyes and crawl. I was shocked that they leave their moms and make their own burrows at 2 months old. That's so young.
It was an odd and unnatural to say "Lots of people think Groundhog Day is fun" and "People enjoy Groundhog Day." It was like a plug for the holiday, pushing it on readers.
I didn't relate to the school celebration of kids drawing groundhogs, having snacks, and playing games like Shadow Tag. I've never heard of that and have no idea what that is, and the author didn't even explain it!
I liked that she shared other famous groundhogs and where they were at on the map.
Chuck Wood in L.A. Unadulla Bill in Nebraska. Jimmy in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Dunkirk Dave in New York. Staten Island Chuck in NYC. General Lee in Atlanta, Georgia. That's so cute! And I was thrilled that NC has one and it's named Sir Walter Wally. How cool! Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia. Wiarton Willie in Ontario. Balzac Billie in Alberta.
She shared that they're considered pests by some because they eat vegetables. Others admire their digging skills.
It's cool that even though groundhogs don't live in every region in America and Canada, it's celebrated throughout the whole countries.
It ended suddenly and I wish there had been more of a wrap-up about the holiday. But I'm glad it ended with the holiday because there for a while it was all about groundhogs and had left the holiday behind.
I liked the facts on groundhogs at the end. When they hibernate, their teeth don't grow and they only breath once about every five minutes. The hibernating chamber is the deepest one in the burrow and they often plug up the entrance to it to keep out the cold air. They dig about 700 lbs of dirt to make a burrow and they can do this in one day!
People in Punxsutawney say it's the Weather Capital of the World.
I didn't like the illustrations at all. They were very old-fashioned, like drawings, had that outdated, old-timey style. But I did like the images showing the old customs. There were people wearing long dresses and robes with hoods, holding hands dancing around a fire. And a woman sweeping out her room, and a group of people holding candles and walking outside.
I'm glad I read this. It was informative not only about the origins of the holiday but about groundhogs and their habits. I enjoy learning and this was a nice way to celebrate a holiday that I don't do anything else for.
It's crazy that we turn to a groundhog to determine a season. The date Feb 2 was chosen because it's about the middle of winter. Old stories say that if one sees its shadow there will be 6 more weeks of winter. And if they don't see their shadow spring will come early.
Some ancient people celebrated a spring festival in early February. Many cleaned out their houses to get ready for a new beginning and the spring season.
1,500 years ago Europeans lit candles in early spring for a religious celebration that occurred at the same time as older celebrations for the end of winter and beginning of spring.
It was interesting that people always thought they could predict when spring came by watching animals. They believed that if a hibernating animal woke up in the beginning of February and saw its shadow that there would be several more weeks of winter. The illustrations showed people watching a bear, hedgehog, and badger.
When these Europeans came to North America, some settled in Pennsylvania. They brought their tradition of watching animals to predict spring. They started watching groundhogs because there were a lot in this region and they hibernated.
It became a yearly tradition in many places, including Punxsutawney. In 1886 Feb 2 was named Groundhog Day.
She wrote that the groundhog is always called Punxsutawney Phil but didn't day where the name came from. I assumed someone just made up a P name to have alliteration with the town's name but it was such a miss not to share that and explain the name. I also wondered why the site was named Gobbler's Knob.
I learned that the groundhog is kept in a burrow under a fake stump, and that he's taken out at exactly 7:25am. They make it look like Phil is whispering to them and I thought that was taking it too far!
I liked that it pointed out that sometimes he's wrong, that way kids understand that this isn't fact, but I would have liked for her to specify that it's not the groundhog who is wrong. He hasn't done anything! It's not like he told us anything; the people are the ones who made this custom up, so I didn't like that the blame is on the animal.
It was neat that she included facts about groundhogs, their size and weight and what they eat and that they're also called woodchucks. She also explained that they have long teeth like other rodents so they constantly have to be chewing to wear them down.
I particularly liked learning about their burrows. An illustration showed what the inside of one looks like and explained they can be up to 6 feet deep and 30 feet long. I was surprised that they live alone. They have a toilet, hibernating, nesting, food storage, and sleeping chamber.
They stay close to home since they're prey animals, near one of the entrances to their burrow. They stand up and eat and watch for danger when outside. It reminded me of a prairie dog.
They make sharp, high-pitched whistled when danger is near to warn others. They eat a lot in the summer to put on fat for when they hibernate in the fall through the winter. I like that she explained that their fat gives them nourishment to keep them alive, and their body temp and heart rate lowers to save energy.
It was a bit awkward when it mentioned that in some regions males look for females in February and they mate, and the females give birth 30 days later. Wow. The babies are called kits or cubs and they're born blind. At 1 month they open their eyes and crawl. I was shocked that they leave their moms and make their own burrows at 2 months old. That's so young.
It was an odd and unnatural to say "Lots of people think Groundhog Day is fun" and "People enjoy Groundhog Day." It was like a plug for the holiday, pushing it on readers.
I didn't relate to the school celebration of kids drawing groundhogs, having snacks, and playing games like Shadow Tag. I've never heard of that and have no idea what that is, and the author didn't even explain it!
I liked that she shared other famous groundhogs and where they were at on the map.
Chuck Wood in L.A. Unadulla Bill in Nebraska. Jimmy in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Dunkirk Dave in New York. Staten Island Chuck in NYC. General Lee in Atlanta, Georgia. That's so cute! And I was thrilled that NC has one and it's named Sir Walter Wally. How cool! Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia. Wiarton Willie in Ontario. Balzac Billie in Alberta.
She shared that they're considered pests by some because they eat vegetables. Others admire their digging skills.
It's cool that even though groundhogs don't live in every region in America and Canada, it's celebrated throughout the whole countries.
It ended suddenly and I wish there had been more of a wrap-up about the holiday. But I'm glad it ended with the holiday because there for a while it was all about groundhogs and had left the holiday behind.
I liked the facts on groundhogs at the end. When they hibernate, their teeth don't grow and they only breath once about every five minutes. The hibernating chamber is the deepest one in the burrow and they often plug up the entrance to it to keep out the cold air. They dig about 700 lbs of dirt to make a burrow and they can do this in one day!
People in Punxsutawney say it's the Weather Capital of the World.
I didn't like the illustrations at all. They were very old-fashioned, like drawings, had that outdated, old-timey style. But I did like the images showing the old customs. There were people wearing long dresses and robes with hoods, holding hands dancing around a fire. And a woman sweeping out her room, and a group of people holding candles and walking outside.
I'm glad I read this. It was informative not only about the origins of the holiday but about groundhogs and their habits. I enjoy learning and this was a nice way to celebrate a holiday that I don't do anything else for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2020
We read this on Groundhog day. It was a good read about the history of the day and then facts about groundhogs. Big illustrations and a little text on each page made it easy for the baby to stay engaged.
February 9, 2010
I debated between two and three stars on this one and decided to go with three simply because there really aren't many picture books out there on Groundhog Day and if you're in a pinch for something to read to kids, this will do nicely. It's just very boring and factual--the illustrations are cute enough but it's just not really very FUN or interesting to read...
February 3, 2019
Groundhog Day! is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons. It is a cursory history about this unusual holiday. Today (2 February) is Groundhog Day and I thought that this book would be apropos to read today.
The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It has the history of Groundhog Day and how this particular rodent became the predictor of upcoming season. It also has interesting facts about the groundhog and other various famous groundhogs besides Punxsutawney Phil. The illustrations are drawn and depicted rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It chronicles the history of Groundhog Day from its beginnings in England as it is brought over to the New World and flourished there. It is interesting how the humble groundhog became the predictor of upcoming spring or six more weeks of winter. It is, however, too informative and not heavy enough on the narrative.
All in all, Groundhog Day! is a well written book about the history of Groundhog Day.
The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It has the history of Groundhog Day and how this particular rodent became the predictor of upcoming season. It also has interesting facts about the groundhog and other various famous groundhogs besides Punxsutawney Phil. The illustrations are drawn and depicted rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It chronicles the history of Groundhog Day from its beginnings in England as it is brought over to the New World and flourished there. It is interesting how the humble groundhog became the predictor of upcoming spring or six more weeks of winter. It is, however, too informative and not heavy enough on the narrative.
All in all, Groundhog Day! is a well written book about the history of Groundhog Day.
March 24, 2025
With a few changes, I could really like this book. I appreciate the groundhog facts, especially the map providing information about where groundhogs live. Gibbons tells readers that February 2 is around the middle of winter and that "Groundhog Day grew out of old customs and beliefs." Then Gibbons goes on to say, "about 1,500 years ago, people in Europe began lighting candles in the early spring for a new religious celebration. This practice coincided with the older observances that celebrated the end of winter and the beginning of spring." While I appreciate what Gibbons explained that "some ancient peoples celebrated a spring festival in early February" and I understand how that relates to Groundhog Day, I struggle to understand why Candlemas was brought up when it does not help readers understand Groundhog Day traditions better. Also, although I liked Gibbon's illustrations of animals and nature, the illustrated people in the book are not my favorite; I want to see illustrations that include various skin tones and cultures as well as disabled people. The illustrations feel dated.
March 5, 2022
I had time to spend in a library while waiting for my son to complete a class. I decided I wanted to spend time reading picture books because since my children are older, I have outgrown the picture book sharing time with my children; I miss those times. I picked up a book by one of my favorite picture book authors. I love them for their colorful, detailed illustrations but even more so for their educational content, usually of a science/nature flavor that are so approachable and enjoyable for both children and adults alike.
October 3, 2017
This is a very informational traditional literature book about Groundhogs and the tradition of Groundhog Day. I liked how they explained the reality of Groundhog Day and then gave more information about groundhogs and why they hibernate. It would be a good informational read around this celebrated holiday followed by watching Phil to see if he does or doesn't see his shadow.
February 4, 2020
This a great factual informational text by one of the best writers of this genre for children. It gets right to the heart of the tradition of Groundhog Day while providing facts about the animal. This hits the spot for my class of 6 and 7 year olds. When I add a cute fictional story or two about cute little rodents doing impossible things and we have the holiday all covered for school.
January 31, 2024
Used for my STEAM-themed story time program at the library for kids ages 3-5 and another STEAM program for kids ages 5-10. I paired the holiday with the topics of shadows and hibernation. This book does have a lot of text, so I only shared facts with the youngest kids, and with the other group, I read select sentences aloud to them.
December 12, 2018
32 pages. Good resource for Groundhog Day. Colorful illustrations and additional information at the end. I think kids will enjoy it. I was glad to see other famous groundhogs listed and a map to match. Highly recommended for Grades 2-4.
April 28, 2022
Gibbons offers a history of Groundhog Day for elementary level readers. After providing the information on this holiday, she also offers further text on groundhogs themselves.
the illustrations are detailed and offer further support for the facts provided.
the illustrations are detailed and offer further support for the facts provided.
February 8, 2025
A great read aloud for Groundhog Day. The illustrations are very well done. There is a lot of factual information about Groundhog Day and groundhogs in general. It held my children’s attention and they seemed to really enjoy it. I even learned a few things while reading.
July 4, 2018
Engaging and interesting NF book on Groundhog Day including European origins of the holiday and interesting facts about groundhogs. Love the artwork.
January 7, 2019
Non fiction book about history of groundhog day and also facts about groundhogs.
January 28, 2019
Using with adult esl class.
March 14, 2019
Pretty simple, but a good introduction for littles, perhaps.
February 8, 2021
Super informative and interesting for elementary age readers!
January 21, 2022
the information in this book is good, but the order is all over the place! I will still use this in my classroom I just will not read it completely in order!
March 8, 2022
This was an excellent book to use with my students when we studied shadows and groundhogs.
February 2, 2023
I am a HUGE of Gail Gibbons. This was a great book to read aloud today.
February 5, 2024
Very informative book, but still approachable for young readers. Read this with some pre-k students today and they liked it and learned a lot about groundhogs and Groundhog Day!
January 15, 2025
I would have given this more love if the author hadn't completely excluded Woodstock from the stories about Groundhog Day festivals around the world.
February 28, 2025
Best book on Groundhog Day for early elementary.
January 22, 2026
Great nonfiction text about Groundhog's Day as well as groundhogs for kids as young as 3. Teagan was interested in and asked a lot of questions.
February 2, 2026
Simple, informative book about the origins of Groundhog Day with nice illustrations.
February 5, 2017
I like the illustrations. Good information and history of groundhogs, and their holiday.
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