How to Catch a Groundhog

How to Catch a

by Alice Walstead, Emma Gillette (illustrator), Andy Elkerton (illustrator)

A new holiday adventure in the NYT and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series perfect to celebrate Groundhog's Day!

The How to Catch kids are playing outside when they accidentally wake the groundhog living in the park. When the Groundhog runs away, the kids realize that tomorrow is Groundhog's Day. If they don't catch the groundhog and bring him back, the town won't know when winter ends! The perfect gift for children ages 4-10 to celebrate Groundhog's Day at home or in the classroom, this fun picture book is filled with silly rhymes and illustrations sure to delight young readers and educators alike with STEAM concepts and classic hilarity and chaos.



The groundhog is a friendly guy, and he likes to be left alone. 

But now we've gone and scared him off. We need YOUR help to bring him home! 



Also in the How to Catch

How to Catch a Dinosaur

How to Catch a Unicorn

How to Catch a Loveosaurus

How to Catch a Leprechaun

How to Catch a Mermaid

and more!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published December 10, 2024

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Catch a Groundhog is a fun story set just before Groundhog Day. It is winter and the children are out playing when one of them accidentally crashes into the roof of the Groundhog's den. He scurries off and they want to catch him to return him to his burrow in time. They set traps near his burrow hoping to lure him back, but have no success. The groundhog escapes by quickly climbing a tree, and we had to google it to see if they really climb trees, they so when trying to escape predators. The kids catch lots of other animals like squirrels and bunnies but not groundhog. When they are trying to clean up their mess, he sneaks past them and ends up back in his bed sleeping until he wakes up the next morning. We enjoyed this story and thought it was nice that they were trying to correct their mistake. We talked about Groundhog Day and if it really predicts the arrival of the seasons. The illustrations were cute, with the kids showing their traps, their expressions and full of action. The groundhog was a bit more cartoonish than I expected, but that was just me. Another winner in this series and one to read when talking about Groundhog Day, the seasons and nature.

[Tasha Mutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star for Alice Walstead. These "How to Catch.." books have become our favorite. The illustrations are always on point, entertaining, and eye catching. The story itself is very cute from beginning to end.

Thank you NetGalley, Alice Walstead, and Sourcebooks Kids for allowing my family to review.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have purchased several of the different books in the ‘How to Catch a…’ series by Alice Walstead for my daughter. Generally, we appreciate the STEM concepts shown in the book, the fun plot twists and the variety of the stories. I was particularly excited to see one written for Groundhog Day but felt that the author could have highlighted the history and the lore behind the holiday a little bit more. The pacing felt a little off in this particular story as well, with the ending coming up rather abruptly.

The illustrations are fun and detailed and catch the eye of the reader. The bright vibrant colors are fun for kids.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idk maybe it’s just me but as a child who grew up in the same town as Phil I don’t feel like the store fit with the lore very much and my kiddo got bored faster than normal 😅
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: How to Catch a Groundhog

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing "How to Catch a Groundhog" by Alice Walstead, and I have to say, it was an absolute treat! This delightful picture book is perfect for kids aged 4-10, and it definitely brought a smile to my face.

The story kicks off with a group of energetic kids playing outside, when they accidentally disturb a groundhog that’s been peacefully living in the park. In their excitement, they realize that tomorrow is Groundhog Day. If they don’t catch this little guy and bring him back, the town won't know if winter is ending or if we’re stuck in it for a while longer! Cue the chaos and hilarity as the kids devise a series of imaginative plans to catch the groundhog before it's too late. It’s such a clever premise that perfectly captures the playful spirit of childhood.

From start to finish, this book is just so charming. The illustrations by Emma Gillette and Andy Elkerton are vibrant and full of life, adding an extra layer of fun to the already engaging story. Each page bursts with color, making it an absolute joy to flip through.

What I loved most about How to Catch a Groundhog is how it blends humor with a touch of educational content. The silly rhymes and playful antics of the kids keep the story light-hearted and entertaining, while also introducing some STEAM concepts in a way that's accessible and enjoyable for young readers.

Overall, this book is a fantastic addition to any child’s library. It’s perfect for reading at home or in the classroom, especially as Groundhog Day approaches. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun story that sparks creativity and laughter. Trust me, you won’t regret picking up this adorable gem!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Julie Ditton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this series, but this particular story seemed a bit disjointed and underwhelming. When kids accidentally knock over the top of a ground hog hole and scare off the ground hog, they fix the damage and try to catch the critter so that Groundhog Day will not be ruined. The story itself lacks the humor usually present in this series, but the colorful illustrations were very clever. They show all the other animals that are attracted by the traps instead of the intended ground hog. My preschooler listener loved the ants! The ending was sudden and seemed to be missing a plot point or page. Like a lot of other picture books, this one neglects to clarify the lore. It says that the groundhog predicts the amount of time till winter ends, but doesn't mention the bit about the shadow. I did like learning that groundhogs can climb trees. It is a cute book, and kids will like the illustrations, but there are a lot of other Groundhog Day books out there.

[Shan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a really good idea here, but I don't think it was executed as good as it could have been. The first thing that didn't work for me was the ending. It felt like there was a missing page or a plot hole, because it jumped from "we have to catch the groundhog" to "happy Groundhog Day, see you next year". I was waiting for something exciting to happen, but it didn't come to fruition. Additionally, there are a lot of characters present, but no development or design for said characters. What I mean by this is that we don't know characters' names, thoughts, emotions, etc. This makes the reading experience not personal, which is a negative. It doesn't give the book layers or depth, which is disappointing.
However, I do think that the idea of catching a groundhog around Groundhog Day is fun! I just really wish that this book didn't fall so short.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids love the How to Catch Series, so I was thrilled to get an E-Arc for this new book that publishes in December.

A group of children are playing outside when they accidentally scare the groundhog away from his home. They try to entice him back with tricks and traps, but are unsuccessful. The groundhog continues to elude them but makes it back safely in time for Groundhog Day. I learned from this book that groundhogs can actually climb trees. I had to look it up, because I didn't believe it.

The artwork is cute, the kids remorse heartfelt and the story fun. Some of the rhymes fell a bit flat for me, but I think most young readers would forgive the author of this fabulous series.

[Sarah Schendzelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom who loves introducing my toddler to seasonal traditions, How to Catch a Groundhog by Adam Wallace is a delightful addition to our reading list! This fun and humorous story follows a group of kids who come up with creative plans to catch the groundhog before it predicts the weather.

The playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations keep my little one engaged, sparking curiosity and laughter throughout the reading. It’s a fantastic way to teach kids about Groundhog Day while encouraging imaginative thinking and teamwork.

Final Thoughts:
How to Catch a Groundhog is a charming and entertaining read that’s perfect for moms looking to add a bit of fun to their seasonal storytelling. It’s a whimsical adventure that will have your little ones giggling and asking for repeat readings!

[Girls Bookish Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of the "How to Catch" series, so I was super excited to get my hands on "How to Catch a Groundhog" - This book definitely lived up to the hype and delivered another dose of hilarious chaos and clever STEAM concepts.

This time, the "How to Catch" kids accidentally wake up the groundhog living in the park, and he runs away! With Groundhog Day just around the corner, the kids realize they need to catch the groundhog and bring him back so the town can know when winter will end.

The story is filled with silly rhymes and action-packed scenes as the kids try all sorts of wacky contraptions and strategies to catch the groundhog. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and full of funny details that will keep kids entertained.

[Kelly | Bookmarks 'n Blankets · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love seeing an illustrated book for Groundhog Day—it’s such a rare topic in children's literature! The artwork was a highlight for me—colorful, funny, and engaging. However, the storytelling didn’t quite hit the mark. While the rhyming text added a playful touch, it felt awkward and didn’t flow naturally. The story itself felt underwhelming and didn’t fully deliver on its potential. While it was still cute and humorous, it wasn’t my favorite in the series. Overall, it’s an entertaining read, but there’s not much to take away from it.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a colorful, fun book to read with little ones all year, not just around Groundhog's Day. The author and illustrator take us along on a fun adventure with a group of kids who are trying to get the groundhog home in time before his big day after accidentally scaring him off while playing. It's a great way to talk to kids about what Groundhog Day is but it's also a wonderful way to start a conversation about respecting nature and ways to do just that. This book is perfect for kids ages 3-6.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Casey Densmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of the "How to Catch...." picture books and I read them often with my class. This book is no exception! I thought the illustrations were wonderfully done. They are colorful and full of detail. I also loved the little peaks into the groundhog's home This book had a silly tone that children will enjoy. It would be a great introduction to spark interest before teaching/learning about Groundhog Day. Overall I think this book is a great addition to the "How to Catch...." picture book series. I'll be purchasing it to include in my classroom library!

Thank you Sourcebook Kids for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am not a big fan of formulaic picture books. And even though that truth extends to the How to Catch series, I've found myself voluntarily reading quite a few of them. Aside from the whole formulaic picture book thing, I find the prose in these books really awkward. It rhymes, so I want the rhythm to feel a certain kind of way. But it doesn't. My brain gets caught up on the rhythm and doesn't do such a great job with the story. I made a real effort to throw out the rhythm that I want when I was reading this one and that was a huge improvement. Let me add that Walstead has phenomenal illustrations.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Catch a Groundhog by Alice Walstead was a fun book! I have several of Alice Walstead’s “How to Catch a…” books in my classroom library, and this one is an interesting addition. The story and illustrations are entertaining and potentially educational. I always point out Groundhog Day when it appears on the calendar; now I have a good read-aloud to share with students to help them understand the holiday. The story and illustrations also provide the opportunity to launch a lesson about animals and weather, too.
Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Kids for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Magic of Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

#howtocatchagroundhog #netgalley

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and thank you for giving me an opportunity to read this book!

A group of kids were playing outside when they accidentally bothered a groundhog which was living in the park. Coincidentally, it was Groundhog Day the next day! The kids feel that if they don’t catch this groundhog, the people in their city would never know the groundhog prediction (winter/spring). The imaginations of the kids run wild, and they try to catch the groundhog before it gets too late!!!

This delightful book is an absolute treat, especially for kids ages 4+. Charming illustrations and humorous text!

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an engaging read that spotlighted learning about Groundhogs Day in a really fun way! I thought the illustrations were very colorful and very eye-catching. I think this would make a great addition to any young readers collection of books. My kids are definitely a fan of this author's "How To Catch A" books and I will be adding this one to our collection when it's released.

Thank you Alice Walstead, Emma Gillette, Andy Elkerton, Net Galley and Sourcebooks Kids for providing me with an ARC of this book!

[Ande Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Catch a Groundhog is an adorable picture book about a group of kids that accidentally disrupts a groundhog's den right before Groundhog's Day when they need him to tell them if winter is ending soon. This was more of an illustration focused book, with several pages that did not have text at all. But the illustrations were so cute, that that is all you needed to follow the story!

Thanks to NetGalley, Alice Walstead, and SourceBooks Kids for the chance to read and review this advance copy. My opinions are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebook Wonderland for an advanced read copy of this book!

My six year old daughter and elementary special education students love the "How to Catch" series books! I love that this new book puts a fun new spin on a holiday that does not have many books highlighting it. My students love Groundhog Day and I am looking forward to putting this into our lesson plans for a read aloud on that day! Alice Walstead once again does a fantastic job of pulling children in with the quick paced, rhyming flow, of her books that keeps children hooked and engaged!

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the rhyming in this one to be a little awkward, and the "catching" part seemed pointless (and kind of boring) when describing the traditions built around Groundhog Day which involve mainly waiting for sunrise on February second. The illustrations were appealing, however, and kudos to the author for mentioning that groundhogs can in fact, climb trees.

This is a pretty popular series, so I've no doubt our library will buy it. Just know that there are far better Groundhog Day books out there.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Wonderland for the read.

[Tayler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a homeschooling mom, I found "How to Catch a Groundhog" to be a delightful addition to our library. This cute little book is perfect for young readers and captures the whimsical spirit of Groundhog Day. With engaging illustrations and a charming storyline, it's sure to be a hit in February each year. I appreciate the creative approach to the theme, making it both fun and educational.

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBook Kids for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Alexondra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Kids and NetGalley for the eARC!

This was a fun addition to the How To Catch series, where a group of kids accidentally disturb a groundhog and end up scaring him out of his home. With Groundhog day the next day, the kids decide that they have to catch this groundhog to save the holiday! This was an entertaining story that rhymed, had colorful illustrations, and is sure to engage readers. A little clunky at times, but overall a good read.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous and compassionate entry in this series. The kids are playing and accidentally break the groundhog's roof. They fix it but he has run off. They explain that he is easily startled but they need to find him as the next day is Groundhog's Day. Readers travel with them as they create traps and capture other woodland creatures. Finally, they succeed and he head home to rest for the big event. The brightly colored illustrations capture the fun and adventures.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids enjoy the "How to Catch a..." series, and the Groundhog title is another fun addition! A group of kids try to catch a crafty groundhog in anticipation of Groundhog Day. We all enjoyed the rhyming verse and silly antics we have come to love of this series.

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Kids for gifting my family with an ARC to review! All opinions are our own.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids really enjoyed the flow and rhymes within the story. The illustrations were also bright with lots of details which my kids enjoyed! I felt that at sometimes the story was a little clunky and would lose its flow. Overall, it was a cute Groundhogs Day story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC!

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you SOURCEBOOK Kids for my gifted eARC

Amazing illustrations and a fun rhyming story! I loved reading How to Catch a Daddysaur to my girls so I was excited for this book! Another great children’s read by Alice Walstead

[Gennifer Tetreault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love the books in the “How to Catch a…” series! They are usually themed around a holiday, and tell a story using super cute rhyming. Anyone with kids should definitely scoop this one up! Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Wonderland & NetGalley for this ARC!

[Sheila Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of the delightful stories from the How to Catch series and this one doesn't disappoint. It is an adorable picture book, both entertaining and educational. Sure to stimulate conversation after story time is over.

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious! The creativity in the illustrations (particularly with the town groundhog’s den) is amazing! How to Catch a Groundhog should be read in classrooms all over at the beginning of February. It reads like a new classic. :)

[Cynthia Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley, Alice Walstead, and Sourcebooks kids for the ebook. This was such a fun read, and my daughter really loved it. The illustrations were great and the story was funny!