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How Groundhog's Garden Grew
Little Groundhog learns how to plant and tend to his own food garden through every season in this beautifully-illustrated, thoroughly researched picture book by naturalist Lynne Cherry.
Little Groundhog, in trouble for stealing from his friends' gardens, is taught by Squirrel to grow his very own. From seed-gathering to planting, harvesting, and eating home-grown fruits and vegetables, children join Little Groundhog in learning about the gardening process. At the end, Little Groundhog invites his animal friends to a Thanksgiving harvest feast.
Beautiful illustrations and thorough research on plants and insects make this sweet story an engrossing read, as well as a great picture-book introduction to how plants grow. Children and schools can follow Groundhog's lessons.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 25, 2019
Beautiful illustrations and an engaging take on planting a garden and seeing it through to harvest. It's my children's very favorite gardening-themed book, so, enough said! ;-)
July 31, 2022
This is a book that I have a lot of trouble deciding whether it belongs in fiction or nonfiction. While it does feature anthropomorphic animals, it's chock full of information about how to grow a garden in all seasons. I feel like it would work well as a supplemental book for a life science lesson on gardens and various plants and things to help plants grow. If anyone's read it, please provide some insight on what you think so I can go and reshelve it in the system or put it back where I found it (in fiction)
How Groundhog's Garden Grew definitely spoke to me because of the cover art. It's gorgeous. In the book, however, it's a little too much. Every few pages, there's a border of various labeled fruits and vegetables that detracts from the page. There's also a lot of text per page, and the illustrations on themselves have a lot going on as well.
I also don't know how I feel about how realistic the drawings are of anthropomorphic creatures. I know it's just a little thing, but it kind of bothers me because I'm not really used to it. Usually, anthropomorphic animals are much more cartoonish, and here, they're very realistic.
Overall, this book has some good points, but also some that are fairly annoying.
How Groundhog's Garden Grew definitely spoke to me because of the cover art. It's gorgeous. In the book, however, it's a little too much. Every few pages, there's a border of various labeled fruits and vegetables that detracts from the page. There's also a lot of text per page, and the illustrations on themselves have a lot going on as well.
I also don't know how I feel about how realistic the drawings are of anthropomorphic creatures. I know it's just a little thing, but it kind of bothers me because I'm not really used to it. Usually, anthropomorphic animals are much more cartoonish, and here, they're very realistic.
Overall, this book has some good points, but also some that are fairly annoying.
March 19, 2025
A beautiful way of learning about gardening through the eyes of a little groundhog.
September 9, 2025
This is one of my favorite children's books, and I was thinking about it yesterday for some reason, so I decided to read it again and enjoy the beautiful illustrations that author Lynne Cherry graces the book with. Little Groundhog starts out by stealing food from other's gardens, but Squirrel teaches him how to grow his own food from seed, how to store seeds over the winter, and how to cook and share his produce. While the story is sweet, the illustrations are what make the book stand out for me. Around many of the panels that advance the story, there are borders that depict what Squirrel is sharing with Little Groundhog in the scene. When she talks about seeds, the border contains quite a variety of types of seeds; when she described the growth process, we see a potato in all its elements - white, red, and sweet; potato flowers, leaves, and beetles. As Little Groundhog's seeds emerge from the ground, we see a border of tiny seedlings, again from quite a variety of garden vegetables; and when Wren and Praying Mantis explain to Little Groundhog how they can help with the garden, the border contains a plethora of bees, birds, beetles, and insects that are beneficial to plant life and growth.
The border illustrations remind me somewhat of Jan Brett's style, and the beautiful botanical illustrations remind me of the book A Seed Is Sleepy and others in that marvelous series illustrated by Dianna Hutts Aston (which also includes A Rock Is Lively, A Butterfly Is Patient, A Nest Is Noisy, A Beetle Is Shy, An Egg Is Quiet, and A Shell Is Cozy). All of these books are treasures because of the lifelike, carefully rendered illustrations of the plant and animal kingdom that might expose a whole new world to an unfamiliar reader. Enjoy!
The border illustrations remind me somewhat of Jan Brett's style, and the beautiful botanical illustrations remind me of the book A Seed Is Sleepy and others in that marvelous series illustrated by Dianna Hutts Aston (which also includes A Rock Is Lively, A Butterfly Is Patient, A Nest Is Noisy, A Beetle Is Shy, An Egg Is Quiet, and A Shell Is Cozy). All of these books are treasures because of the lifelike, carefully rendered illustrations of the plant and animal kingdom that might expose a whole new world to an unfamiliar reader. Enjoy!
March 3, 2010
This is a wonderful book to get little ones interested in gardening. Groundhog has been eating vegetables from the gardens of other animals and Squirrel scolds him and tells him to grow his OWN garden. When Groundhog says that he doesn't know how to grow a garden, Squirrel decides to teach him everything he'll need to know about how to grow fresh vegetables all year round.
One thing I loved, are the little pictures that go around the border on some of the pages. There are pictures of different seeds, different vegetables and what they will look like once they're ready to be picked, and some of the various bugs that might show up in your garden. They're all labeled too.
The story does read a little scientifically at times and covers topics like composting, pollination, what a perennial plant is, and the role that insects have in helping vegetables bear fruit but it's done in a way that children will understand.
At the end of the book, Groundhog cooks a big dinner for all of his animal friends to thank them for their help.
"What a fortunate creature I am," he thought. "Delicious, nutritious, homegrown food and wonderful friends to share it with."
The illustrations are very realistic and detailed looking.
There's also a great note by the author about how important healthy food is and how she learned everything about gardening from her parents when she was a child. :)
One thing I loved, are the little pictures that go around the border on some of the pages. There are pictures of different seeds, different vegetables and what they will look like once they're ready to be picked, and some of the various bugs that might show up in your garden. They're all labeled too.
The story does read a little scientifically at times and covers topics like composting, pollination, what a perennial plant is, and the role that insects have in helping vegetables bear fruit but it's done in a way that children will understand.
At the end of the book, Groundhog cooks a big dinner for all of his animal friends to thank them for their help.
"What a fortunate creature I am," he thought. "Delicious, nutritious, homegrown food and wonderful friends to share it with."
The illustrations are very realistic and detailed looking.
There's also a great note by the author about how important healthy food is and how she learned everything about gardening from her parents when she was a child. :)
October 30, 2022
How Groundhog's Garden Grew definitely spoke to me because of the cover art. It's gorgeous. In the book, however, it's a little too much. Every few pages, there's a border of various labeled fruits and vegetables that detracts from the page. There's also a lot of text per page, and the illustrations on themselves have a lot going on as well.
Overall, this book has some good points, but also some that are fairly annoying.
Read my full review on my Goodreads account for children's books
Overall, this book has some good points, but also some that are fairly annoying.
Read my full review on my Goodreads account for children's books
March 27, 2022
“What a fortunate creature I am ... Delicious, nutritious, homegrown food and wonderful friends to share it with.”
Little Groundhog sees Squirrel’s beautiful garden and helps himself to the “Scrumptious! Irresistible!” vegetables. Squirrel chastises Little Groundhog for taking what doesn’t belong to him, but then offers to show Little Groundhog how to grow his own garden. The hard work is all worth it when they share their feast with friends.
A great explanation for students on how to set up their own garden.
Little Groundhog sees Squirrel’s beautiful garden and helps himself to the “Scrumptious! Irresistible!” vegetables. Squirrel chastises Little Groundhog for taking what doesn’t belong to him, but then offers to show Little Groundhog how to grow his own garden. The hard work is all worth it when they share their feast with friends.
A great explanation for students on how to set up their own garden.
February 28, 2018
Thought about reading this during a storytime but felt it was too long. But still wanted to comment that I really enjoyed this book and thought it was cute. Follows the story of a hungry groundhog and a helpful squirrel who grow and tend to their own garden over a year's time. It is easy to follow and the illustrations are beautiful and detailed and really help with the story.
This would be a good book to read with a child who wants to learn more about gardening, starting a garden, and the different kinds of plants and crops you could put in a garden. Touches on perennials, bulbs, pollination. There are some big words! But is easy to follow along with.
Although this is a fictional book, I am including this on my personal "nonfiction" shelf because of the great information it has about gardening.
This would be a good book to read with a child who wants to learn more about gardening, starting a garden, and the different kinds of plants and crops you could put in a garden. Touches on perennials, bulbs, pollination. There are some big words! But is easy to follow along with.
Although this is a fictional book, I am including this on my personal "nonfiction" shelf because of the great information it has about gardening.
September 10, 2017
This story is about the little groundhog and how he learns about how plants and vegetables grow. He is also introduced to the seasons and the lifecycle of the plants him the and other animals in the woods. The illustrations help support this great story that would go very well with a science unit on growing plants and food. Great read for young students as they get an introduction as to where food comes from. I would certainly utilize this story in a science unit to help my students learn about plants and how their food is grown.
April 24, 2018
This book has absolutely gorgeous and meticulous illustrations, of animals, seeds, sprouts, and insects, well labeled and described. Vocabulary words such as "irresistible" and "nutritious" and "fertilizer" make this an advanced reading for a child on his/her own.
I was tempted to give this five stars, but animals gardening just doesn't make sense. Squirrel corrects Groundhog for stealing from the other animals' gardens, but squirrels are some of the worst thieves of all. Yes, I know it's a children's book.
I was tempted to give this five stars, but animals gardening just doesn't make sense. Squirrel corrects Groundhog for stealing from the other animals' gardens, but squirrels are some of the worst thieves of all. Yes, I know it's a children's book.
March 3, 2024
Fun idea to teach gardening concepts through a story format but i found it wordy as a story for kids goes.
I didn’t like that the beginning has groundhog getting scolded for taking garden food and being told he won’t have a friend in the world, and the end has him sharing his food with all the animals to apologize. I’d like it more if the concept was that we all can grow food to contribute to community garden and shared harvest. Poor groundhog.
The illustrations were absolutely beautiful, though.
I didn’t like that the beginning has groundhog getting scolded for taking garden food and being told he won’t have a friend in the world, and the end has him sharing his food with all the animals to apologize. I’d like it more if the concept was that we all can grow food to contribute to community garden and shared harvest. Poor groundhog.
The illustrations were absolutely beautiful, though.
August 30, 2018
This was a cute book about a squirrel teaching a little groundhog how to plant and take care of the produce in a garden. This would be an excellent book to use to teach students about gardening and how it works. The illustrations in the book were amazing and very detailed! Having great pictures that go along with the story makes it a lot more interesting! The book talked about the process of when to plant seeds, how to label them, and then how to cook them. Great book!
February 1, 2020
Outstanding! Gorgeous illustrations of common garden plants and animals, science lessons about the cycle of an entire gardening year—gathering, storing, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, enjoying—plus a well-told story about friendship and teamwork among the garden dwellers make this a masterpiece for readers of all ages.
September 22, 2017
I like to garden. we had a garden this year we only grew tomatoes. i told my mom that next year i want to grow carrots. there were a lot of words in this book. i got kindof bored in the middle -- (age 5)
April 18, 2022
After being caught pilfering food from other gardens, Squirrel teaches Little Groundhog how to plant, water, and tend to a garden of his very own. Little Groundhog is amazed at what he has accomplished, and shares his bounty with others.
May 11, 2022
This book was so much fun. The characters are cute and sweet. We learned about sharing and giving. Plus so many other things.
The author shares say to garden and beyond.
The illustrations are magical and there’s so many teaching moments.
Don’t forget to read the Author’s Notes.
The author shares say to garden and beyond.
The illustrations are magical and there’s so many teaching moments.
Don’t forget to read the Author’s Notes.
July 16, 2022
This is one of my favorite books to read to my children. It is a sweet story, teaches basics about garden growing, and has lovely illustrations! I highly recommend adding this to your children’s’ library!
December 10, 2022
At first I didn’t think I would like this one. Seemed kind of boring and educational but I got drawn in by the authentic illustrations of the plants and how she did little side stories around the edges of the main story that was great. Made me want to eat a carrot which I am doing now.
May 30, 2017
Great in-depth pictures of different garden plants! But it was pretty factual & I think next time it'd be read as a learning book instead of a fun read-aloud 😉
March 12, 2018
Beautiful art but a bit too long for very young readers
September 29, 2018
The illustrations are divine. We learned all about the process of gardening and had a great appreciation for the process. Great book. Agreed that it might be a touch long for some children.
October 5, 2018
3 and 1/2
July 29, 2019
Amazingly detailed illustrations and great information on how to plant gardens. Loved reading this to my little guy.
March 31, 2020
Beautiful illustrations. Great living book about gardening for preschoolers.
August 4, 2020
Not only is this a cute story of friendship and sharing, but it also contains loads of information about growing a vegetable garden. I learned some new things!
May 6, 2021
The illustrations in this book are beautiful! The border of each page is filled with different learning points whether seeds or food. This book is great for teaching too!
December 29, 2021
It's immediately apparent to me how much research went into this book. You can spend a lot of time investigating the illustrations.
February 9, 2022
Will always select children's books about gardens and my children will always beg me to read them. win-win!
February 22, 2022
This book was highly enjoyable! It shows how stealing is harmful, which is an important message for kids! Cherry's book also shows how farming and gardening are great activities.
May 31, 2022
This was an awesome book. Super cute but teaches basic concepts of gardening so well
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews