Groundhog Gets It Wrong

by Jess Townes, Nicole Miles (Illustrator)

This laugh-out-loud funny picture book about getting things wrong and then making them right is not your average Groundhog Day read

Groundhog is shocked and a bit ashamed when he discovers that he doesn’t have innate weather-predicting gifts—especially when his mis-forecast ruins the spring carnival.

First he tries fixing his mistake, but when shoveling up the snow and hosing it away turns out to cause more problems, he realizes that  the only way to truly fix his mistake might just be to literally learn his meteorological lessons.

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Animals, Childrens, Science, Humor, Storytime

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2023

Reviews

[Derick Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Groundhog may get it wrong, Jess Townes and Nicole Miles definitely get it right! After Groundhog discovers that predicting the weather isn’t actually as easy as carrot cake with sprinkles on top, the freezing townspeople give him the cold shoulder. So he embarks on a series of hilarious measures to try to make amends. But, in the end, he realizes there just aren’t any substitutes for hard work and knowledge. This fun twist on Groundhog Day is a winner, without a shadow of a doubt!

[soyun · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute book about groundhogs day and learning to be THE groundhog who tells the next “generation” his predictions (but with a twist)

[Becky Scharnhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clever book about making mistakes and making amends deserves a spot on every bookshelf! When Groundhog discovers predicting the weather isn’t as easy as he thought it would be, he tries to make up for his mistake. But instead of fixing it, he messes up again! Groundhog’s silly attempts to make things right made me giggle, as did his many funny expressions. Eventually, Groundhog learns to be an excellent meteorologist through study and hard work, which makes this book a great example of growth mindset. I also enjoyed the short note at the end about how Groundhog's Day came to be, as well as the accuracy of the real groundhog's predications. I can see this book sparking many valuable conversations in both the home and the classroom.

[Karla Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful new story by the author of SPELLBOUND. Groundhog comes from a long line of expert weather forecasters. He assumes his family's gifts run in his blood and when it's time for him to take the mantle and make his prediction, he does so without a thought (or research or analysis). The townspeople go on to make BIG plans based on his prediction...which turns out to be terribly mistaken! Groundhog is dismayed (and more than a little embarrassed) when he realizes that his family's talents are not necessarily something that is innate but rather something that is fine-tuned and developed over time. Like all of our talents and gifts, being good at something requires patience and hard work. In the end, the experience of getting it wrong is precisely what allows Groundhog becomes the great groundhog he knows he can be!

[Johnell Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundhog was born to be a first rate weather predictor, until he gets it all wrong and angers the town. He leaves to find his true destiny, but nothing clicks, so he returns home to hibernate. Instead, he finds some books about weather and reads them, then he enrolls in a class and gets his degree in meteorology, and the next time Groundhog's Day rolls around, he's armed with more than a shadow of knowledge to guide the townspeople into spring. Groundhog Gets It Wrong is a timely message for our digital age--without putting forth effort, seeking out facts and expanding one's knowledge base, it's easy to get things wrong. Learning and fact-finding take effort but pay off for everyone in the end.

[Becky Shillington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundhog has BIG shoes to fill as he starts his new job. But when he predicts an early spring and a snowstorm follows instead, the townspeople are not pleased. Desperate to correct his mistake, he unsuccessfully attempts to simulate spring, but it’s not until he stops and takes a step back that he sees what he needs to do to become the meteorologist he was meant to be all along. This adorable, heartfelt picture book emphasizes the importance of knowledge, preparedness, and accountability and will entertain kids and adults alike with its witty language and vibrant, expressive illustrations. Townes and Miles have done an amazing job creating an engaging, entertaining groundhog book that will remain relevant all year long!

[Peggy Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Groundhog’s first time at predicting the weather and he’s sure it will be ‘as easy as carrot cake with sprinkles on top!’ ‘He’s a groundhog, after all, and groundhogs know weather.’ When he gets it all wrong and ruins the spring carnival, Groundhog makes several humorous attempts to fix things but only makes it worse. In the end he realizes that it takes more than just being a groundhog to predict the weather. GROUNDHOG GETS IT WRONG is a humorous book about hard work and study and owning up to your mistakes. Colorful, active illustrations add to the fun, and back matter gives information about the celebration of Groundhog Day. This is a must-read for winter fun!

[Jessica Kulekjian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this imaginative premise for a story! Groundhog Gets it Wrong is full of seasonal fun, heart, and humor. Groundhog assumes he’ll be a natural at meteorology simply because he is a groundhog, coming from a long line of weather predictors. But when his first chance at predicting the coming of spring is wrong, he scrambles for solutions. Many wild and silly ideas are tried, and our loveable main character learns valuable lessons about himself and his profession. A perfect story to read any time of year but especially fitting for winter- into- spring bookshelves! Highly recommend!

[Jennifer Raudenbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Pennsylvanian, I’m a big Groundhog’s Day fan, and this picture book doesn’t disappoint! The words by Jess Townes tell a story about making mistakes and trying again, in an entertaining way. Groundhog has the added pressure of having to live up to his famous meteorology ancestors. I think kids will relate to feeling like something’s going to be easy, but then finding out the hard way that it’ll take some work. The illustrations by Nicole Miles are bright, bold, and lots of fun. I especially enjoyed the ending note on the history of Groundhog’s Day.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Groundhog thinks predicting the weather will be easy. But he is relying on his shadow instead of science. When his inaccurate prediction upsets the whole town, groundhog leaves in disgrace. But no other job fits so he returns to see if he can do a better job - but this time he studies and learns about meteorology - and the science behind predictions.
This was very cute. And there is an excellent explanation of Groundhog Day in the back. You can peek under the dust jacket - the actual cover of the book is slightly different.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Groundhog's first Groundhog Day prediction, and when he doesn't see his shadow anywhere, he says spring is here. When it snows again, the townspeople are upset. So Groundhog tries to fix it, but nothing works. He goes to school, reapplies for the job, and uses his scientific knowledge to make a better prediction. I like the pivot from the ridiculous logic used even today to the practical way it should be done if groundhogs could go to meteorology school. Go science! A short explanation of the origins of the holiday is included at the end.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundhog wants to follow in his family's footsteps and predict the weather on Feb. 2. However, when his prediction is incorrect the whole town is in a fury. This is a cute story and has lots of colorful and expressive illustrations throughout. Kids will enjoy this story right up to the twist at the end. I like how the author develops this character and shows readers how one must work hard to be prepared to do things in life that are expected of us. There is lots of humor throughout the book and kids will love this new holiday offering. Highly recommended for Grades K-3.

[Stephanie Bearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Lessons from a Groundhog? You bet!
Groundhog believes his own myth. He has the innate ability to predict the weather. BUT - he's so wrong. When his predictions fail, he ruins the spring carnival. After several hilarious attempts to fix the problem, Groundhog realizes there's only one solution. Study - to become the meteorologist he needs to be. A great story about how you can achieve your goals through hard work.

[Jen Fier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize I needed a picture book about Groundhogs Day, but of course I did! I didn’t know I needed a picture book about meteorology, but ended up loving the tie-in in this one. I absolutely knew I needed more picture books about self acceptance (mistakes and all) featuring humorous characters and delightful illustrations, and I was RIGHT. Jess Townes and Nicole Miller deliver a complete package perfect for reading on February 2 or any day!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundhog is so excited when he gets his chance to shine as official meteorologist, but his prediction flops and the townspeople are not happy with him (and poor Mr. Fluffington!). This is a story about making mistakes, taking responsibility, and doing the work necessary to do better the next time—themes that will resonate long after Groundhog Day. Groundhog may have gotten it wrong but Jess Townes and Nicole Miles got this adorable book very, very right.

[Laura Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so stinkin' cute and clever! Poor Groundhog tries his best to predict the weather. He comes from a long line of meteorologists, after all. But when his prediction isn't quite right, he has to contend with some angry townspeople who were ready for spring... and find a way to fix his mistake. My kids and I laughed out loud at several parts (shout out to Mr. Fluffington!) With an underlying message of perseverance and resilience, this one of our new family favorites. Highly recommend!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Groundhog comes from a long line of meteorologists. It's now his turn to look for his shadow on Feb. 2nd. He thinks it's a simple matter of just looking around and discovers he is wrong in his prediction. He runs away to try other careers and ends up returning home to discover the information books in his home. After working hard and studying everything, he makes a much better prediction the following year. Clever illustrations support the story and let readers see everything that is happening.

[Jami Gigot · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family and I love this funny story about Groundhog getting it wrong. There are some hilarious pages as Groundhog tries his best to make it right with the angry townspeople, and a great message that things may NOT come as easily as carrot cake with sprinkles on top, but might in fact take a little hard work and effort to get right. Great illustrations too!

[Tootie Nienow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundhog is a humble, lovable character. In real life, groundhog gets it wrong many times but the groundhog is this story is determined to figure out why. I love this silly and surprising story. A great addition to any classroom, library, or home to help understand why we celebrate Groundhog Day and the weather behind the change of seasons.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everybody has bad days and makes a decision that is not correct. This is a groundhog who predicts the weather as his family members have done before. But when things don't turn out as predicted he has to make it right, or find a new job or learn what he did wrong. Read what he does to fix things with the townspeople.

[Ashley S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how this book weaves in some facts about Groundhog Day, how Groundhog owns his mistake, explores for more answers rather than follow in his family's footsteps, and doesn't give up. There were plenty of humorous moments with funny illustrations. This book is a great conversation starter about meteorology.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable addition to the elementary library collection for Groundhog's day. I love that after his initial frustration with a wrong prediction, this groundhog decides to study!

Recovering and continuing work after a mishap is a great lesson to learn. There is also an afterword where you learn how low the percentage of correct predictions is for our own national groundhog, Phil.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never done a Groundhog Day lesson in library because I hadn’t found a good book. This one is pretty cute and I read it to 1st & 2nd grade classes this week. It sparked all kinds of interesting questions! I love that the back of the book includes a short explanation of the tradition’s history and that Phil is accurate less than 39% of the time.

[Deb S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Groundhog blows his weather prediction, the townsfolk are up in arms. Groundhog can quickly make things better, right? Humorously and with heart, Townes tells the tale of what can happen when you’re not prepared and how to handle. Miles’ bold illustrations complement the text to create a lively read-aloud for all to enjoy.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Groundhog gets his first year of predicting the weather wrong. The townspeople are understandably upset. Groundhog tries other jobs until he enrolls in an online meteorologist course.
Good example of putting in the work to learn a new skill. Excellent summary of the holiday at the end of the book.

[Tara Luebbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh new take on groundhog's day. This is a funny story about a groundhog who gets it wrong and how he makes amends. A great example of how to put in the work to make things right even when it is not easy.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Groundhog, there's a lot of pressure on his very first forecast and he really botches the job. Fortunately, he has a great growth mindset and tries to make things right! Hilarious and relatable, GROUNDHOG GETS IT WRONG is the right picture book for all readers!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really cute. I loved how it explained that groundhog doesn't always get it right without just explaining the obvious (some days it's sunny and some days it's not, but that doesn't explain winter). And my first 2023 picture book!

[Jennifer M Outlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how colorful and fun this story was. My son really enjoyed it and he wanted to give it 100stars. It showed him that sometimes things aren’t as easy as it may look and that if you work hard you can do hard things.

[Bethe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would not be my first choice for a Groundhog Day storytime/lesson. I like the idea that groundhog stumbles upon a closet of weather forecasting tools and then studies meteorology but I can’t get past the unnatural looking drawings of the humans in the story, something about them is off.