Groundhog Day is the time of year when the thoughts of spring are on everyone’s mind. Thus, the anticipation of the groundhog’s prediction can be exciting for kids. You can liven up the traditions surrounding February 2nd with these books that will certainly appeal to children.
Go to Sleep, Groundhog! by Judy Cox is a cute little story about a groundhog who isn’t quite ready for hibernation. He keeps waking up. As he wakes up each season, he discovers all of the holidays before his. As the holiday icons discover him, they send him back to bed with a story and snack. Then it is time for him to wake up for his holiday. This cute little story will appeal both to preschoolers and young readers. Accompanying it are drawings by Paul Meisel.
Another story about Groundhog Day for young children is called, Gregory’s Shadow by Don Freeman. Gregory has a best friend called Shadow that he never wants to leave behind. On the day before Groundhog Day, they get separated. They have to find each other, or they can’t make the prediction. Along with the importance of his shadow, this book is also a little bit about being brave. The artist himself did the drawings that accompany the story.
It’s Groundhog Day by Steven Kroll is another captivating groundhog adventure for young kids. It is a tale about a groundhog and a wily raccoon who wants six more weeks of winter. Raccoon kidnaps the groundhog in an attempt to keep winter but Groundhog escapes, and with the help of his friends, helps Raccoon find an alternative. While it isn’t exactly about why there is a Groundhog Day, it is still a book that kids will enjoy. Illustrations are done by Jeni Bassett.
For older readers, The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun by Wendie C. Old is probably more appealing than a groundhog adventure. The book is compromised of chapters designed to explain the creation of the day and many of the traditions that go along with it. The book does contain some complex words that maybe a bit difficult for kids to handle. This is not a book that should be tackled by beginning readers, but it does contain quite a bit of information regarding Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day has plenty of adventures in store for kids. Even if another six weeks of winter is predicted this Groundhog Day, children will still get a kick out of reading these stories.
