The Best Groundhog Day Books for Kids to Read

Groundhog Day by Gail Gibbons

If you want to teach kids about the history and traditions of Groundhog Day, this non-fiction picture book by Gail Gibbons is a perfect choice. It’s filled with fun facts about groundhogs, easy-to-understand explanations of the holiday, and fascinating trivia kids (and adults) will love. It also highlights different Groundhog Day traditions across the United States, making it a great classroom read-aloud or home library addition.

Groundhog Gets a Say by Pamela Curtis Swallow

Groundhogs may have a big job on February 2nd, but this hilarious picture book shows there’s so much more to them. Groundhog steps in to share all kinds of fun facts about himself—from what his teeth can do to the surprising things he’s great (and not-so-great) at. It’s a funny, fact-filled book that curious readers will absolutely love during Groundhog Day and beyond!

Groundhog Gets It Wrong by Jess Townes

Groundhog Gets It Wrong is a newer addition to this list, and it’s absolutely adorable. When Groundhog’s weather prediction goes wrong and ruins the spring carnival, he sets out to make it right—only to discover that fixing things isn’t as easy as he hoped. After a few funny mistakes, he realizes that he might need to actually learn about the weather. It’s a sweet, hilarious Groundhog Day book for kids that’s perfect for classroom read-alouds.

Groundhog vs. Cupid by Todd Tarpley

This charming picture book is perfect for kids who love holiday mash-ups! In this festive showdown, Groundhog Day goes head-to-head with Valentine’s Day—and the results are hilarious. A very confident groundhog is ready for his big moment, but soon realizes everyone is distracted by candy hearts, love notes, and Cupid’s charm. As the two icons battle for attention, young readers will get a funny, lighthearted story about sharing the spotlight. This book truly is perfect for February read-alouds!

Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub

Groundhog Weather School is another fantastic non-fiction Groundhog Day book for curious readers. Joan Holub answers all the big questions about Groundhog Day—from where the tradition began to how animals and plants can help predict the weather. With charming illustrations and a hilarious groundhog professor guiding the way, this fun and informative book will become a new favourite.

Groundhog’s Day Off by Robb Pearlman

This hilarious book puts a fun twist on the holiday tradition. Groundhog is tired of answering the same old questions every year—so he packs his bags and heads out on vacation! When the town scrambles to find a replacement, it quickly becomes clear that no one can fill his shoes. With playful illustrations and a storyline guaranteed to make kids smile, this is a delightful story for February 2nd.

Groundhog’s Dilemma by Kristen Remener

Groundhog’s Dilemma is a charming book that follows Groundhog as he tries to keep all his friends happy—no matter what his weather prediction says. When half the animals are thrilled, and the other half are disappointed, they each beg him to choose differently next year. Wanting to please everyone, he pretends he can control the weather, until the truth finally comes out. It’s such a sweet story about honesty, friendship, and doing the right thing. It also makes a great addition to classroom discussions about hibernation!

Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow by David Biedrzycki

This heartwarming story follows Phil the Groundhog and his shadow, who normally do everything together—until Shadow decides he’s had enough and runs off for an adventure. With February 2nd approaching, the two must figure out how to find their way back to each other and repair their friendship. It’s a fun, thoughtful story about conflict, forgiveness, and the special bond between friends, paired with wonderful illustrations kids will love.

Groundhug Day by Anne Marie Pace

This is another book on this list that merges Groundhog Day with Valentine’s Day. Mouse is hosting a Valentine’s Day party, and all the woodland friends are excited except Groundhog, who worries he’ll see his shadow and miss out on the fun. Determined to include him, his friends team up to create a clever plan. With cozy illustrations and a sweet message about friendship and community, this is another perfect February read-aloud.

Grumpy Groundhog by Maureen Wright

It’s Groundhog Day, but Groundhog is far too cozy to leave his warm den. But the town is determined to change his mind! This humorous, rhyming Groundhog Day picture book is full of silly antics and playful repetition that kids will love. It’s a great choice for reading aloud and celebrating February 2nd with lots of laughs.

How to Catch a Groundhog by Alice Walstead and Emma Gillette

How to Catch a Groundhog is another newer addition to this list, and for good reason! Fans of the popular How to Catch series will love this Groundhog Day adventure. When the kids accidentally wake a groundhog in the park, he scurries off—and they quickly realize the town needs him for the big February 2nd prediction. Cue a creative, trap-filled chase to bring him back. With the series’s trademark humour and energy, this is a fun choice for Groundhog Day read-alouds.

I Don’t Wanna Hibernate by Anna Ouchchy

This cozy winter picture book follows Tess, a young groundhog who insists she isn’t tired when hibernation time arrives. She tries every trick to stay awake all winter—only to risk sleeping right through Groundhog Day! With gentle humour and charming illustrations, this sweet bedtime-style story is perfect for little readers who know what it’s like to fight sleep.

Substitute Groundhog by Pat Miller

If your students or little readers ever wonder what happens when the groundhog isn’t feeling well, this adorable story is a great choice. When Groundhog comes down with the flu right before February 2nd, he worries about who will make the big weather prediction. After a series of hilarious substitute auditions, he discovers that not everyone is cut out for the job. It’s a sweet and hilarious addition to any Groundhog Day book collection.

The Night Before Groundhog Day by Natasha Wing

The Night Before series is always a favourite, and this Groundhog Day version is no exception. On the night before February 2nd, kids eagerly wonder whether the groundhog will see his shadow—and the rhyming, read-aloud style makes the anticipation even more fun. Just like the other books in the series, it’s an engaging, entertaining pick for celebrating the holiday.

Why We Celebrate Groundhog Day by Karen Bush Gibson

If you’re looking to add one more non-fiction option to your list, this one is such a fun choice. It gives young readers an easy-to-understand look at the holiday’s history, traditions, and science. Plus, it includes hands-on activities kids can try at home or in the classroom. Why We Celebrate Groundhog Day is a great choice for curious learners!