Groundhog Day is right around the corner (Feb. 2nd). What a fun way to explore whether, animals and folklore with your curious kids. There are a number of resources available online and in your local bookstore.
First, I’d like to recommend a delightful Groundhog Day book by fellow 12 x 12er Susanna Leonard Hill: Punxsutawney Phyllis (Holiday House, 2005). Hill puts a feminist spin on the Groundhog Day tradition. Phyllis is a young groundhog who knows she could do her Uncle Phil’s job. But her family is reluctant because she’s a girl. One year, Uncle Phil lets Phyllis help him make the annual prediction. He foretells six more weeks of winter when the signs of early spring are readily apparent. Phyllis changes Uncle Phil’s mind and becomes her uncle’s successor, breaking the groundhog glass ceiling. Hill also includes information about the traditions of Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil. This book is a fun read for children ages 4 through 8. Hill also has some fantastic Groundhog Day resources and activities on her site. You can find them…….here.
For a brief overview of Groundhog Day’s historical roots, see the official Punxsutawney Groundhog Club web site. Essentially, the tradition has its origins in the European Candlemas Day. To quote from the Groundhog Club Web site, according to one old English poem:
“If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.”
Specifically, the Germans, who later settled Pennsylvania, believed that if a hedgehog cast its shadow on Candlemas Day, there would be a second winter. In North America, German immigrants substituted native groundhogs for hedgehogs, and the rest is history.
If you are looking for Groundhog Day-related activities and lesson plans, you can turn again to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Learn how to make a thumbprint groundhog, whip up groundhog cookies and more. The Mini Page also boasts activities and lesson plans for Groundhog Day.
Kirsten W. Larson 
Delighted that you’ve highlighted Punxsutawney Phyllis! And thank you for the history behind the tradition. Interesting that the original tradition was about a hedgehog — a groundhog’s shadow is much easier to see!
Phyllis is a treat. We haven’t had much of a winter (knocks on wood) so far in Colorado. I’m interested in how Groundhog Day plays out this year.
I know, Stacy. We were just outside in our 60-degree weather. If feels like spring already.
Thanks Beth! And thanks for all your help with copyright/plagiarism. I feel much better about using book covers in my posts now.
Thanks for the review. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book! thx for the links too!!
Thanks for stopping by Jennifer! There are lots of fun activities for little ones.
Thanks so much for mentioning Phyllis!!! I’m honored (and so is she :)) In case anyone is interested, there are also LOTS of fun activities on my website that go along with Phyllis – coloring pages, paper doll kits, mazes, word games, even a classroom guide – and everything is free for the download so please hop over and check it out if you’d like to!
http://www.susannahill.com/resources.html (Please just scroll down to Phyllis!)
Thanks again!
I loved Phyllis! I finally got to read her during last week’s library trip. I thought she was such a likable character! 🙂
I have the book on hold at our library. I’m hoping to pick it up tomorrow.
Thanks Susanna. Shame on me for not finding all your fantastic resources. I will be sure to use them with my boys.
This book would be a perfect read aloud for tomorrow! Great review Kirsten!
Glad you enjoyed, Eric!
Bring back the hedgehogs, that’s what I say! Lovely to see Phyllis being promoted!
I know. It’s funny how they just substituted with the local rodents. In California, I guess we should see if the gophers or ground squirrels see their shadows.
It’s because hedgehogs are not indigenous to the US. When the settlers came from Europe with their Candlemas traditions, they had to find a substitute for the hedgehog and chose the groundhog!
Thanks for the informative post and for highlighting Susanna’s book. I have read it and it is a really fun story that children will love. I had never heard the quote:
“If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.”
Thanks for sharing.
And thanks for visiting, Penny.
I just love this book. Great back information. I didn’t know all the European connections and the info about the Germans. Great review!
Apparently Candlemas was celebrated in much of Europe. Check out the Groundhog Club site. It’s fascinating!
Thanks for sharing this. It’s great to hear of a book from a 12x12er + a new twist on Ground Hog’s Day!
`Tina
Susanna’s done a great job with the book. I know she’s inspiring me.