Bright and colorful book, but this series is starting to go downhill. I wouldn't say pass, but it's the least interesting in the line

This was a really fun book. The kids end up doing damage to someone’s house, and work together to repair it. It is shortly after that they realize they scared someone away, and it is imperative they get them back. The traps they come up with are some of their best yet, but none seem to work. Yet as this book nears the end we see this important day occur without a hitch.

Book Review: How to Catch a Groundhog

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing "How to Catch a Groundhog" by Alice Walstead, and I have to say, it was an absolute treat! This delightful picture book is perfect for kids aged 4-10, and it definitely brought a smile to my face.

The story kicks off with a group of energetic kids playing outside, when they accidentally disturb a groundhog that’s been peacefully living in the park. In their excitement, they realize that tomorrow is Groundhog Day. If they don’t catch this little guy and bring him back, the town won't know if winter is ending or if we’re stuck in it for a while longer! Cue the chaos and hilarity as the kids devise a series of imaginative plans to catch the groundhog before it's too late. It’s such a clever premise that perfectly captures the playful spirit of childhood.

From start to finish, this book is just so charming. The illustrations by Emma Gillette and Andy Elkerton are vibrant and full of life, adding an extra layer of fun to the already engaging story. Each page bursts with color, making it an absolute joy to flip through.

What I loved most about How to Catch a Groundhog is how it blends humor with a touch of educational content. The silly rhymes and playful antics of the kids keep the story light-hearted and entertaining, while also introducing some STEAM concepts in a way that's accessible and enjoyable for young readers.

Overall, this book is a fantastic addition to any child’s library. It’s perfect for reading at home or in the classroom, especially as Groundhog Day approaches. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun story that sparks creativity and laughter. Trust me, you won’t regret picking up this adorable gem!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

How to Catch a Groundhog by Alice Walstead was a fun book! I have several of Alice Walstead’s “How to Catch a…” books in my classroom library, and this one is an interesting addition. The story and illustrations are entertaining and potentially educational. I always point out Groundhog Day when it appears on the calendar; now I have a good read-aloud to share with students to help them understand the holiday. The story and illustrations also provide the opportunity to launch a lesson about animals and weather, too.
Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Kids for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

We absolutely love the How to Cath a … series. This one is a cute topic add to the list of books and had the adorable illustrations as the others. But seemed to lack the feel of the other books.

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am not a big fan of formulaic picture books. And even though that truth extends to the How to Catch series, I've found myself voluntarily reading quite a few of them. Aside from the whole formulaic picture book thing, I find the prose in these books really awkward. It rhymes, so I want the rhythm to feel a certain kind of way. But it doesn't. My brain gets caught up on the rhythm and doesn't do such a great job with the story. I made a real effort to throw out the rhythm that I want when I was reading this one and that was a huge improvement. Let me add that Walstead has phenomenal illustrations.

These books are automatic classics and I am so glad that my kids enjoy them so much. How to Catch a Groundhog is the perfect addition to anyone's how to catch collection. We loved the traps and shenanigans. The illustrations and perfect and fun, and the writing is well done.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

Althought I did enjoy the illustrations, the story itself just didn't entertain me. I'm not sure //it was the writing or the story itself, but I would not read to the cage at.jist nor for me. Hi

There was a really good idea here, but I don't think it was executed as good as it could have been. The first thing that didn't work for me was the ending. It felt like there was a missing page or a plot hole, because it jumped from "we have to catch the groundhog" to "happy Groundhog Day, see you next year". I was waiting for something exciting to happen, but it didn't come to fruition. Additionally, there are a lot of characters present, but no development or design for said characters. What I mean by this is that we don't know characters' names, thoughts, emotions, etc. This makes the reading experience not personal, which is a negative. It doesn't give the book layers or depth, which is disappointing.
However, I do think that the idea of catching a groundhog around Groundhog Day is fun! I just really wish that this book didn't fall so short.

My young boys and I really enjoy the "How to Catch" series and this Groundhog one will make a cute addition to the collection. Groundhog Day is approaching but a group of children accidentally startle the groundhog out of his den. They attempt to lure the groundhog back as he's needed for his big holiday. Will the groundhog come back in time?

This book would be perfect gift for any young reader. The illustration was excellent as well. Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids for providing me a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The illustrations are colorful and well done. However the story line isn't as good as previous books in the series. When they first started coming out they rhymed and had elaborate traps.

I love all of the "How to Catch...." picture books and I read them often with my class. This book is no exception! I thought the illustrations were wonderfully done. They are colorful and full of detail. I also loved the little peaks into the groundhog's home This book had a silly tone that children will enjoy. It would be a great introduction to spark interest before teaching/learning about Groundhog Day. Overall I think this book is a great addition to the "How to Catch...." picture book series. I'll be purchasing it to include in my classroom library!

Thank you Sourcebook Kids for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I've read several of the delightful stories from the How to Catch series and this one doesn't disappoint. It is an adorable picture book, both entertaining and educational. Sure to stimulate conversation after story time is over.

My kids really enjoyed the flow and rhymes within the story. The illustrations were also bright with lots of details which my kids enjoyed! I felt that at sometimes the story was a little clunky and would lose its flow. Overall, it was a cute Groundhogs Day story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC!

I always love the books in the “How to Catch a…” series! They are usually themed around a holiday, and tell a story using super cute rhyming. Anyone with kids should definitely scoop this one up! Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Wonderland & NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebook Wonderland for an advanced read copy of this book!

My six year old daughter and elementary special education students love the "How to Catch" series books! I love that this new book puts a fun new spin on a holiday that does not have many books highlighting it. My students love Groundhog Day and I am looking forward to putting this into our lesson plans for a read aloud on that day! Alice Walstead once again does a fantastic job of pulling children in with the quick paced, rhyming flow, of her books that keeps children hooked and engaged!

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Kids and NetGalley for the eARC!

This was a fun addition to the How To Catch series, where a group of kids accidentally disturb a groundhog and end up scaring him out of his home. With Groundhog day the next day, the kids decide that they have to catch this groundhog to save the holiday! This was an entertaining story that rhymed, had colorful illustrations, and is sure to engage readers. A little clunky at times, but overall a good read.

A fun book as kids try to catch the groundhog the day before groundhog day. But the Groundhog has other ideas and outsmarts the kids. The kids end up attracting other cute animals but not the groundhog. The rhymes were fun and of course on Groundhog day, he was there to bask in the sun and enjoy the accolades.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I love the idea for this series, and there aren't enough cute rhyming books for kids. This was a lot of fun as the kids try to catch the groundhog, while the groundhog goes about his merry way. The kids don't realize that they don't need to chase the groundhog -- the tradition will go on anyway! The pictures were so bright, and this was so fun. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

A fun addition to the How to Catch... series! I love the rhyming! We have all of the books in our home library and can't wait to add this one to it! Even though my daughter is a tween... we still love all of these books and are very excited for this new addition!