Candlemas
A Story About Groundhog Day

Story & Pictures by Jacqueline Cooper

Long ago, people watched the skies on Candlemas Day, looking for sunshine or shadows that might predict an early spring or six more weeks of winter. From badgers and hedgehogs to bears and groundhogs, different animals became part of this winter tradition as families carried their customs to new lands.

Candlemas: A Story About Groundhog Day introduces young readers to the history of February 2nd through weather folklore, animal traditions and the journey from Candlemas to the Groundhog Day celebrations we know today.

Part of the Changing Traditions series, this nonfiction picture book explores how familiar celebrations began and how their stories continue to be remembered each year.

📘 Series: Changing Traditions
📖 Language: English
🎨 Illustration: Hand-drawn pen-and-ink artwork with muted watercolour and mixed-media colour
🏷️ Age Range: 4–8 years

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Extend the learning in Candlemas: A Story About Groundhog Day with this free printable educational guide. Designed for teachers, homeschool families, and early childhood educators, the guide includes discussion questions, creative activities, and printable worksheets that introduce children to weather folklore, animal traditions from around the world, and the changing seasons. Perfect for classroom lessons, homeschool activities, and February 2nd celebrations.