Herbert's First Halloween

by Cynthia Rylant, Steven Henry (Illustrator)

Overview

A 2018 Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book

Herbert is deeply doubtful about his first Halloween—but with a little help from his dad and a special tiger costume, Herbert might just find confidence on Halloween night. Together, father and son practice roaring, carve a pumpkin, and venture out in search of candy. And by the end of the night, Herbert finds his doubts have melted away. A sweet introduction to Halloween and to being brave, this book is sure to delight the youngest of trick-or-treaters.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452125336
Publisher:	Chronicle Books LLC
Publication date:	08/01/2017
Pages:	36
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	2 - 4 Years

About the Author

Cynthia Rylant has written more than 100 children's books in English and Spanish. Her novel Missing May won the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust was a Newbery Honor book. She lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Steven Henry is the illustrator of the Ella the Elephant book series (as Steven D'Amico). His work has also appeared on PBS Kids, Nick Jr., and the Disney Channel. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Editorial Reviews

06/26/2017
A piglet learns what trick-or-treating is all about in this gentle father-son story. “Herbert was not sure about Halloween,” begins Rylant. Herbert’s father attempts to share his love of the holiday, starting with an old photo of himself in a cowboy costume. Herbert remains skeptical, but asks, “Can I be a tiger?” Father and son get to work on the costume and decorations, and Herbert practices his roar for the big night. Henry’s warm domestic scenes bring to mind the pig family at the heart of Jean Van Leeuwen’s Tales of Oliver Pig as Rylant highlights the comfortable bond between parent and child. Wearing a cowboy outfit, Herbert’s father accompanies him for a night of trick-or-treating. With his first Halloween a success, Herbert is already planning next year’s costume. Perhaps he’ll be back for other holiday firsts, too. Ages 2–4. Author’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

"Highlights the comfortable bond between parent and child."-Publishers Weekly"

This winning introduction to Halloween meets young children where they are. sure to become a dog-eared favorite."-School Library Journal, starred review

From the Publisher

Herbert’s father is excited for Herbert’s first Halloween, but Herbert is unsure about the spooky holiday. His father does not like to be scared either and decides that he is going to dress up as a cowboy. Herbert wants to be a cowboy, too, or maybe a tiger! Costumes are made, pumpkins are carved; and, on the last day of October, the neighborhood is filled with princesses, bumblebees, astronauts, and an adorable piglet dressed as a tiger—Herbert. Halloween is no longer scary, and Herbert has a roaring good time collecting candy with his dad. Henry’s art provides a festive fall spirit with an autumn palette that includes shades of red, orange, yellow, green and brown. His nighttime images, with glowing jack-o-lanterns, lighted lampposts, and a bright full moon, provide readers the sense of trick-or-treating on a cool autumn night. An important feature of the reading is the indirect focus on quality family time. From carving pumpkins, to preparing costumes, to trick-or-treating together, families will enjoy the shared story time and will look forward to their own Halloween night; and, for little ones nervous about their first Halloween, the story offers reassurance and provides excitement for a night that often becomes a favorite among children. Reviewer: Amanda Huneke; Ages 2 to 5.

Children's Literature - Amanda Huneke

★ 09/01/2017
Toddler-PreS—Herbert, like many other young children, is just a little bit anxious about his first Halloween. The text is simple yet conversational. The clear but somewhat muted illustrations allow for a slow, thoughtful exploration about this upcoming challenge. Father is very patient, letting Herbert make his own decisions about what he will be and carefully measuring the little one step-by-step for a tiger costume. Herbert's confidence increases as he practices his roar in the closet. As his courage grows, so will that of the children enjoying his story. The pumpkins are carved with happy faces and named Jack, which will help dispel fear of the holiday. The spread depicting the overview of neighborhood children out trick-or-treating is somewhat lit; readers will be able to identify all the costumes. Rylant and Henry know children well and it shows; this book is sure to become a dog-eared favorite. VERDICT This winning introduction to Halloween meets young children where they are, and will be a welcome addition to all libraries. Day care centers and new parents will appreciate it greatly.—Elizabeth Swartz, Warrior Run School District, PA

School Library Journal