Reviews

Herbert's First Halloween by Cynthia Rylant, Stephen Henry

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This has got to be one of the cutest Halloween books I’ve ever read. I struggle to find good ones, most are poor writing or just Halloween versions of other franchises.

I loved how Herbert’s Dad was depicted as caring for his son, sewing his costume, encouraging him to explore his options, never saying he couldn’t do something. It was great as an exploration of self-expression and great to see a dad do stuff we normally see only moms do.

mlottermoser's review

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5.0

Herbert isn’t sure about Halloween. A lovely dynamic between a dad and his son as he prepares for trick or treating. Very tame story. Some animals dressed up as ghosts. Not spooky.

rhodesee's review

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3.0

A great non-scary Halloween themed book. Herbert in his costume at the end is very awww worthy.

jennybeastie's review

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4.0

Usually, I find Cynthia Rylant to be just a tiny bit too saccharine, but this one is adorable. Just the right, gentle, introduction to Halloween, with a perfect sort of sweetness. Particularly love that Dad is the only adult in the picture (just on the basis of diverse family structures), and that Herbert comes around to his own brand of fierceness as the book goes on. Great for first Halloweeners and for kids who are nervous or scared, and just a lovely book.

backonthealex's review

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4.0

It's Herbert's first trick or treat Halloween, but he isn't quite sure about it. After all, Halloween can be scary, but luckily, Herbert's father, who is very excited for Herbert, understands that. First, he shows Herbert a photo of his own first Halloween, dressed up as a cowboy. When Herbert says he wants to be a tiger, his dad measures him for a costume. Then, father and son carve a pumpkin with a big jolly smile and put it on the porch. Yet, even after his dad tells him about all the candy, Herbert still looks unsure of things. On Halloween, after putting on his costume, Herbert and his dad go trick or treating with all the other kids. Herbert has such a good time, that he's even looking forward to next year. This is kind of a young book, but I read it to my young readers because some of them were new to this country and didn't know what Halloween was all about. And yes, it can look scary to young kids. But there is such a great message about being brave that I thought this book, along with Llama Llama Trick or Treat would be the perfect combination for talking to them about Halloween. And it worked. It was nice to see a very patient, supportive dad in the position of talking to Herbert about Halloween and even making his costume, strengthening their bond.

ajonas17's review against another edition

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This sweet book tells the story of sweet little Herbert who is afraid to face his first Halloween despite his father's excitement for his own favorite holiday. As time goes by, Herbert comes around to the idea of Halloween and has a great time getting dressed up and going trick-or-treating. This book is good around Halloween time, which I think is obvious, but I think that in the lesson around Halloween it could be used to tell students that they should work to be whoever and whatever they want to be, even when they're scared!

middle_name_joy's review against another edition

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4.0

Herbert isn't quite sure about Halloween. He doesn't want to be too spooky, but with help from his father, Herbert embraces the fun side of the holiday--and learns to roar!

This adorable picture book would be great for first time trick-or-treaters, or even the children in your life who are a wee bit fearful of their own shadow. Herbert is encouraged to face his fears in a supported environment. Nicely done by Cynthia Rylant. And so cute!