Shy Mama's Halloween

by Broyles Anne, Leane Morin (Illustrator)

When their father gets sick and cannot take them out trick or treating on their first Halloween in their new country, Anya and her sisters and brother are surprised when their shy mother agrees to accompany them.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Childrens, Cultural, Holiday

40 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anya, Dasha, Irina, and Dimitrii - the children of recent Russian immigrants - are excited to experience their very first Halloween celebration in their new country, and to participate in this strange custom of 'trick-or-treating.' Their Mama, whose natural shyness has only been accentuated by her experiences as a foreigner in this new land, wants nothing to do with such a strange-sounding holiday, and insists that the children's father must be the one to take them trick-or-treating. But when Papa comes home from work sick on the important evening, it looks as if the children will have to miss their first Halloween. Or will they...?

An engaging holiday tale from one of my favorite smaller presses - Maine-based Tilbury House - Shy Mama's Halloween addresses the experience of Halloween (my favorite holiday!) from a slightly different perspective: that of a recent immigrant. Equally valuable as a record of a family's first steps toward integration (at least partially) into mainstream American culture, and as a celebration of Halloween's power to unite people in a spirit of community, generosity, and a little bit of mischievous mayhem, it is a book I am glad to have finally had the chance to read! That said, I did have a few questions about the time-period depicted here, and a review over on amazon claims that some of the Russian words in the text have been used incorrectly, so I'm not sure how authentic it is, as a record of Russian-American experience (the author is definitely not Russian-American).

Leaving that aside, it is still a very engaging holiday tale, one that is beautifully illustrated, and it is as this - a Halloween story - that I would primarily recommend it.

[James Zaksek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting one to pick up in the Halloween section of the library. While this book is well over twenty two years old, I feel like some of the themes portrayed in this are still relevant to this day. The feeling of loneliness in a country with customs you are not familiar with, the culture shock of these customs not coinciding with how you know your life to be, and a general sense of foreboding knowing you may not know how to proceed. All the same, this story concluded with quite a few helpful resources to think about when reading this to kids. I value that kind of insight.

[Bat713 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice take on immigrant children. Positive view of Russia. I liked all the help for teachers at the end.

[skcocnaH · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to rate this higher because it was a sweet story, but the author isn’t Russian (yes, I looked into this). And, this don’t really her story to tell.

[Jenny Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is of an immigrant family’s first celebration of Halloween. The children in the story are excited for the holiday but the mother is unsure about it. A neighbor seamstress makes elaborate costumes for the four children and the mother tells the children that their father can take them trick-or-treating. After the father’s late arrival home that evening and the discovery of his sickness. The mother decides that she will take the children, even though she doesn't like the idea of this holiday. They all enjoyed the holiday and recieved way too much candy but they are enjoying the thrill of it. At the end of the night the oldest child sees in her mothers eyes that she is truly happy.

This story of an immigrant families first experience of Halloween is interesting. The mother does not understand this holiday and does not really want to participate. Throughout the experiences of Halloween and the thrills around it the mother begins to find joy in her families move to America. Through this story, children can attempt to understand what experiences will be new for someone coming to America from somewhere else.

Genre: Holiday, Realistic Fiction

[Amber Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for children! This book has a great theme of acceptance, multicultural differences and emotions. This book captures the overall feelings of a family new to America..experiencing the holidays, traditions and culture. What a great read, strongly recommended for elementary students (2-3-4 grades).

[Lauren Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written book about an immigrant family moving to America from Russia and having their first Halloween holiday. It tells of the intimating events that most immigrants experience and the courage it takes to move to another country. The illustrations are astounding and the text is easy to follow. Very well written book.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quietly beautiful story of an immigrant family from Russia who wants to celebrate their first Halloween in America. The children do, but their mother, who is shy and somewhat uncomfortable in her new environment, rises to the occasion of Trick-or-treating when their father is sick and can't take them.
A nice story that can help children increase their empathy for those who are different.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching story of a immigrant mother who didn't feel comfortable with any part of Halloween but allowed her children to partisipate so they could embrase their new countries cultures. This bashful Mama had to overcome her shyness to make her children happy.

[Taylor Brune · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about an immigrant mother who is not comfortable with the traditions of Halloween, but allows her children to take part in the activities in order for them to embrace their new culture. It's a fabulous story about being different and uncomfortable in your new surroundings.

[Dodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very special book that not only celebrates Halloween, but also salutes the willingness of immigrants to embrace American ways. Morin's illustrations light up the story.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book about being different and uncomfortable. amazing

[Felicia Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a good book for talking about other cultures and the similarities and differences. This is a good time to talk to children about how they would feel if they were in that situation.

[Nupur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and touching story about an immigrant family's first encounter with this uniquely American celebration, and a mother who gets over her fear and unease to take her kids trick or treating.