Herbert's First Halloween

by Cynthia Rylant, Steven Henry (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Holiday, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Autumn

30 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2017

About the author

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.

Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.

Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.

Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really took me back - really nice book.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet and gentle--for all of those out there who need a non-scary, beginning Halloween book. Love the supportive, hands-on Dad in this story.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Herbert isn't sure about his first Halloween, but his enthusiastic father, who has loved the holiday since he himself was a little pig, helps him to overcome his fears. Through a gentle process of question and answer, father and son discuss what costume Herbert might wear, the candy he will collect, and the fun he will have trick-or-treating. On the night in question, Herbert discovers just how magical Halloween can be...

A gentle picture-book introduction to a holiday that sometimes proves daunting for timid youngsters, Herbert's First Halloween pairs a sweet story featuring a loving father/son relationship with cute illustrations. I appreciated the give and take between Herbert and his father, and the way this porcine parents is always there to provide reassurance. Recommended to anyone looking for Halloween stories more on the sweet side, rather than the scary one.

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rylant's father and son duo explore what Halloween is all about. Dad explains everything to Herbert so he can process the idea of costumes and candy and so the big day won't be scary.

[Rebekah Schnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book were so cute!!!! Went well with the story!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story introducing the Halloween traditions of costumes and trick-or-treat. A seasonal read-aloud for preschoolers and Kindergarten.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to explain Halloween! also not scary and supportive dad! #winning

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

First times can be frightening, and Herbert isn't all that sure that he's interested in dressing up and wandering through the streets of his neighborhood on Halloween. But his father provides plenty of reassurances that he'll enjoy the holiday. Not only does he show his son a photograph of him when he was dressed as a cowboy, but he creates a costume that allows him to be a fierce tiger, just the sort of costume Herbert has in mind. Herbert practices roaring while his father carves a pumpkin for their porch and reminds him that there will be plenty of candy handed out as he goes from door to door. By the end of the night, as Herbert sorts through his loot, he is already thinking of next Halloween. This picture book provides gentle reassurances to anyone who has never experienced Halloween, most likely allaying their fears or concerns about the unknown. If you think about it for long, it's easy to see why some youngsters might be nervous about trick-or-treating and knocking on the doors of strangers while surrounded by folks in scary masks. The digital illustrations provide plenty of detail as the tiger costume starts to take shape, thanks to a supportive, loving father.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herbert's father loves Halloween, but Herbert isn't so sure. He decides to try being a tiger.

This book reminds me of the many children who like costumes and candy but aren't as comfortable with the scary aspects of Halloween. While Herbert is only 3 and may become spookier as he grows up, I appreciate this gentle reminder that Halloween offers something for everyone, and it's okay to be unsure.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book! It's about a little pig who wants to be a tiger for Halloween and his father helps him out. Cute illustrations.

[Jennifer J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very lovely story prepping small children for what we do on Halloween.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

While young children are very excited to prepare for Halloween and trick-or-treating, sometimes they can be a little apprehensive if they’re going out for the first time. The little boy in this book isn’t so sure if he will like Halloween. I like that the father is very upbeat and encouraging that the holiday doesn’t have to be spooky. He helps the boy put together a costume, carve a pumpkin, and get ready to collect candy. This would be terrific to share with young children as Halloween approaches.

[Andrea Riffle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the overall idea of this story! The art is simple enough, yet ties in well with the text! Herbert is unsure of Halloween. His father makes him a special tiger costume to wear for the occasion. And with a little help from dad, Herbert learns some of the ins-and-outs of Halloween. These include carving a pumpkin, trick-or-treating, and learning to roar in his costume. I enjoyed the message of being brave and having courage, I thought that was a sweet touch! This book delighted me, so I'm positive other readers both young and old will enjoy it as well!

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[ElphaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

MORE CUTENESS, this time with a little pig who is nervous about his first Halloween. What I really liked about this book is that his Dad is the one who is getting him used to the idea, and it's his Dad who makes him his tiger costume. AND it shows that being nervous is okay for boys too, and given that so much of this culture is about boys being tough and not showing emotion, I think this is an important point to make.

[Ashley Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple idea and very simple text but very well done. This would be a fantastic book to read to any young child who is just understanding the concept of Halloween. I enjoyed the style of the illustrations but honestly the only thing that bothered me was the "o" on the cover of the book in "Halloween". The "o" seems to be different text than the rest of the book and to me it stands out big time.

[Madeline Conzett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet book for a younger audience who might be preparing for Halloween. Once children understand and can make decisions about Halloween, it might be scary or intimidating to some. This is what happened to Herbert. Herbert was nervous about his first Halloween, but with a little help from his dad and confidence from within, he braved the Halloween night and ended up enjoying it! This book introduces all of the not-so-scary aspects of Halloween. Perfect or a younger audience!

[Sierra Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun Halloween book! It was a little boy who was very afraid of Halloween but emotional support from his father and his costume, he was able to face his fears and eat all the candy he wanted. I believe all of us are afraid of something, but if we face it, the fear disappears and we only become stronger! I recommend this book who loves Halloween and who wants to be confident like the little boy in the book.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle and sweet story for toddlers. Introduces all the non-scary fun of Halloween. The reassuring father who so loved Halloween was a real highlight here.

Steven Henry's slightly retro illustrations are adorable and reflect the tone of the text perfectly. A wonderful choice for pre-school story times.

[Kyle Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Herbert’s First Halloween by Cynthia Rylant is a charming picture book about Herbert the pig’s first Halloween. This book brought back a lot a memories of past Halloweens when I was a kid. The cartoon illustrations by Steven Henry are very kid friendly. This is a great book to read to kids during the month of October.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely charming. A sweet, rather than scary, Halloween tale about a boy's first Halloween. I "awwed" at every illustration because they perfectly depicted the tender relationship between the boy and his father.

[Luciana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Halloween for young trick or treaters.

Dad & son seem to have an awesome relationship--dad talks about Halloween, they decide upon a costume which the dad makes, the dad explains Hallowe'en rituals & pumpkins & the son has a really good experience.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everyone is excited about new experiences and Herbert is not at all sure about Halloween. I really liked this story, and especially that it was a straightforward story about Herbert and his father.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this are very charming! I don't think I'd do it for storytime, but it's definitely a cute read about a boy who isn't sure he likes halloween. Dad is such a cute role model in this book (and sews Herbert's costume!)

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Halloween while fun for most kids, can create reservations in some children. Herbert isn’t sure what to think, but after an evening of fun, he decides Halloween isn’t so bad!

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sean Congemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Herbert's First Halloween follows little Herbert and his doubts abut Halloween. Herbert isn't to sure about it, but his dad loves it. His dad shows him a picture of him on his first Halloween when he dressed up as a cowboy. Herbert liked the idea of a cowboy, however, Herbert wanted to go as a tiger. As you follow Herbert through his first Halloween, Herbert and his dad make costumes, carve pumpkins and get candy. By the end of the night, Herbert loves Halloween and can't wait to be a bear for next year. One important theme I found in the book was that passing down tradition is important, but you don' have to be exactly like your parents. By the end of the book, Herbert loves Halloween, just like his dad. However, he doesn't want to be a cowboy like him. He wants to be big and scary. This is Herbert carrying on the tradition, but still being himself.

[Maxine Fife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a little pig named Herbert and his first Halloween. This story begins with a father asking Herbert what he wants to be for Halloween. Herbert ultimately decides he wants to be a tiger. He is very excited to be a tiger and more excited to be able to roar. He is also excited to collect lots and lots of candy. After trick or treating and seeing other kids in their costumes, Herbert decides that next Halloween he is going to a bear. I really enjoyed this book and think it would be good for young children who are finally understanding Halloween and what it is about. I also think this story would be good for children who are deciding what they wanna be for Halloween on their own for the first time.

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just right for any child a bit uncertain about Halloween, trick-or-treating, and skeptical about wearing a costume, Herbert's First Halloween is a gentle and friendly story from beloved children's author Cynthia Rylant and illustrator Stephen Henry about a young (adorable) piggy named Herbert getting ready for his first experience of Halloween night. With the help of his kind and patient dad- who shares memories of his own Halloween and favourite costume- Herbert discovers much to enjoy about Halloween.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.