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The Berenstain Bears
The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat
Carve out family time for this classic Berenstain Bears Halloween story—featuring over 50 bonus stickers!
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic book from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s Halloween and Brother and Sister can’t wait to go trick-or-treating with all of their friends, but when someone in the group encourages the kids to play a trick, things don’t go as planned. All little cubs can celebrate Halloween and learn about how to be a good friend and neighbor—and the bonus stickers makes this book the perfect gift for Fall!
Continue to celebrate the true meaning of the seasons with more heartwarming holiday books from the Berenstain Bears—perfectly giftable with bonus stickers and more!
- The Berenstain Bears’ Funny Valentine
-The Berenstain Bears and the Real Easter Eggs
-The Berenstain Bears and the Mama’s Day Surprise
-The Berenstain Bears and the Papa’s Day Surprise
-The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic book from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s Halloween and Brother and Sister can’t wait to go trick-or-treating with all of their friends, but when someone in the group encourages the kids to play a trick, things don’t go as planned. All little cubs can celebrate Halloween and learn about how to be a good friend and neighbor—and the bonus stickers makes this book the perfect gift for Fall!
Continue to celebrate the true meaning of the seasons with more heartwarming holiday books from the Berenstain Bears—perfectly giftable with bonus stickers and more!
- The Berenstain Bears’ Funny Valentine
-The Berenstain Bears and the Real Easter Eggs
-The Berenstain Bears and the Mama’s Day Surprise
-The Berenstain Bears and the Papa’s Day Surprise
-The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
About the author
Stan Berenstain
925 books707 followersStan and Jan Berenstain (often called The Berenstains) were American writers and illustrators best known for creating the children's book series the Berenstain Bears. Their son Mike Berenstain joined them as a creative team in the late 1980s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
September 15, 2018
This little story feels unfinished to me. I did enjoy the artwork, I feel they capture that feeling and spirit of Halloween. It's the cozy bears we all know and love. It's also about the best holiday - Halloween.
Still, in the story the kids are going trick-or treating for the first time by themselves. They are a little excited and scared. There is also a house they don't want to go to because everyone thinks the lady is a mean old witch who lives in the creepy house in the woods. They go out and immediately run into the bad crowd. There are 3 of them who entice them without much convincing to go do some bad things instead of treating. So they end up going to the old bears house. Once there, she invites them all in and they have fun. That's it. We know it's ok to not judge a book by it's cover now, but what happened to the peer-pressure story and the willingness to do wicked things??? Never deal with it. Just, scene.
Oh well, the kids loved it with 5 stars and they were talking about their costumes, so it didn't bother them. I guess it's really no big deal because everything turned out alright in the end. C'est la Vie.
Still, in the story the kids are going trick-or treating for the first time by themselves. They are a little excited and scared. There is also a house they don't want to go to because everyone thinks the lady is a mean old witch who lives in the creepy house in the woods. They go out and immediately run into the bad crowd. There are 3 of them who entice them without much convincing to go do some bad things instead of treating. So they end up going to the old bears house. Once there, she invites them all in and they have fun. That's it. We know it's ok to not judge a book by it's cover now, but what happened to the peer-pressure story and the willingness to do wicked things??? Never deal with it. Just, scene.
Oh well, the kids loved it with 5 stars and they were talking about their costumes, so it didn't bother them. I guess it's really no big deal because everything turned out alright in the end. C'est la Vie.
Read
December 7, 2022Loved this one!
Perfect for Halloween!
Gonna need to buy a copy for my small collections of books to reread in the future!
Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/q_F6jvTg2ZE
Perfect for Halloween!
Gonna need to buy a copy for my small collections of books to reread in the future!
Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/q_F6jvTg2ZE
December 14, 2020
It's Halloween time in the bear country. Brother and sister bear are really excited as this is the first time they'd go trick-or-treating without an adult's supervision. They will be going with three other kids and they make a map of which houses to hit. They want to avoid an old spooky looking house where an old person, Miz McGrizz lives but mama tells them that appearances can be deceiving. Sure, Miz McGrizz is old and bent but she isn't a witch.
All the kids end up at that spooky house and the old Miz McGrizz treats them with special Halloween apple candy. It was another sweet story but it wasn't as compelling as the others that I have read. Amazing pictures though.
3.5 stars
All the kids end up at that spooky house and the old Miz McGrizz treats them with special Halloween apple candy. It was another sweet story but it wasn't as compelling as the others that I have read. Amazing pictures though.
3.5 stars
October 23, 2021
Brother and Sister Bear are looking forward to Halloween in this entry in The Berenstain Bears picture-book series, excited to be allowed to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision for the first time. As the two plot their route, they plan to give old Miz McGrizz's gnarled, twisted old treehouse a wide berth, given the rumors that she is a witch. Although Mama Bear tells them that their elderly neighbor is nothing of the sort, the two must learn for themselves that appearances can be deceiving...
Like many American children, I grew up reading about the Berenstain Bears, an anthropomorphic ursine family living in a cozy treehouse in Bear Country, whose adventures always illustrated some moral point. The characters first appeared in the 1962 The Big Honey Hunt , edited by none other than Dr. Seuss, and included in the Random House Beginner Books collection. Since that time, hundred of other books have been produced, as well as a television show, video games, plays, and films. I don't think I read The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat as a child, as it was published well after the period when I gravitated toward picture-books, but I have added it to my "sweet youth" shelf all the same. The story is engaging, and while it had an overt didactic aim, it didn't feel overly preachy to me. The story idea here - an elderly woman is mistaken for a witch by the children in her neighborhood - has also been explored in such children's books as Carol Carrick's Old Mother Witch , Sine Van Mole's Meena , and Ruth M. Arthur's A Cottage for Rosemary , amongst many others. The artwork in this one is colorful and cute, like all of the Berenstains' books, and captures the fun and frights of Halloween night.
In sum, an engaging, entertaining Halloween story for the picture-book set, one which addresses an important theme: namely, that we should not judge others based upon their appearance.
Like many American children, I grew up reading about the Berenstain Bears, an anthropomorphic ursine family living in a cozy treehouse in Bear Country, whose adventures always illustrated some moral point. The characters first appeared in the 1962 The Big Honey Hunt , edited by none other than Dr. Seuss, and included in the Random House Beginner Books collection. Since that time, hundred of other books have been produced, as well as a television show, video games, plays, and films. I don't think I read The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat as a child, as it was published well after the period when I gravitated toward picture-books, but I have added it to my "sweet youth" shelf all the same. The story is engaging, and while it had an overt didactic aim, it didn't feel overly preachy to me. The story idea here - an elderly woman is mistaken for a witch by the children in her neighborhood - has also been explored in such children's books as Carol Carrick's Old Mother Witch , Sine Van Mole's Meena , and Ruth M. Arthur's A Cottage for Rosemary , amongst many others. The artwork in this one is colorful and cute, like all of the Berenstains' books, and captures the fun and frights of Halloween night.
In sum, an engaging, entertaining Halloween story for the picture-book set, one which addresses an important theme: namely, that we should not judge others based upon their appearance.
October 18, 2009
This is a fairly typical Berenstain Bears book, a cute story about the Bear family with a moral lesson woven throughout.
This time the moral is "don't judge a book by its cover," or rather, as the book mentions, "appearances can be deceiving." We enjoyed reading this book together.
This time the moral is "don't judge a book by its cover," or rather, as the book mentions, "appearances can be deceiving." We enjoyed reading this book together.
January 13, 2011
Slightly dated considering the cubs go trick-or-treating without an adult, but the book is very effective at conveying the message that appearances can be decieving. My three-year-old, who I thought might be too young for this book, seemed to understand the basic idea. I like how the book does not try to scare kids, but attempts to make kids more aware and cautious, to trust their instincts.
October 3, 2019
The Berenstain Bears TRICK or TREAT By Stan and Jan Berenstain, published 1989.
“You must really try to remember, Papa,” said sister, giving her apple a little lick, “appearances can be quite deceiving.”
There’s a good lesson to be learned from this little kids book. Good pictures & a fun read for the whole family. Perfect for getting in the Halloween/Fall spirit!
“You must really try to remember, Papa,” said sister, giving her apple a little lick, “appearances can be quite deceiving.”
There’s a good lesson to be learned from this little kids book. Good pictures & a fun read for the whole family. Perfect for getting in the Halloween/Fall spirit!
April 25, 2010
Brother and Sister bear map out their locations for trick-or-treating Halloween night, the first year they'll be allowed out without Mama and Papa. One place they plan to avoid is Miz McGrizz's scary place, but when they end up there unexpectedly, she turns out to be a nice old lady who makes fantastic candy apples.
Read
July 1, 2016Appearance can be deceiving. I agree totally with it. Sis bear and Brother are not going to Miz McGrizz. Because they thought she is a witch. But she led the terrified cubs into a cozy living room.
She was a sweet, kind old person.
She was a sweet, kind old person.
October 24, 2019
This book reminded me of the episode. I miss the Berenstain Bears!
October 17, 2024
'Tis the season to read Halloween books!
Brother and Sister Bear set out for their first trick-or-treat expedition without parental supervision and -- as the book drives home with a sledgehammer -- learn a lesson about how appearances can be deceiving.
Heavy-handed and boring. But my daughter enjoyed it when she was five.
Brother and Sister Bear set out for their first trick-or-treat expedition without parental supervision and -- as the book drives home with a sledgehammer -- learn a lesson about how appearances can be deceiving.
Heavy-handed and boring. But my daughter enjoyed it when she was five.
October 18, 2019
Brings back sooo many memories! Good stuff!
July 2, 2023
This one felt like build up build up then such a rushed ending.
October 11, 2022
I loved this one as a kid and we love reading this one with our 6 year old in the Fall!
November 1, 2016
“Even little bears expect a good fright when they go out for treats on Halloween night.”
I was surprised that the story wasn’t rhyming and was like an actual story rather than a poem. The title page had the above rhyme, and the last Berenstain Bears Halloween book rhymed so it was a surprise that this one didn’t.
Brother Bear’s costume didn’t look so much like a spooky monster as it did a devil costume. I thought it was actually a devil until I read the next page. The illustrator should have gone with a different colored costume besides all red.
It’s really weird that Papa Bear would be the one not okay with the kids going trick-or-treating by themselves, and the mom doesn’t really care. “Now, Papa. If Brother and Sister want to accept the challenge of going out on their own, I think we should encourage them.” The mom’s character is actually annoying. I don’t like the role she had, always knowing what was best, like her word was law. She did have rules for them though, they had to stay in their own neighborhood and couldn’t eat any of the treats until they got home.
The illustrations could have done without all of the lines through everything. It made the pictures look really scratchy.
The authors used the word deceiving, but at least Mama Bear explained that it means things aren’t always what they look like. When they used the word forbidding though, that was a really bad idea. There are many simple synonyms that would have worked to replace that word, that kids would understand. Ventured wasn’t a good idea either. I’m surprised at the word choices in here. Kids wouldn’t know these!
The word warily was used and someone definitely should have edited this thing to get all of the big words out. You just can’t use words like this in a children’s book.
Interesting concept that Brother put together a map of the neighborhood and which houses to go to. They decide not to go to the witch’s house. Mama Bear overhears and tells them the person is a kind old lady who looks forbidding but is nice. Too-Tall Bear and his gang led them to the witch’s house. The door opens and she invites all the cubs inside, gives them candy apples to eat. I was disappointed they just walked out immediately after and didn’t stay and talk. I expected a better moment of them getting to know her. All Sister said was Mama was right, she is a nice old lady, and then they left to continue trick-or-treating.
By the end it was Sister Bear who was telling her dad that he must remember appearances can be quite deceiving. He asked where they got the candy apples, and when they told him he said “From that scary-looking old grouch-puss that lives down Crooked Lane?” I’m surprised he said that about the old woman. I expected more from the witch scenario, like maybe they would go and see her or learn more of a lesson.
I was surprised that the story wasn’t rhyming and was like an actual story rather than a poem. The title page had the above rhyme, and the last Berenstain Bears Halloween book rhymed so it was a surprise that this one didn’t.
Brother Bear’s costume didn’t look so much like a spooky monster as it did a devil costume. I thought it was actually a devil until I read the next page. The illustrator should have gone with a different colored costume besides all red.
It’s really weird that Papa Bear would be the one not okay with the kids going trick-or-treating by themselves, and the mom doesn’t really care. “Now, Papa. If Brother and Sister want to accept the challenge of going out on their own, I think we should encourage them.” The mom’s character is actually annoying. I don’t like the role she had, always knowing what was best, like her word was law. She did have rules for them though, they had to stay in their own neighborhood and couldn’t eat any of the treats until they got home.
The illustrations could have done without all of the lines through everything. It made the pictures look really scratchy.
The authors used the word deceiving, but at least Mama Bear explained that it means things aren’t always what they look like. When they used the word forbidding though, that was a really bad idea. There are many simple synonyms that would have worked to replace that word, that kids would understand. Ventured wasn’t a good idea either. I’m surprised at the word choices in here. Kids wouldn’t know these!
The word warily was used and someone definitely should have edited this thing to get all of the big words out. You just can’t use words like this in a children’s book.
Interesting concept that Brother put together a map of the neighborhood and which houses to go to. They decide not to go to the witch’s house. Mama Bear overhears and tells them the person is a kind old lady who looks forbidding but is nice. Too-Tall Bear and his gang led them to the witch’s house. The door opens and she invites all the cubs inside, gives them candy apples to eat. I was disappointed they just walked out immediately after and didn’t stay and talk. I expected a better moment of them getting to know her. All Sister said was Mama was right, she is a nice old lady, and then they left to continue trick-or-treating.
By the end it was Sister Bear who was telling her dad that he must remember appearances can be quite deceiving. He asked where they got the candy apples, and when they told him he said “From that scary-looking old grouch-puss that lives down Crooked Lane?” I’m surprised he said that about the old woman. I expected more from the witch scenario, like maybe they would go and see her or learn more of a lesson.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2016
This was one of the books I was most excited to read for Halloween, so I saved it for Halloween night. I meant to read this last, but I somehow ended up reading something else last.
Farmer Ben!! It was nice to see people from the books that are also in the show!
Just watched an episode where they competed against each other for the biggest pumpkin.
They say he’s going as a monster but it looks like the devil.
Papa’s scary face was too scary! He looks demented!
They go to the doctor’s to trick-or-treat even though she gives out healthy snacks, just to be polite. I thought that was nice!
They can see the scary house from their house? They looked out the window &there it was. That doesn’t seem realistic, as there’s never been a haunted house that I’ve seen. I don’t like when authors throw out houses and people for convenience, in one book or episode, and then you never see them again. I also dk why it was considered haunted, because it was a cute house in good shape.
The branches of the tree looked weird shooting up from the house. There’s one branch with a window in it, but you couldn’t physically get into the branch to even look out of it. also, it looks too tiny a house to live in, and have different rooms.
I didn’t understand when Too-Tall(funny name) said they’d tie knots in her clothesline. What would that do?
It was a surprise to have the woman pop out, full of ire, saying “Aha! I’m ready for you!” it was nice that she saw it coming, and ruined their pranks. &I like that she was spunky and not helpless.
It was odd how the woman just takes Brother and Sister and their friends into her house, and not the bad kids, when they were with the bad kids, and all a part of going to teepee her house. Where did the bad kids go? That scene was over so fast! Then they’re leaving. I was like what?? I thought they’d get to know her and realize she’s nice. &become her friend. I just read Arthur’s Halloween, where the story was similar, so I guess I was expecting something like that.
Never heard of ‘grouch-puss’ before.
There was a lesson to be learned, but it needed more.
It’s more 2 stars.
I like reading books that are shows, because it feels like watching the show. &you can read it in their voices and imagine it as an episode.
Farmer Ben!! It was nice to see people from the books that are also in the show!
Just watched an episode where they competed against each other for the biggest pumpkin.
They say he’s going as a monster but it looks like the devil.
Papa’s scary face was too scary! He looks demented!
They go to the doctor’s to trick-or-treat even though she gives out healthy snacks, just to be polite. I thought that was nice!
They can see the scary house from their house? They looked out the window &there it was. That doesn’t seem realistic, as there’s never been a haunted house that I’ve seen. I don’t like when authors throw out houses and people for convenience, in one book or episode, and then you never see them again. I also dk why it was considered haunted, because it was a cute house in good shape.
The branches of the tree looked weird shooting up from the house. There’s one branch with a window in it, but you couldn’t physically get into the branch to even look out of it. also, it looks too tiny a house to live in, and have different rooms.
I didn’t understand when Too-Tall(funny name) said they’d tie knots in her clothesline. What would that do?
It was a surprise to have the woman pop out, full of ire, saying “Aha! I’m ready for you!” it was nice that she saw it coming, and ruined their pranks. &I like that she was spunky and not helpless.
It was odd how the woman just takes Brother and Sister and their friends into her house, and not the bad kids, when they were with the bad kids, and all a part of going to teepee her house. Where did the bad kids go? That scene was over so fast! Then they’re leaving. I was like what?? I thought they’d get to know her and realize she’s nice. &become her friend. I just read Arthur’s Halloween, where the story was similar, so I guess I was expecting something like that.
Never heard of ‘grouch-puss’ before.
There was a lesson to be learned, but it needed more.
It’s more 2 stars.
I like reading books that are shows, because it feels like watching the show. &you can read it in their voices and imagine it as an episode.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2013
★★★The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Brother and Sister Bear go trick or treating, by themselves for the first time. So, even thought this book is almost 30 years old, they seem awfully young, to go anywhere by them selves. The cubs decide they are not going to Miz McGrizz's, because it is creepy. But they learn she makes yummy candy apples, and is actually nice. This is a bit outdated, in that we specifically teach our kids not to take fruits and homemade goodies. Oh, how things change.
Brother and Sister Bear go trick or treating, by themselves for the first time. So, even thought this book is almost 30 years old, they seem awfully young, to go anywhere by them selves. The cubs decide they are not going to Miz McGrizz's, because it is creepy. But they learn she makes yummy candy apples, and is actually nice. This is a bit outdated, in that we specifically teach our kids not to take fruits and homemade goodies. Oh, how things change.
September 15, 2018
Fall time brings lots of changes to Bear County, the best of which is Halloween and trick or treat. This year Brother and Sister Bear are going out trick or treating without a grown up, just them and some friends. There is a sweet lesson woven in the story about not judging a person, or bear, by their outward appearance. Fun book to share with your kiddos anytime of year but most defiantly before Halloween.
November 2, 2011
I haven't read this book in years, so instead of rating the "message" of this book, I based it on my memories of the book
. 20 years (ish) and I can still remember the pictures! It was one of the BB's I liked the best.
. 20 years (ish) and I can still remember the pictures! It was one of the BB's I liked the best.
October 31, 2013
Classic Berenstein for Halloween. A little spooky, a little fun, and a big moral.
(Note: 21st Century parents might need to do some explaining about why the little cubs can go trick or treating without an adult.)
(Note: 21st Century parents might need to do some explaining about why the little cubs can go trick or treating without an adult.)
September 23, 2014
I enjoyed this book because of the great lesson that it teaches. When people say don't judge a book by its cover they are correct. This book is fun to read but it also teaches people to look below the surface and not make assumptions about others and what they see in front of them.
June 6, 2008
I liked the lesson in this book, that is, everyone deserves a chance. We are all different, but sometimes when we get to know another person they are better than we expected.
April 13, 2012
We love all berenstain bear books!
October 1, 2012
Another great lesson from the BB about not judging people by their appearance, or by stories you've heard which may or may not be true.
Read in Austin; purchased by Lonene for the kids' library.
Read in Austin; purchased by Lonene for the kids' library.
October 19, 2016
I have to read this one to my 2 yr old granddaughter every time she goes down for a nap
September 17, 2018
Another great installment in the Berenstain Bears series. With October coming around the corner I thought this an appropriate book to share about. Brother and Sister are getting ready for trick or treating. They have their costumes, they have their map with their route picked out, and they even have their friends to go along with. There’s just one problem, running into an old lady who everybody ‘knows” is a witch. Come along with the bears as they carve a pumpkin, gather up candy and cookies, and learn that appearances can indeed be deceiving. A wonderful tale to add to your kiddo’s library both for fun and to talk to young children about how much more character and integrity matter than the way a person looks or how popular they are. Hope you’ll take a look, I very highly recommend it.
August 13, 2019
Great message. Fun read.
August 17, 2020
And now I want it to be Halloween.
December 10, 2022
Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes
September 11, 2023
Ugh this is not my favorite and a bit of a plot less... hole filled journey. So of course my son enjoys it. I think he likes the "scary" parts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews