| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that though in picture book format, this combination of nostalgia and cynical humor is really aimed at older children and adults.
Noted comedian Jerry Seinfeld reminisces about the Halloweens of his youth, beginning with eager enthusiasm ("EVERYONE WE KNOW is just giving out candy? I gotta be a part of this!"), proceeding through normal trials and difficulties (cheap, flimsy costumes, breaking rubber bands on masks, etc.), and ending with teenage cynicism ("Bing-bong, come on lady, let's go! Halloween, doorbells, candy, let's pick it up in there.").
The deluxe edition contains a CD of Seinfeld performing this routine in front of an audience.
While this looks like a picture book, and the publisher recommends it for ages 4 and up, it is really aimed at older children and adults. Seinfeld did not write it for children: It was taken almost word for word from one of his standup routines, and is a combination of nostalgia and cynicism that is unlikely to appeal to the picture book set, though they will enjoy the goofy illustrations.
But for kids who are starting to get a bit jaded about Halloween, it's a hoot, and one they can share with their parents. James Bennett's illustrations brilliantly match the tone: glossy, bigheaded caricatures, with the main character looking hilariously like a youthful Seinfeld. The CD provides added humor, as no one can perform this material better than Seinfeld himself.
Families can talk about their own Halloween traditions and memories. Kids: What was your favorite costume? Why?
| Author: | Jerry Seinfeld |
| Illustrator: | James Bennett |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Little, Brown and Company |
| Publication date: | October 24, 2003 |
| Number of pages: | 32 |
| Hardcover price: | $18.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
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