Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Splashy colors and relatable moods make a fun read-aloud.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Even though Halloween is his favorite day, everything seems to go wrong for Crankenstein in TRICK OR TREAT, CRANKENSTEIN. His mouth hurts so he can't eat his favorite cereal, he gets lost in a corn maze, his costume is ruined in the rain, he's scared by a big spider, his pumpkin carving doesn't go the way he'd planned, and more. But just when his day seems like the worst ever, Crankenstein's friends show up at the door and help him see that things aren't nearly as bad as they seem. In fact, they're pretty good.
Is It Any Good?
The facial expressions and over-the-top emotions when small things go wrong are pitch-perfect here, for young readers and their parents alike. Trick or Treat, Crankenstein captures the big feelings of small kids, and the urgency of all their emotions. A few of the things that turn Crankenstein's day bad hit harder, like when he feels small and embarrassed standing next to someone wearing a better version of his costume. The illustrations are exuberant and expressive, packed with color and lots of fun details to make for a great read-aloud, even outside of Halloween season.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how they've reacted to bad days like what happens in Trick or Treat, Crankenstein. What makes it hard to pull yourself out of a bad mood? What makes it easier?
What are some ways you can help someone else who's feeling the way he did?
What other Halloween books do you like to read?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Dan Santat
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship , Holidays
- Book type : Fiction
- Publishers : Little , Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : August 17, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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