The Best Halloween Ever



Last updated Thursday, April 18, 2024

Author: Barbara Robinson
Illustrator: Barbara Robinson
Date of Publication: 2004
ISBN: 0060278625
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2004

Synopsis: The Herdmans plus Halloween have always spelled disaster. Every year these six kids -- the worst in the history of Woodrow Wilson School, and possibly even the world -- wreak havoc on the whole town. They steal candy, spray-paint kids, and take anything that's not nailed down.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  How do you celebrate Halloween?
•  What kinds of activities do you do at a Halloween party?
•  What's your favorite candy? How much candy do you get for Halloween, and what do you do with it all?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Has someone you know ever ruined things for everybody?
•  What would make Halloween the "best ever" for you?

Craft ideas:
•  Make Halloween window decorations such as jack-o-lanterns, black cats, etc. out of construction paper.
•  Make a chain of orange and black loops, with each loop representing a day in October before Halloween. Write dates on each loop and have the kids remove one loop a day until Halloween arrives.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!