Little Critter: Happy Halloween, Little Critter!
Little Critter Series
What’s inside...
In 'Happy Halloween, Little Critter!' by Mercer Mayer, Little Critter experiences the excitement and fun of Halloween. Dressed in his costume, he goes trick-or-treating with friends and family, navigating the thrills and spills of the holiday. From choosing the perfect costume to carving pumpkins and enjoying Halloween treats, Little Critter learns about the spirit of Halloween, the importance of sharing with others, and the joy of spending time with loved ones. The book captures the essence of a child's Halloween adventure with its charming illustrations and relatable storyline. Little Critter and Little Sister dress in fun costumes, bob for apples, play pin the broom on the witch, and much more. There are plenty of surprises to be had, even if some of them are just a little spooky!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Little Critter
Little Sister
Dad
Mom
Discussion points
Why do you think Little Critter was excited about Halloween?
What are some ways Little Critter shows kindness to his friends?
How do the different costumes in the book make you feel?
What would you do if you were in Little Critter’s place at the Halloween party?
Can you think of a time when you felt the same way Little Critter did in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more interactive and fun.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story to enhance their predictive skills.
After reading, engage your child in a craft activity related to the book, like making a simple mask or drawing their favorite scene.
Encourage your child to talk about their personal experiences with Halloween and relate them to the events in the book.
Discuss the emotions of various characters and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations, fostering empathy and emotional understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: In the story, Little Critter and his friends share their Halloween treats and help each other during trick-or-treating, demonstrating cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles by working together with peers in school projects or sharing toys during playtime to build positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Little Critter faces his fears of spooky Halloween decorations and characters, showing courage as he goes trick-or-treating.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out a new activity or facing challenges at school.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of imagination through the variety of costumes and decorations. Little Critter and his friends express themselves creatively.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to use their imagination in arts and crafts, storytelling or in thinking of solutions to day-to-day challenges.
Example Lesson: Respect for Others
Explanation: Little Critter learns to respect others’ feelings when interacting with younger children or those who are scared during Halloween.
Real-World Application: Teaching a child to consider others' emotions and reactions can help them develop empathy and improve social interactions.