What do you think?
Rate this book
Halloween
A humorous tale about the Halloween experience as remembered by the author himself, from bad trick-or-treat candy to pajama-like costumes, enhanced with vibrant illustrations.
30 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2002
About the author
Jerry Seinfeld
33 books543 followersJerome Allen "Jerry" Seinfeld (born April 29, 1954) is an American comedian, actor and writer, whose style is often described as observational comedy. He is best known for playing a semi-fictional version of himself in the situation comedy, Seinfeld, (1989-1998), which he co-created, helped write and, in the show's final two seasons, executive produced. In his first major foray back into the media since the finale of Seinfeld, he co-wrote and co-produced the film Bee Movie, also dubbing the title role of Barry B. Benson. In February 2009, it was announced that Jerry Seinfeld will be participating in a reality TV series tentatively called Marriage Ref on NBC. Jerry is rumored to work behind the scenes, mainly operating as creator and executive producer, but may also make cameo appearances. Jerry is also going to be on an episode of the Starz Original series, Head Case. In March 2009, it was announced that Jerry and the entire cast of Seinfeld will be appearing on Larry David's HBO original series Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Seinfeld is known for his incredibly dedicated and devoted work ethic. He was ranked #12 in Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time.
Seinfeld is also a bestselling author, most notably for his book Seinlanguage. Released in 1993, the book went on to become a number one New York Times bestseller. The book, written as his television show was first rising in popularity, is primarily an adaptation of the comedian's standup material. The title comes from an article in Entertainment Weekly listing the numerous catch-phrases the show was responsible for.
In 2003, he wrote a children's book titled Halloween. The book was illustrated by James Bennett. There are also several books about both the sitcom and Seinfeld himself, though many of them are not written by Seinfeld.
Seinfeld wrote the forewords to Ted L. Nancy's Letters from a Nut series of books and Ed Broth's Stories from a Moron. Both authors were rumored to be pseudonyms for Seinfeld or a friend of his. Neither Nancy nor Broth have been seen publicly, although Seinfeld is heavily involved in pitching their books for television.
In promoting Broth's book, Seinfeld hosted a toast in the author's honor. Broth did not attend.
Seinfeld also wrote the foreword to the Peanut Butter & Co. Cookbook, from his favorite sandwich shop in New York City.
Seinfeld is known for his incredibly dedicated and devoted work ethic. He was ranked #12 in Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time.
Seinfeld is also a bestselling author, most notably for his book Seinlanguage. Released in 1993, the book went on to become a number one New York Times bestseller. The book, written as his television show was first rising in popularity, is primarily an adaptation of the comedian's standup material. The title comes from an article in Entertainment Weekly listing the numerous catch-phrases the show was responsible for.
In 2003, he wrote a children's book titled Halloween. The book was illustrated by James Bennett. There are also several books about both the sitcom and Seinfeld himself, though many of them are not written by Seinfeld.
Seinfeld wrote the forewords to Ted L. Nancy's Letters from a Nut series of books and Ed Broth's Stories from a Moron. Both authors were rumored to be pseudonyms for Seinfeld or a friend of his. Neither Nancy nor Broth have been seen publicly, although Seinfeld is heavily involved in pitching their books for television.
In promoting Broth's book, Seinfeld hosted a toast in the author's honor. Broth did not attend.
Seinfeld also wrote the foreword to the Peanut Butter & Co. Cookbook, from his favorite sandwich shop in New York City.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 7, 2016
Seems like a lot of celebrities are writing children's books these days.
I guess the name recognition helps out when it comes to picking up the book. But, as many children's stories tell us, it's what's on the inside that matters most.
Which is why I'm a bit frustrated with Jerry Seinfeld's book Halloween. As a fan of Seinfeld (both this classic series and his stand-up humor) this reflection on growing up and what Halloween meant to him is fun. Except that all this book turns out to be is several of his stand-up routines illustrated.
And while Shortcake and I enjoyed it the first time we read it, I'm not sure this is one that we'll be adding to the rotation of book we read together any time soon. I suppose if I had the CD with Seinfeld delivering...I mean, reading the book it might be a bit more fun. I certainly tried to do my best Seinfeld impression while reading it, but it met with little enthusiasm from Shortcake.
I guess the name recognition helps out when it comes to picking up the book. But, as many children's stories tell us, it's what's on the inside that matters most.
Which is why I'm a bit frustrated with Jerry Seinfeld's book Halloween. As a fan of Seinfeld (both this classic series and his stand-up humor) this reflection on growing up and what Halloween meant to him is fun. Except that all this book turns out to be is several of his stand-up routines illustrated.
And while Shortcake and I enjoyed it the first time we read it, I'm not sure this is one that we'll be adding to the rotation of book we read together any time soon. I suppose if I had the CD with Seinfeld delivering...I mean, reading the book it might be a bit more fun. I certainly tried to do my best Seinfeld impression while reading it, but it met with little enthusiasm from Shortcake.
November 1, 2021
Halloween is a children's picture book written by Jerry Seinfeld and illustrated by James Bennett. According to Seinfeld, the trick-or-treating mindset involves two words: get candy. Since today (31 October, 2021) is Halloween, I thought it would be apropos to read this book.
Jerome Allen Seinfeld is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He is best known for playing a semi-fictionalized version of himself in the sitcom Seinfeld, which he created and wrote with Larry David.
Seinfeld's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. His trademarked smart-alecky monologue rings true throughout the narrative, which is probably target more toward older children or adults as some of the jokes are too sophisticated for the target audience – children. Bennett gets Seinfeld's skeptical frown and white sneakers just right, and his visual gags complement the comic's incredulous voice.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. In this sugar-fueled nostalgia trip, a familiar-looking boy (Seinfeld) targets name-brand chocolate bars. He shops for a Superman costume with an uncomfortable plastic mask in order to get as much candy one can get. When his mother makes him wear a winter coat over his Superman outfit, the book presents a mock-heroic portrait of the Man of Steel, muscular arm punching the night sky and brown corduroy over his cape.
All in all, Halloween is a moderately written, but humorous book with bright illustrations and the consuming enthusiasm for candy, but ultimately there's not much substance.
Jerome Allen Seinfeld is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He is best known for playing a semi-fictionalized version of himself in the sitcom Seinfeld, which he created and wrote with Larry David.
Seinfeld's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. His trademarked smart-alecky monologue rings true throughout the narrative, which is probably target more toward older children or adults as some of the jokes are too sophisticated for the target audience – children. Bennett gets Seinfeld's skeptical frown and white sneakers just right, and his visual gags complement the comic's incredulous voice.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. In this sugar-fueled nostalgia trip, a familiar-looking boy (Seinfeld) targets name-brand chocolate bars. He shops for a Superman costume with an uncomfortable plastic mask in order to get as much candy one can get. When his mother makes him wear a winter coat over his Superman outfit, the book presents a mock-heroic portrait of the Man of Steel, muscular arm punching the night sky and brown corduroy over his cape.
All in all, Halloween is a moderately written, but humorous book with bright illustrations and the consuming enthusiasm for candy, but ultimately there's not much substance.
October 19, 2010
Halloween (Jerry Seinfeld).
I just love this book. The illustrations are awesome, the story line is so funny an accurate to my childhood trick or treating adventures(especially the plastic mask with the elastic string , truly a LOL part of this hysterically funny book). Sure to be a classic, at least in my opinion. I recommend to adults as well as children. Nice fun read!
I just love this book. The illustrations are awesome, the story line is so funny an accurate to my childhood trick or treating adventures(especially the plastic mask with the elastic string , truly a LOL part of this hysterically funny book). Sure to be a classic, at least in my opinion. I recommend to adults as well as children. Nice fun read!
November 29, 2018
Funny book but I think it was geared more for adults than kids. My daughter was like, "huh?"
August 14, 2019
I liked this book ..It was quite funny how the boy only wanted candy all time ..He did everything he could to get a candy ..
December 1, 2020
Wonderful book to read to the students around Halloween!
October 31, 2022
Thank god for the Superman content.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2017
Jerry Seinfeld's Halloween brings to my mind memories of hysterical laughter. I remember my mom reading it to us kids for several years in a row. The wry observations on childhood in general and the over-the-top enthusiasm for the candy holiday in particular are delightful.
I read it yesterday to my 4th graders, and while they found it funny, they weren't in stitches. Kids have changed so much in just a few years. Such a pity.
I read it yesterday to my 4th graders, and while they found it funny, they weren't in stitches. Kids have changed so much in just a few years. Such a pity.
August 18, 2007
I went to Thrift Town in San Leandro with Jeff to get books for his 4th grade classroom and this was one of them. We also got a bunch of books about ponies. They're like girl and pony adventures. The creepy or good thing about this book particular book here is that the illustrations are of a strangely stylized preadolescent Jerry Seinfeld with really close together eyes.
October 12, 2016
HILARIOUS.
This book brought back all kinds of great (and not so great- those damn masks!) Halloween memories for me. Kids and adults will laugh out loud at this wonderfully written, beautiful drawn book. It's an instant classic.
This book brought back all kinds of great (and not so great- those damn masks!) Halloween memories for me. Kids and adults will laugh out loud at this wonderfully written, beautiful drawn book. It's an instant classic.
October 22, 2014
Fans of Jerry Seinfeld will enjoy reading this one about Halloween. He really hit it right on the mark with those silly elastic bands around those masks!! We shelve this in the children's section, and rightly so, but I have a feeling adults will appreciate this book a lot more than the kids.
October 29, 2019
While I would have enjoyed hearing this as one of Jerry Seinfeld's bits, it didn't translate well to a children's book. My daughter was confused by it and I found it a bit offensive. I don't want my kids learning that being rude to people who give candy they don't want is funny or even ok.
October 1, 2009
Just read this with my kids (8 and 7) and we were all laughing hysterically.
October 25, 2012
Got to play Seinfeld narrating his own book, while showing classes the illustrations in the book. It was hilarious.
December 26, 2015
Seinfeld style. Simple yet funny!
April 13, 2018
This was my favorite Halloween book when I was younger. The illustrations are so fun, and it shows what Halloween really is to kids. I always have enjoyed this book.
November 7, 2017
This totally read like a stand-up comedy act. It had me laughing out loud as I read to my son. He didn't totally get it. And that's okay. I love the universal experience Seinfeld shares of growing up and the childhood fun of Halloween. Some might call the book shallow, and it is, to some extent, especially if you take it at face value. But it's comedy and there's a lot to laugh about on the surface. It doesn't have to be deep.
What's Halloween about? Candy! (Yeah, sadly, this is what most kids think.)
What's Halloween about? Candy! (Yeah, sadly, this is what most kids think.)
May 8, 2018
If you like Seinfeld-isms & have seen his stand-ups, you'll love this as much as we do! It's the Halloween bit he does about candy & the Spiderman costume word for word & the artwork is absolutely adorable. It also came with a CD which includes this bit taken from a stage performance (audience in background). A great way to recycle material & make $$, but SOOO glad I came across it & was able to add it to our library. Oh & the kids love it too!!
August 7, 2020
This book is maybe the worst children's book I've ever read. It's not funny, especially to children. The only people who might think it's funny are those who grew up in the 70s and 80s and can relate to the story. I did grow up in the 80s and I still thought the book was completely devoid of humor. It also teaches terrible lessons, such as candy is more important than family or kindness. And, the book drops unkind words like "Shut up" and "fools" and "stupid".
October 23, 2018
Made me chuckle a few times but not amazingly funny. Could be because the content was not new to me, I believe I've heard it entirely on 'Seinfeld', or one of of his stand-up shows.
Still, I enjoyed Seinfeld a lot so this is a nice thing to own. Probably not worth the money though unless you're really into Seinfeld.
Still, I enjoyed Seinfeld a lot so this is a nice thing to own. Probably not worth the money though unless you're really into Seinfeld.
November 2, 2018
I was actually surprised at how much I liked this book. It was a pleasant read and it was funny.
It reminded me of all the stuff I remember about Halloween when I was a kid. As an adult it was just comical. Not sure how the kids will love it. But, this is funny. Probably aimed at adults and teenagers.
It reminded me of all the stuff I remember about Halloween when I was a kid. As an adult it was just comical. Not sure how the kids will love it. But, this is funny. Probably aimed at adults and teenagers.
October 24, 2020
The famous comedian share some of his classic observations about his favorite holiday, Halloween! Great comedy bits about his love for candy and his disappointment with the quality of 1970 Halloween costumes. Funny illustrations of Jerry telling his story makes this book a holiday classic!
September 25, 2017
Great book one of my favorites, lots of humor sure to make you roll on the floor laughing.
January 29, 2018
Seinfeld takes some of his bits from his comedy routines and puts them in a fun book for kids . . . though the adults will take most of the laughs! (I sure did).
October 31, 2018
I htought that book was a super good short story. It also had at good ending showing that we are superheros no matter if were dressed up or not.
November 26, 2018
This is a funny story - the comedian's take on Hallowe'en from his own memories. What memories it brings back for me! Great illustrations.
October 9, 2019
Really cute! You can totally hear Jerry's voice and his classic comedic tone coming through!
October 27, 2019
Last year I feel I liked this book better than today when I read it. It’s a children’s book and as an adult I love it, but as a child I do not think it is the greatest Halloween book. 🎃
October 3, 2020
My five year old wanted to read this four times in a row and would have kept going. We found it funnier each time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews