Trick or Treat Crankenstein is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
"Trick or Treat, Crankenstein" by Dan Santat is a delightful and humorous Halloween tale that follows the adventures of a little boy who transforms into a monstrous version of himself, known as Crankenstein, when he is in a foul mood. As Halloween approaches, Crankenstein's grumpy nature is amplified, and he is determined to spoil the holiday for everyone. From smashing pumpkins to scaring trick-or-treaters, Crankenstein wreaks havoc wherever he goes. However, an unexpected encounter with a kind and caring trick-or-treater teaches Crankenstein the true meaning of Halloween and the joy of spreading happiness. With vibrant illustrations and witty storytelling, "Trick or Treat, Crankenstein" delivers a valuable lesson about the power of kindness and the transformative nature of the Halloween spirit. In the end, Crankenstein's heart softens, and he discovers the joy of joining in the Halloween festivities, leaving readers with a heartwarming message about embracing the holiday with a positive attitude.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Cause and effect can be a difficult skill for students. This book is a perfect mentor text for teaching this skill.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions. Paste teaching ideas here.
- Introduce the purpose of adverbs and practice using them.
- Introduce pronouns and practice using them.
- Use this book to discuss a variety of emotions with students and how to manage them.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Turkey Trick or Treat by Wendi Silvano
- Click, Clack, Boo by Doreen Cronin
- The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey
- The Little Old Lady Who was not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams
- Piggie Pie by Margie Palatini
- Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
- Alice and Greta by Steven J. Simmons
- Crankenstein by Samantha Berger an Dan Santat
- The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John
- Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
