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Otter

Otter Loves Halloween

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The curious, charming, playful, and internet-famous picture-book character Otter gets in the Halloween spirit in her first paper-over-board book!


Hi! I am Otter.

Halloween is the best holiday ever! It is also a very busy time for me and Teddy: We have to pick pumpkins, decorate the house, and make scary costumes. With so much to do, it’s a good thing I’m a Halloween expert!

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 21, 2015

122 people want to read

About the author

Sam Garton

13 books158 followers
I’m Sam, I’m 33 and I live in Wokingham! I have a degree in illustration and I spend most of my time drawing Otters whilst generally making a mess and thinking about why I still haven’t bought a kitten. I like putting inappropriate sweets in the freezer (Jelly tots) and my favourite film is Homeward bound. I wish I looked cool wearing headbands but I don’t. Oh and I’m rubbish at looking after house plants.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
123 (33%)
4 stars
122 (33%)
3 stars
97 (26%)
2 stars
16 (4%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Stuart.
5 reviews
August 23, 2015
Sam Garton's artwork is as charming as any I've seen, the little details in each picture drawing the eye in. The cheerful earnestness of Otter's observations all make perfect sense, making me want to see the world through her eyes. Bravo!
Profile Image for Margaret Chind.
3,194 reviews259 followers
September 15, 2015

Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.I love Otter! We love Otter! Otter is absolutely adorable, truly I do not exaggerate. Otter! was a big hit, Otter in Space! was perfect for us this year, and now Otter Loves Halloween! is a great addition. While the first two books are taller 9x11" jacket hardcovers, this seasonal special is a 9x9" hardcover and will go great on the holiday shelf next to the Marley, Splat the Cat, and Pete the Cat books.

Otter is a brave sole, just as are most children in the 4-8 age range and he is excited for Halloween. He is very into the idea of costumes being super scary, but he gets in a little over his head as he soon finds everything else to be scary too. In the end, he's fearless "of course" and he just wants to protect his friend Pig. This little seasoned story is a great fit for those who are exuberant, but might find themselves a little concerned when it comes to the big fright night.

Parental note: There is nothing too scary in these pages and I wouldn't hesitate to let all of my children flip through it.
This review was originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,331 reviews34 followers
November 5, 2015
The illustrations are spectacular! It's a very fun book that can stand being read over and over again!
Profile Image for Briana.
693 reviews15 followers
August 9, 2015
Otter and Teddy have been waiting for Halloween all year; it's one of the most important holidays! But when things get a little too scary, Otter Keeper has to help Otter come up with a plan to keep trick-or-treating fun.

Otter and Teddy are back with more charming, laugh-out-loud adventures. It's Halloween and everyone knows that means scary--and Otter is here to make sure all the stuffed animals have the scariest costumes possible. Her master Halloween plans just go a little off the rails when things get more frightening than she had anticipated. The story takes readers through all the fun and creativity of Halloween while offering a reassuring message about facing your fears. All Otter's friends are back to help her celebrate, including Otter Keeper, Teddy, Giraffe, and Pig. Readers will love seeing Otter prepare for one of her favorite holidays with her characteristic passion and intensity and will cheer for her when she needs to find a way to face some Halloween frights.

An amusing, endearing story about using your imagination to have the best Halloween ever.
Profile Image for Erik This Kid Reviews Books.
836 reviews72 followers
December 11, 2015
Wonderful story kids of all ages will love! Otter is really cute. That is my main reason for picking this up. I was also really happy to read this great story. Otter is an awesome character, that has many qualities of a young child. The book has great illustrations that have a cartoony / whimsical feel, with bits of humor laced into them.
*Note* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Shandra.
862 reviews34 followers
September 24, 2015
I love Otter so much! Adorable, and about my favorite holiday! I love the illustrations, especially Otter Keeper with the saw... ;)

This would be a fun, seasonal storytime book for Preschool/Kindergarten ages, and a fun read one on one with any kids who love Halloween and/or otters.
428 reviews
October 20, 2015
Otter has so much love for Halloween it's contagious! I want to run out immediately to find decorations and candy!
Author 3 books9 followers
January 23, 2016
SUMMARY: It is Halloween, Otter's favorite holiday, and he has so much to do. First they find a pumpkin, then they make their costumes and finally, decorations must be put up! Otter has everything ready until the trick or treaters arrive. Otter realizes he has a problem. The trick or treaters have scarier costumes than Otter and his friends do. Otter Keeper saves the day with a simple solution that keeps the fun rolling.

ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations were created digitally. They are full of fun, hilarious and vibrantly colored details from beginning to end. I love the end papers which are covered with pictures of enticing candy. It was a very eye catching way to begin the book.

THE GOOD: Otter is a quirky character who brings a laugh to the reader with very little effort. And although Halloween is not one of my favorite holidays, I was caught up in Otter's impatient enthusiasm. This book did a great job of portraying how a child can be excited about an event, but have fears at the same time. Instead of letting Otter hide away, Otter Keeper coaxes Otter out from the bed and helps him overcome his fears in order to have a great time.
THE NOT AS GOOD: At times I feel the writing does not match the character of Otter. Otter acts like a child, but talks like and adult. "It was then that we ran into a problem."

AGE RECOMMENDATION: Advertised for ages 4-8
Profile Image for Eden Grey.
295 reviews75 followers
September 8, 2015
The latest book in the adventures of the adorable Otter is perfectly scary and cute! Otter's fans will love her latest book, while many new readers will surely fall in love with Otter after reading this.

Otter has a lot to do to prepare for Halloween: put up decorations, pick out a pumpkin, and make costumes for her and her friends Teddy and Giraffe! But once everything is ready, Otter discovers that there are scary things outside the house. What will Otter do when she is too afraid to hand out candy? Find out in "Otter Loves Halloween."

With bright, vibrant colors, the illustrations are perfect for the imaginative young minds of kids getting excited for Halloween. The pictures are cute, relatable, and eye-catching, with a lot of detail and nuance for kids to discover over multiple readings. The text is easy to follow, with an eye-pleasing font and short sentences that are perfect for young readers.

Whether they're enjoying Halloween for the first time or it's their favorite holiday, kids will love this themed story with the lovable Otter. It makes a great read-aloud for bedtime or storytime, and would make a fantastic gift for Halloween-lovers.
Profile Image for Rachel.
208 reviews43 followers
September 1, 2015
When I heard that there was an new Otter book and it was Otter Loves Halloween, I was both happy and more than a little worried. Happy because who wouldn't want another Otter book? Worried, because it's a holiday book. And lets face it those tend to be overly syrupy and cheesy and that's on a good day. On bad days they are clunky and out of character and often aren't even written by the right people. It's possible I have some issues with holiday books.

All that said, I'm happy to report that Otter really does love Halloween, and my love for Otter is still true. Otter remains sweet and excitable Otter. Giraffe is still wonderfully droll and Otter Keeper is both gentle and silly in his solutions to a too scary Halloween.

I finished the book remembering the things I love about Halloween and not just the repeated trips up and down the stairs. Oh, and Otter decorates the way that I do.
Profile Image for Kid Lit Reviews.
376 reviews62 followers
October 16, 2015
Saying Otter loves Halloween is an understatement. Otter is crazy about Halloween. She counts down the days, and she recruits all of her friends to help with the preparations. Halloween night, Otter dresses as a witch (which I thought was a wizard), and helps Teddy transform into a mummy. Giraffe, well, he disappoints Otter with his not-so-scary costume. Otter decides to help Giraffe increase his scare factor by adding scary teeth to the long-necked animal’s costume. Otter wants everyone to be oh so scary!

To read more go to: http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2015/10/15...
Profile Image for Terry.
3,789 reviews51 followers
Read
January 10, 2019
My daughter (4) enjoyed the book and asked to read it a couple of times. She loves Halloween right now so I figured it would be a hit. I was surprised by how much she liked it. I thought it was 'okay.' It didn't have the strongest storyline and thought the Otter character is a little strange. Why would the Otter Keeper have a wild animal? Even so, it was worth a read because my daughter loved that it was about Halloween. There are never enough holiday books out and kids love them.

When you want a Halloween story this is a cute one.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,146 reviews37 followers
October 26, 2015
Otter is so excited for Halloween...counting down the days, carving pumpkins, and doing everything he needs to in order to prepare for the best holiday of the year. But when the trick or treaters come, they are scary. Otter Keeper has an idea that might help. The illustrations really contribute to the humor and sweet affect of the story. Great for preschoolers and young elementary students who might find Halloween both exciting and a little scary.
Profile Image for Teresa Reads.
634 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2015
This is another darling Otter book by Sam Garton. Otter is excited for Halloween. He wants a scary costume and dresses his friends Pig, Giraffe, and Bear up too, with humorous results. Otter can't wait for the trick-or-treaters to come, until he sees their costumes. Will Halloween be spoiled for Otter? A fun holiday read for younger children.
315 reviews33 followers
September 26, 2015
Super sweet book about getting the house ready for Halloween and creating costumes with what can be found in the home. I love how Otter referred to a book when making Teddy's costume and that Otter and his chums make their own costumes. Great encouragement for kids to view books as reference material and for creative play.
Profile Image for Diane.
7,258 reviews
July 6, 2017
There's so much to do to get ready for Halloween: pumpkin shopping, house decorating, costume design (though giraffe makes an unwise choice ... a fairy isn't very scary after all!) Who knew the trick-or-treaters would be so scary? Thank goodness Otter Keeper comes up with an idea to save everyone's Halloween (even Pig's).

So cute!
Profile Image for Jessie (Zombie_likes_cake).
1,390 reviews77 followers
October 10, 2016
As always: Absolutely smooching adorable. Giraffe's costume takes the cake. Set around Halloween which automatically grants half a bonus star on top. And no, it's still not awkward that I don't have any children of my own to read Otter books out loud to, it works perfectly fine when I read them to myself :-) Happy Halloween!
49 reviews
Read
December 6, 2017
Otter was super excited about halloween and couldn't  wait to pick pumpkins, decorate his house, and make scary costumes. He made many costumes for his friends and for himself. Tricker Treaters came to his house, but his costumes were not scary enough, so he decided to make new scary ones. Find out what happens when bedtimes comes...
Profile Image for Jan Polep.
695 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2015
I LOVE OTTER and this book is another winner. It can be a lot of fun getting ready for the big night but it can also be kind of scary when you open the door and there are ghosts and goblins and witches and what-not and the front steps. See how Otter-Keeper makes it fun for everyone.
Profile Image for Nanci Booher.
841 reviews13 followers
October 27, 2015
I actually bought this book for school without having read it first soley based on the fact that I LOVE OTTER and Sam too. I'm also crazy about Halloween so this was of course a logical purchase for me. I was not disappointed. If you haven't read any of the other Otter books, you should!
Profile Image for Kiira.
7 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2015
Hilarious! Clever! Adorable! I smile and laugh at every page! Otter is a delight!
Profile Image for Halli.
203 reviews22 followers
November 4, 2015
A perfect read for kids who are excited about Halloween, but still get a little bit scared. I love Otter and all of his adventures!
Profile Image for Househippo.
1,279 reviews22 followers
August 11, 2015
5 adorable and perfect stars

I love these books. Among my favourite children's books of all time. The illustrations are so well-drawn and cute as hell, and the story is always fun.

Profile Image for Lenka.
619 reviews25 followers
July 18, 2017
Beautifully illustrated (as always) with a funny story. You just have to love Otter and all her friends :)

Note: My edition is called Otter loves Halloween!
Profile Image for M-n.
185 reviews31 followers
October 14, 2015
adorable got it for my lil one today.Fab story gorgeous illustrations. Another triumph Mr Garton Bravo
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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