Recommended for ages 4-8, I would recommend for ages 2-7.

"The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat" is part of the Berenstains "First Time" series. The story begins on a pleasant Autumn day as Mama Bear returns home from shopping. Brother leaps out to frighten her, all dressed up in his Halloween costume, and Mama plays along shouting "Help! A Monster! " until brother removes his mask. Mama then comments that "Appearances can be deceiving" which becomes the theme for this story.

As Brother ans Sister plan their Trick or Treating expedition, they mention that they will not be going near the house of Old Miz McGrizz. The cubs find this elderly bear who is hunched and stooped over a frightening figure, but Mama advises them not to judge by appearances. Mama claims to know Miz McGrizz is nice person, but the cubs know better, they are certain she is witch. Still at the end of the evening the pack of cubs end up at the old tree house at the end of crooked lane. Too Tall and his gang want to play a prank on "the witch".

I hate to give away the end, but I am sure you can see where this is headed - of course Miz McGrizz turns out to be a lovely kind person, just as Mama had said. The cubs learn a valuable lesson about not judging others by their appearances. My boys (ages 2 and 5) both enjoy this book. They have a good laugh at brother jumping out to scare Mama, and of course try this out on me later - I am duly frightened as well ;) The story does take just the slightest bit of spooky note as the cubs venture through the darkened forest with twisting trees and of course there is the expectation of something awful at the end of crooked lane. But they enjoy the happy ending as well.

I really like the book as well. I think it prepares very young children for the idea of children being dressed up in scary suits, so they won't be frightened by the neighbourhood children on Halloween. It helps make Trick or Treating something to look forward to. It also has a good moral, as do most of these books. Young children can see someone who looks different as frightening. I think this book helps encourage them to judge a person by their actions, not their appearances.