Shy Mama's Halloween is available in paperback through this web site. You can order it from Annie Bloom's Books.  


There are two pages of "Sharing Shy Mama's Halloween with Children--Suggestions for Parents and Teachers" at the back of the book (Moving to a New Home, Thinking About Anya's Life, Thinking About Your Life, Halloween and Other Traditions). The judges in the Teachers' Choice Awards gave these ideas for how to use the book:

-- "I would use this product during my lessons on immigration to the United States. I would show that holidays in America are not always celebrated in other countries."
-- "My class had a discussion of the differences among people and the possible reasons for these differences. This discussion led to where and how people live. I extended the discussion by posing the questions of life in other countries. When Russia was named we located it on the globe completed a K-W-L chart and read the story Shy Mama's Halloween."
-- "I would use it as a read aloud and use the guide for writing prompts.
-- "We read it and discussed it as things people find frightening and new experiences."
-- "We will use it as a thematic unit on Halloween."
-- "In an immigrant unit, with the idea of wanting to enjoy life as a child and celebrate special holidays, which makes for a wonderful study apart from the October/Halloween time."
-- The book has wonderful insights to use with students to have them think about moving and the many feelings associated with a new move to a new country or even to a new town."


Teachers comment on the book
  • "My class enjoyed listening to the story. They were all eager to share their first Halloween with the class. It also sparked interest in Russia for some of my students."
  • "This book is fantastic as it reveals the issues of living in a different country."
  • "The children loved the characters and were so happy the mom helped the kids enjoy the holiday."
  • "The topics addressed in this book are things that would benefit any child. There are a number of directions, depending on subject area, this book could be easily integrated."
  • "It moved me, marvelous illustrations, great parent/teacher guide."
  • "The story got them excited for the upcoming holidays."
  • "I loved the sophisticated and descriptive vocabulary and language choices."
  • "I want a sequel. A whole series of 'Shy Mama' holiday books."
  • "The illustrations are terrific. The kids were impressed. Leane Morin is a self-taught illustrator."
  • "This book could be read again and again."

Expanding on SHY MAMA with Students

Shy Mama's Mini Pumpkin Pies
Make SHY MAMA'S MINI PUMPKIN PIES.  A fun and easy recipe kids can do with minimal supervision.
Click here for the recipe.

Coloring Page
Click here to view a coloring page for printing.

Bookmarks
Click here to view a printable page of Shy Mama's Halloween bookmarks

Activity Sheet
Shy Mama's Halloween Activity Sheet

Author Bio
Do you or your students need more author info? Check out the Author Bio page.

Shy Mama's Halloween Kids page
Visit the Kids page for games and other ideas!


Literature Guide for “Shy Mama’s Halloween” (Supports Immigration Studies) October 9, 2017 at 12:00 pm (Hilltown Families, Literary Guides, Reading Lists) 
Tags: Children's Literature, educational guide, integrated learning, Language Arts, Literacy, Literary Guides

Shy Mama’s Halloween beautifully illustrates the experience of learning a new and unfamiliar culture. Though the book is set in the past (mid-20th century), the story itself is timeless, capturing the uncertainty, nervousness, and even excitement that accompany new experiences.
In the story, an immigrant family prepares for Halloween – a holiday that they’ve never celebrated before because they’re new to the United States and, in their home country of Russia, Halloween wasn’t part of the culture. While Mama is willing to help her four children prepare their costumes, she’s equally wary of both going door to door in her new neighborhood and a holiday whose theme is centered around sinister characters. It is decided that the children’s father will bring them trick-or-treating, but when he comes home from work sick on the evening of Halloween, it is up to shy Mama to supervise the family’s Halloween outing.
Anya, the oldest of the four children, is well aware of her mother’s uncertainty and helps her to see that Halloween isn’t scary, and neither is their new world. Though she too longs for her former home and has yet to settle in in her new home, Anya recognizes that experiencing the magic and fun of Halloween will help her mother better understand the culture of their new country.
With its immigration theme, Shy Mama’s Halloween matters now more than ever since its publication. At a time when US immigration policy has drawn such controversy, this book serves a tool to teach children empathy. The story compels readers to connect emotionally with the experiences of its characters, and in doing so compels readers to empathize with others who have experienced similar things.
Communities nationwide are home to immigrants who have come to the United States for a variety of reasons; whether they’ve joined us out of necessity or choice, legally or illegally, these new Americans have all experienced major change. Exploring the thoughts, feelings, and actions behind such an experience can help children better understand exactly what it means to be an immigrant.
Use our literature guide to dig deep for learning both within the pages of the book and within your community. Best if read closely with ages 7-10, the book can be accessed and enjoyed by readers of most ages.