Okay.

I was already sold because what's MORE Madeline than Mothman and Halloween? Probably nothing.

But this was so fun!! I have found in my year as a children's librarian that not all spooky children's picture books are the same in terms of quality. In fact, some of them have, for lack of a better phrase, "fan service." However! This one doesn't! It's genuinely so fun. It's Mothman & Friends meets Nightmare Before Christmas!

This is the first time I've ever read a picture book and been like: wow, this FONT is INCREDIBLE? It even had an information page about cryptids for future reading??? The illustrations were, of course, amazing too. I'm obsessed.

I am a huge fan of the Mothman books by Shaffer, this one solidifies my opinion on the greatness of these particular reads. Shaffer brings Mothman to life and gives him heart and the big feels, all the big feels! The best thing about the Mothman that Shaffer has created is that he is so relatable to kids and adults. Even monsters have feelings, which is such an extraordinary lesson in and of itself. Add to that, the adventures that Mothman and his cryptid friends have, an awesome way to introduce children to cryptids.
I especially enjoy this story because of the Halloween disasters that are turn into a problem- solving adventure full of good friends and fun. Nobody wants a rainy Halloween and sometimes trying to help goes awry, causing even more issues. Messes are made and feeling will happen, but in the end, if everyone works together, miracles can happen. Who would have thought how cool a friend Bigfoot could be!

This was a fun and super-cute story about mothman spreading Halloween cheer in his town. The illustrations were adorable, and I loved the inclusion of other cryptids. Mothman makes a judgement error in how he wants to spread Halloween cheer, but the kids of the town make the best of the situation in a fun way, and all is well.
I loved the inclusion of the cryptid glossary at the end as well!

I think the topic of this book was really fun, but content-wise felt a little lacking to me. I do think there is a rise in interest in cryptids we're seeing lately, but I'm not sure I've noticed it spread to the age that this is aimed toward. I was excited still though to hopefully see something different when it comes to the massive amounts of halloween books we tend to get every season, but I didn't find this did much different other than having mothman as the main character. I don't think this is one I will be purchasing for our library, this age range doesn't really show interest in cryptids.

I thought that this was a cute story that was an enjoyable read.

The illustrations are a little quirky but they work so well with the story.

It's a great book for the Halloween period and one I would definitely recommend,

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

What an adorable book! Perfect to start off the spooky season with my four year old! I loved the cryptid guide in the back and can’t wait to read the other books with him. I have a feeling this will be a favorite over the next 2 months 🤣 10/10 recommend for a cute, not so scary, spooky season book. 3 cheers for the cryptids being the underdog and making it the best Halloween EVER

“Mothman’s Happy Cryptid Halloween” written and illustrated by Andrew Shaffer - (5 Stars-Out Now) is a funny and brightly illustrated story about how one West Virginia Cryptid saves Halloween, or tries to, with some very special friends.

Mothman is a West Virginia favorite, and any story that incorporates West Virginia folklore and culture is an immediate positive. The art in this book is bright, fun, and makes for a great read-aloud. I enjoyed the reality of a rain-ruined WV Halloween (after trudging through the cold rainy holiday many a year with my two little ones), and Mothman’s costume, friends, and solution to the problem were both silly and sweet. I particularly enjoyed the Cryptid Guide at the end of the book. The only opportunity that could enhance the book more, would be to include a very basic definition of cryptids, or what the difference between a cryptid and a monster might be, to help young readers engage more with the fun facts of local lore and the idea that they too, might just spot a cryptid in the wilds of West Virginia.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity afforded me to have an early read by netgalley and 8th Circle | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA),. The opinions in this review are expressly those of ButIDigressBookClub and are intended for use by my followers and friends when choosing their next book. #butidigress #butidigressbookclub #mothmanshappycryptidhalloween #mothman #cryptids #westvirginia #illustrations #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #arc #arcs

Just in time for Halloween is this adorable book all about helping friends and caring about others. It begins to rain and the children from the school are unable to come to Mothman’s farm to get their own pumpkins. Then even after field trips are canceled the children can’t even go trick-or-treating. Mothman wants to make it better for everyone. With his friends and fellow cryptids they work together to make sure the children have a great Halloween.
So creative and fun. The illustrations are bold and colorful. I loved the artwork. I love how the story shows children all about helping those we care about. It is perfect for fall and Halloween. Your family will love it, we sure do.

It's cute and short my kids liked the story, but the pictures were weird to them. It's a decent seasonal book. Thanks netgalley

This was actually so stinkin' cute and the illustrations were incredible- I would actually love to get some of the artwork for my kids.

What an amazing book! A fresh take on Halloween stories and my little one loved it! The guide to crypto’s at the end was such a fun idea. Looking forward to more Mothman stories in our house, definitely a new favourite.

Mothman and his cryptid friends embark on a unique adventure to save Halloween!

Cryptids are creatures that may or may not exist...except for Mothman. I mean, he's definitely real, right?

When rain prevents kids from visiting Mothman's farm on Halloween, the cryptids, donned in their Halloween best, of course, must save the day. The kids wake up to pumpkin slush galore, the equivalent of a snow day, except with pumpkins, er, make that, pumpkin guts.

I feel exceptionally equipped to leave this review because:

1. Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday ever
2. I've read a gazillion kids' books to children (and adults) of all ages

The graphics are lovely; they are colorful and modern. The text is fun, and the story is short but engaging.

I've checked out many of the newly released Halloween-themed books from my library this month, and Mothman's Happy Cryptid Halloween is better than any I've read so far. I'm hoping our library will order a physical copy of this so other people can enjoy it too. 5 stars! Yay, Mothman :)

Thanks to 8th Circle, Andrew Shaffer, and NetGalley for the ARC.

What a cute story featuring Mothman and is cryptic friends! I loved that it was a super quick, but funny read, perfect for my kiddos in kindergarten! The illustrations were great and I loved that all his friends came to help him. I also love that even when he realized he made a big mess the kids made him feel better about it and were kind to him! I will definitely be adding this one to my classroom library and reading closer to Halloween!

I have been looking for books for my goddaughter who loves reading and all things spooky. then I stumbled upon this one.

It was adorable. I loved the idea of "saving Halloween"

The artwork was cute and the storyline was so fun

– A Delightful Treat for Kids!

In "Mothman’s Happy Cryptid Halloween ," the ever-mysterious Mothman brings a delightful twist to a rainy Halloween day. When the downpour cancels the schoolchildren's pumpkin-picking and trick-or-treating plans, Mothman and his quirky cryptid friends step in to save the day. Their imaginative plan transforms the gloomy day into a magical Halloween extravaganza that kids will never forget.

The story is filled with charming illustrations and a heartwarming message about turning challenges into fun. Mothman’s inventive spirit and the teamwork of his cryptid pals turn a disappointing day into a thrilling adventure. It’s a perfect read for kids who love Halloween and enjoy stories where creativity and kindness shine. This book is sure to bring smiles and spark imagination in young readers!

Very cute! I especially like Mothman's friends trying to help save Halloween. The illustrations are perfect and the story will be good for young monster kids. I would have loved this as a child.

Adorable book, especially if you are a fan of The Mothman. The illustrations are very graphic and serve to enhance the fun story. This would be a great addition to your Halloween shelf!

Super cute! Definitely a book I would read to my child as I am a big fan of everything mysterious. I wish there was a series about these cute cryptids!

How cute was this story!!! I really enjoyed this fun take on what some may consider scary and legendary cryptids! I love the idea of having them be silly and attempting to save halloween for the kids! I am looking forward to checking out other stories in this collection!

A truly relatable story for kids who've ever had their Halloween rained out. The narrative is so fun intertwining many different mythical creatures together in an effort to save a favorite children's holiday. It not only brings forth a new spin on these characters, it dissects how the best of intentions sometimes don't result in the best of conclusions. Making the most of your situation is what the kids will take from this delightfully illustrated book.