Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hijinks

by Kristin Haynes

When Count Hendrix heads out for Halloween with his trusty treat bag and best friend Rocket, he’s ready for costumes, carob beetles, and canine fun. But when his goodies start to vanish, Hendrix suspects something batty is going on. A spooky night turns into a sweet surprise in this heartwarming tale of curiosity and mischief where the magic of Halloween sparks the most unlikely friendships.
Full of giggles, goblins, and glowing pumpkins, Halloween Hijinks celebrates curiosity, kindness, and the unexpected joys of sharing. A perfect read for families and dog lovers who believe that every spooky night deserves a sweet ending.

Genres: Childrens

38 pages, ebook

Published September 3, 2025

About the author

Kristin is the proud Mum behind the Hendrix and Rocket series. Inspired by her beloved Weimaraner's, Kristin wants to help young readers discover and fall in love with this beautiful breed. Kristin calls the southernmost part of Australia, Tasmania, her home. Here she balances her time between writing, running her own consultancy and raising two human children. When she's not driving around Hobart with her two noisy woofer's, she wages a losing battle with her husband's ever growing guitar collection, adding a touch of music to their household chaos.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hijinks is a fun Halloween picture book for children and anyone who loves dogs.
Hendrix and Rocket are both very different dogs and are going out trick or treating with their 'hooman' family. Hendrix dresses up as a vampire, and as they go from house to house, Hendrix can't shake the feeling that someone is following them. When his favourite treats disappear from his bag, he's determined to catch the thief.
This is so sweet and funny, and I just adored the inclusion of the dogs during Halloween (which I do each year with my own dog) and the cutest little bat! This is a great book about sharing, inclusion, and diversity too.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuteness overload! 😍 The perfect book to start for the annual Halloween reads!
Loved the characters and also glad to find out this is the third in the series for hijinks! I will definitely be in the lookout for the others.
The illustrations are bursting with colour. Packed with fun for kid and adult to enjoy!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This is a super cute Halloween book for preschool children, which features two Weimaraner dogs. This book is a good way to talk about sharing, but also about not taking things that aren't ours. Seriously, though, who wants to share their Halloween candy 🍬 😆

Love the illustrations and would definitely recommend ❤️

[*BookarazziBookNook* Kristin B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you BooksGoSocial/NetGalley and Kristin Haynes for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
What a beautiful cover and illustrations!
The story was cute, but didn’t blow me away- the colorful and festive pictures made the book for me. My son loved them!

Cute little Halloween story for the littles, early school age children seem most appropriate for this one.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obviously a sucker for anything dog but team it up with Halloween and it's a win-win for me. Such a fun time of the year and, well, why shouldn't out furry friends be allowed to enjoy it, too. I did do a double take on the idea of a chocolate bone for a dog treat but reassured myself that there really is such a thing, only it used carob as a substitute ingredient rather than the "bad for dogs" chocolate. Phew, doubt checked that just to be sure. Was actually surprised how many varieties there are available, in fact.

In any case, a fun read with equally fun artwork. I especially liked the use of the rocket graphic for Rocket the dog and a guitar for Hendrix, rocket's canine buddy that pops up in spots in the book. I'm thinking the author, who turns out to live in Tasmania, is a big fan of, well, I bet you can guess. Points I especially liked were the list of things to remember before heading out to trick or treat, the focus being on safety. You'll note that even Rocket and Hendrix abide by the rules even to the point of wearing a head light, so to speak. Benny the Bat obviously doesn't need that. He's a cutie and, yes, there really is such a thing as a Tasmanian long-eared bat. They rely on pests such as insects and the like for their diet, however, not candy carob beetles. Grin.

Bottom line, a fun, quick read that will entertain both Halloween and dog fans, not to mention, I guess, bat fans. A bit of suspense but not intense and definitely conveys the lesson of not eating everything at once, no matter how good a reason you think you may have. Hendrix certainly learned that lesson and loved the subtle hint of Rocket for him to stay close to the doggie door when they got home. The real pix of dogs at the end was a bonus treat.Thanks #BooksGoSocial for the fun reminder that one of my favorite fun seasons is approaching. Time to start stockpiling some candy and, hmm, maybe some carob doggie bones as treats?

[Barb Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in the Hendrix and Rocket series and I have to say that it definitely won’t be my last. I just loved it! I’m one of those adults who reads at least two or three books a week and often one of them is a kids book like this one that’s about dogs. I was hooked on this book from the first page which had an adorable picture of Hendrix, er, Count Hendrix. He’s a Weimaraner who is about to go trick or treating wearing a Count Dracula costume and is accompanied by his bestie, Rocket, also a Weimaraner, who is decked out in a pumpkin-themed costume. Hendrix is particularly fond of the carob beetles he received while trick or treating because they are his favorite treat. Unfortunately, he soon finds that a small long-eared bat has stolen his carob beetles! Hendrix is not happy about this, but the two resolve their differences when the bat apologizes and they become friends. I was highly impressed with the book because not only was the storyline well-written, cute, and funny, but the illustrations were very impressively done and perfectly matched the storyline. Finally, I really liked that the last pages of the book after the story reached its ending, were a page devoted to an interesting piece that about the Tasmanian long-eared bat (the same species as the bat who stole Hendrix’s carob beetles), and two pages of cute photos of real Weimaraners dressed in adorable costumes. There are at least two other books in the Hendrix and Rocket series and I plan on reading them in the near future. I’ll be passing my copy of “Halloween Hijinks” to a young friend who shares my love of dogs and books.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halloween fun with a pair of beautiful Weimaraners of slightly differing temperaments. Trick or Treat is fun for most participants, but sometimes there are a few too many tricks!
There is even an information page which profiles their new friend the Tasmanian long-eared bat which is only found in Tasmania and Australia.
The illustrations by Anna Thompson are imaginative, and fun in just the right colors.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to EVERYone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. #NetGalley *****review #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph @librarythingofficial
#HendrixandRocketHalloweenHijinks by #KristinHaynesand illustrated by #AnnaThompson
@childrensbookcouncil #storytelling #picturebook #illustration #imagination #kidlit #greed #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #indiebookstoresca #illustration #childrensbook #Halloween #dogs #anthropomorphism #friendship

[Little Batties · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have a mystery on our hands, and Hendrix is determined to be the one to solve it.

As a lover of animals and Halloween, I could not resist the opportunity to read Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hikjinxs. It is a spooky season story that did not disappoint, and I can see this story being loved by all sorts of students at the elementary level. There are timeless elements that have the potential to resonate with the little ones, teachers, or parents reading this story. The love of a pet is boundless and sharing the holidays with them, including Halloween, can create fond memories to last a lifetime. However, the story is in the perspective of the dog, which makes this ten times more interesting as a story overall.

I would caution you to have a conversation with students or your little ones with this though, as it’s important to stress that dog chocolate is very different from the chocolate people eat. The story didn’t fully touch on that, though it did mention the carob; it is something that would be important to know, just to prevent the possibility of sharing treats on their own trick-or-treating adventures.

Overall, it was a fun read, and I would definitely consider adding it to the rotation for October reads for the littles.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for giving me an advance copy of this book to review in exchange for an honest review.

[Rina Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Kristin Hayes for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hijinks" is an adorable picture book featuring a family and their dogs trick or treating. I would recommend this book to families with children and classroom teachers looking for a charming, lightheaterted Halloween themed book to read to their little ones. My one concern is surrounding the talk of giving chocolate bones to dogs. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, so it is important to make sure that children understand that and do not get confused.

Overall, a cute seasonal tale.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some strange things seem to be going on when friends Hendrix and Rocket dress up in costumes and go trick or treating. Hendrix loves the carob beetle candies. But it seems like some are going missing! Children will find it funny when they notice what is going on.
This book written by Kristen Haynes and colorfully illustrated by Anna Thompson is adorable My thanks go to the publisher Senyah Projects for my digital copy from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial. I recommend this for families, individual readers and libraries.

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendrix and Rocket Halloween Hijinks by Kristin Haynes

This is the second Hendrix and Robot book I have read.
I like reading the adventures of these two fun and cute dogs.
In this book you have Hendrix who loves Halloween and Robot is just okay with it. They go out trick or treating with the family. I like how the community includes the dogs in the celebration. As they go along Hendrix realizes someone is stealing his candy beetles.
The illustrations are cute and sure to hold the interest of children.
I recommend this book for story time and the family Halloween library.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Count Hendrix & Rocket set out on a Halloween adventure, but a lurking presence is tailing these puppies!

Such a cute Halloween story backed with so much Australian culture. I loved the details on Tasmanian long-eared bats and the tribute to Weimaraner’s around the globe. The illustrations were fun and gave off the perfect spooky vibe for this Halloween tale

Special thanks to NetGalley & Kristin Haynes for this ARC.

[Emily Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are cute on this one, but some of the words were a little big and having the dog like chocolate bones is kind of a scary idea because chocolate is toxic to dogs and you don't want kids to sneak them any candy bars. I really liked the bat and the idea to not eat too much at once though. I got a free ARC from the publisher.

[Lolisa Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendrix and Rocket Halloween Hijinks is another fun adventure with our favorite Weimaraner duo! The perfect Halloween introduction for children, the costumes are amusing, and the 'trick' is a complete surprise! Great story! Thanks for another great installment in this series, Haynes. There are many lessons for children through the thoughts of Hendrix and Rocket. Loved it!

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I read this book together and we both adored it! Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hijinks is a charming Halloween picture book that kept my son's attention. The author does a great job of giving family friendly tale that is full of giggles and fun, with the right amount of spooky surprise.

This book is perfect for cuddling up before bed for a family story time!

[Christina Hiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute Halloween story about dog antics and friendship. Also a cute bat thrown in the mix! This is the perfect Halloween story that is not spooky! Just a good light hearted feel good story before bed. A great book for any dog lovers. The illustrations are adorable too! Who knew a cartoon dog could have so many facial expressions! Loved it!

[Emily Michelsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC read! This book was so okay. It was long and I didn’t enjoy the idea of the dog eating chocolate bones and beetles in a kids book. That seems like a bad idea to give children the idea that dogs can ingest chocolate. The storyline didn’t really make sense with the dog eating beetles and the bat stealing them. I wouldn’t recommend this one.

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Thank you for the ARC. We love dogs and Halloween in this house so this was a fun read. I don’t think giving a dog a chocolate bone is appropriate though and may give kids the idea it’s ok to feed chocolate to dogs. Otherwise it was a cute book with fun pictures.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute Halloween story! I loved the friendship that developed between Hendrix and Benny. I loved the costumes and especially the animal pictures at the end. My only criticism is when Rocket calls Hendrix “ridiculous “ I would have rather read a more kid friendly word.

[Nikita Ramage]

I love reading children's stories because they are always so much fun and easy to read. this book was so sweet. we followed two dogs who are going trick or treating with their hoomans and a bat seems to be following them. some of the best children's pictures in here as well!

[Sarah * Between the Lines Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely precious! What a fun Halloween book with a dog as the main character. Loved that it had a fact about the "stalker" Hendrix had.

[Smut Goblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorful and full of heart, Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hijinks captures the magic of Halloween with a playful mix of mischief and meaning. 🎃🐾 Young readers will delight in Hendrix’s disappearing treats, vibrant illustrations, and a story that celebrates kindness, curiosity, and the joy of new friendships—plus fun bat facts and real-life dog costumes to end the night on a smile.

Thank you to BooksGoSocial and Kristin Haynes for the eARC!