Herman the Helper

by Robert Kraus, José Aruego (Illustrator), Ariane Dewey (Illustrator)

Herman the helpful octopus is always willing to assist anyone who needs his help--old or young, friend or enemy.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, 1st Grade, Juvenile, School, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Robert Kraus was an American children's author, cartoonist and publisher. Founder and publisher of Windmill Books, author and illustrator of award-winning children's books, Kraus began as a cartoonist and cover artist for The New Yorker. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_...]

Reviews

[Katie Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this today for my first grade class and it was perfect for that grade level. I loved this book because it was easy to make text-to-self connections. It is a fantasy because the fish talk.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple text about an octopus named Herman who finds a way to help anyone who needs help no matter how big or small the task is.

[Christina Hyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book "Herman the Helper" is both a visual and literary treat. This book follows the day in the life of a young octopus named Herman. He's a very helpful little guy and he goes out of his way to do something nice for everyone in his coral reef community.

The dialogue in this book is very interesting. There is large print that is the narration of the story and then smaller font that follows the dialogue between Herman and his fellow sea creatures. This interesting back and forth gives the feeling of multiple story lines and gives a realistic feel to this day in the life. The mood is "do until others as you would have them do until you" and the tone is there is joy in helping others.

The illustrations are beautiful rounded, brightly colored shapes. All bright colors are represented and give a happy, cheerful feeling to this ocean community. If the colors had been dark and somber the message sent about helping others would be that it's dull and something to be dreaded. The inner, warm gooey feeling you get from helping others is well represented on these pages.

[Amy Seto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herman is a young green octopus who likes to help. He helps everyone – his mother, his father, his friends, his enemies. And at the end of the day, when Herman goes home for dinner he can also help himself to dinner.

Although this charming book lacks any sort of conflict, it’s a great book for babies and toddlers who are learning how to be helpers. The text is very short and aided by comments from Herman and his friends in smaller fonts. The illustrations are imaginative and colorful and will appeal to kids. I especially like the illustration of Herman helping his uncle build a ship in a bottle.

Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...

[Milton Public · Rating 3 out of 5]

Herman is a helper. You should be a helper too. Herman has eight arms and is cute.
Try your best.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars--HERMAN sports colorful, whimsical illustrations that imagine a gently surreal fantasy world under the sea. While the text is on the repetitive side, you don't notice as each way of Herman helping another character becomes more creative and unexpected with each turn of the page.

This older picture book holds up well for modern audiences, although the image of sea turtles being given balloons has aged poorly considering what we know now.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My kids liked this when they were little, so I added this to our collection

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful children’s picture book with a great message and absolutely stunning, colorful illustrations.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute.

[Cheryl]

Can't rate. It really is best for the target audience, someone who delights in seeing all the surreal opportunities for a little 8-legged sea critter to show off his talents.

[Juli Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, cheeky, and colorful. A winner.

[Angelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Herman is very kind and considerate!
Great, colorful illustrations!

[Joey Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way this book was structured. With the main text at the top of the page and thought bubbles throughout. I gave it 3 stars because I wasn’t a huge fan of the content of the book.

Guided reading: j
DRA Level: 16
Traits: presentation, voice

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Herman is a sweet little octopus that will encourage your kiddos to have good manners and lend a helping hand.

Ages: 3 - 7

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to show toddlers how to be a good helper. Although the story is a bit simple, I love it because of Aruego and Dewey's illustrations; they make such a great team with Robert Kraus. Herman the octopus loves to help everyone: his parents, his friends, even his enemies. Once he is home for the day, he helps himself to some dinner. Recommended for ages 2-5, 4 stars.

[Ms. Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very simple book about a helpful octopus - I love this book for it's illustrations as well as for it's lack of "moral to the story". Just simply tells of an octopus that likes to help everyone, including himself.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this book when I was in elementary school. I loved it - it was simple with a simple loving message (help people- of course!). I thought the pictures were cool too. I now read it to my son.

[Lizet Serrano]

This book is about a an octopus that likes to help others. I think this book would be great to show children how they can do things for others and making acts of kindness. The illustrations are also captivating and colorful.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though my lower elementary students enjoyed this book, as did I, there are very few words in the book and is best suited to ages 3-6. It's a sweet story that encourages young people to be kind and to help others.

[Victoria Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I actually had a student in the class named Herman so it was perfect.It's a great read aloud book and models helping others.It also has great illustrations.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me giggle and helps me to relive that childhood feeling of delight at a fun, imaginative and colourful picture-book. It's the perfect antidote to an adult reading of The Giving Tree.

[Daniel Bushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When bored as a child, at a certain age, this book was a favorite go-to, to tickle my very young imagination about life under the sea, and to spark warm feelings about being nice.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just thought it was a very good book.
I really liked it.

The illustrations were really appropriate, colorful
and actually beautiful.

[Sarah]

Eli: 1

Abby: 4

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really funny, and I love Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey's illustrations! What a good helper story.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pictures facilitate comprehension rather than words

[Buxmont Uu]

CMMW 17

[Little Champs]

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