The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

Spread the love

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
Stars: ****1/2

I watch The Halloween Tree cartoon every year and thought it was about time I read the book.

Synopsis: On Halloween night, eight boys run to meet their friend Pipkin at a haunted house outside town. Instead they find the big and deathly Mr. Moundshroud. Pipkin is swept away by a dark something and Moundshroud leads the boys on the tail of a kite through time and space to search for their friend and the meaning of Halloween. They see a funeral procession in ancient Egypt, a caveman discovering fire, Druid rites, the persecution of witches and Gargoyles of Notre Dame. Finally they end up at the catacombs of Mexico where each boy gives one year from the end of his life to save Pipkin.

I enjoyed the book although I enjoyed the cartoon more. That might be just because I’ve seen the movie so many times and this is my first time reading the book.

There were a few parts that were a little wordy for me. Not that the book is too long by any means, just that Bradbury had a tendency to describe things in depth which I’m not a fan of. I like straight to the point with little description of how things look.

It’s a great Halloween book for those 12 and up to learn about the history and customs of Halloween. Very educational.

About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.