The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury (1972)
A fantastical adventure that surveys Halloween traditions across time.
Laura’s Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Plot: Eight young boys meet up to trick-or-treat and encounter the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud, who takes them on an adventure through time and space to teach them about the origins of Halloween.
Opinion: This isn’t my favorite Bradbury text and I do prefer Something Wicked This Way Comes for a fall read. That being said, The Halloween Tree is not without its merits. Bradbury’s writing is very poetic, both through actual verses in the text, as well as lyrical and descriptive prose. His writing feels very whimsical and dreamlike, which suits the surreal story perfectly.
With Mr. Moundshroud, the boys survey ancient Egypt, druidic religions, and Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Whether a celebration of autumn, the end of the harvest season, a time to honor the deceased, or the beginning of longer nights, these celebrations share a common thread. Each culture and time shares a fear of death and an anticipation of a hopeful rebirth.
The descriptive imagery paints a great festive scene for this time of year. The Halloween Tree explores the reasons we celebrate Halloween and the bonds of friendship, making it a perfect October read for all ages.
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