The Halloween Tree

Step into a world where the veil between the living and the dead is thin and the magic of Halloween is truly alive. Ray Bradbury, the master of science fiction and fantasy, weaves a captivating tale in " The Halloween Tree" that will send chills down your spine and warm your heart.

"The Halloween Tree" is a thrilling and imaginative tale that kicks off on Halloween night. Eight boys venture out for a spooky celebration, only to discover that their friend, Pipkin, has vanished. In his place, they encounter a towering, pale figure named Mr. Moundshroud. Despite Pipkin's desperate attempts to rejoin his friends, he's mysteriously drawn farther away. Mr. Moundshroud whisks the boys away on a time-traveling journey to find their lost companion. Along the way, they witness historical events like ancient Egyptian funerals, cavemen discovering fire, and various religious rituals. As they search in each era, they gain a deeper understanding of Halloween's origins.

"The Halloween Tree" is part of their Classic Reads series for young adults. A classic, in this context, is a literary work that has had a significant impact on its time or continues to resonate with modern audiences. Despite the passage of years, "The Halloween Tree" remains an entertaining read for 21st-century youth.

A snippet from the book:"The town was full of...boys. And now it was Halloween night. All the houses were buttoned up against the cold wind. And the town was full of a cold sun. But suddenly, the day went away. Night came out from under every tree and spread out. Behind every door, there was the pitter-patter of mice, muffled shouts, and flickering light. Behind one door, Tom Skelton, thirteen years old, listened. Outside, the wind nested in all the trees and, like an invisible cat, prowled with invisible footprints."