The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
Hmm . . . The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury just didn’t work for me. My first impression when I checked this book out from the library was the one line review from Kirkus on the cover which read “A spectacular guide to the nether regions.” Really? That’s what’s on the front cover?! I know of two definitions of nether regions, and believe me I immediately thought of the other one. I mean, wouldn’t you?
On Halloween night, eight trick-or-treaters dress up in their finest as a skeleton, ghost, mummy, witch, apeman, gargoyle, death, and a begger ready to have a night out on the town. Like all boys are, they are immediately attracted to the haunted house in town but then something whisks away their friend Pip and only a man named Moundshroud can help them bring hm back. He takes them on a journey through space and time to uncover the meanings and origins of Halloween.
The Halloween Tree gives a great insight into why we celebrate Halloween the way we do, but I just didn’t enjoy the narration. The rhythm felt very “sing-songy” to me and I just thought it was over all just plain weird. But then again maybe it’s my lack of science fiction reading that hampered my enjoyment of The Halloween Tree. I did however really like the names: Moundshround, Tom Skelton, Pipkin, Henry-Hank, Fred Fryer, Wally Babb.
Have you read The Halloween Tree? Do you like it?
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Category: Book Reviews, Fiction, Middle Readers
Tags: A-D Author, book to movie, E-H Title, halloween
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I liked it quite a bit, but I think the fact that I’d seen the television special before reading the book really helped me appreciate the book more. The special is fantastic and really adds to the story while still capturing the feel of the book.
on October 31st, 2008 at 2:06 pmI forgot to add: My copy doesn’t have the nether regions quote, but if I did, I definitely would have had the same reaction!
on October 31st, 2008 at 2:07 pmI’m with Ruth… I first learned of the book through the TV special. All these years later it remains one of my all time favorite books and certainly my favorite Bradbury novel. I reviewed the book last year and left the link in the website box.
on October 31st, 2008 at 9:17 pmI’ve read two Bradbury books and had mixed reactions. One I loved and other not nearly so much. I had this one on my list but I think I will skip it.
on November 1st, 2008 at 1:44 pmI haven’t read it but you made me laugh.
on November 1st, 2008 at 5:32 pmHA! HA! HA! Nether regions! Haven’t read this one.
on November 1st, 2008 at 7:23 pmRuth – Can you believe that they didn’t second guess themselves on putting that quote on the cover?
Sarah – I watched a clip on YouTube. I noticed that they added a girl for more appeal.
Framed – It’s a skip!
Jeanette – I’m glad I made you laugh! Sometimes I feel like I’m way to serious!
Jenn M. – Nether regions says it all!
on November 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 amI don’t like Ray Bradbury but this one I like. I prefer the cartoon of it though. It cuts out the extraneous bits (why I don’t like much Ray Bradbury.) It is weird though but then so am I LOL.
on November 3rd, 2008 at 6:15 pmI loved The Halloween Tree! Ray Bradbury is such a great author.
on November 6th, 2008 at 1:00 pmCallista – I didn’t know it was a cartoon. I have only seen live action clips.
Ladytink_534 – I’m glad you liked it. I guess it just wasn’t for me.
on November 6th, 2008 at 9:50 pm