The Halloween Tree
Make storytime a little spookier with fantasy master Ray Bradbury as he takes readers on a riveting trip though space and time to discover the true origins of Halloween. Join the shadowy Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud as he takes eight trick-or-treaters on an unforgettable journey to find their missing friend, Pip. Travel through space and time, from the tombs of ancient Egypt to the gargoyles of Notre-Dame Cathedral, all the way to the cemeteries of Mexico on el Día de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Is Pip still alive? And if so, can his friends save him from a ghastly fate before it's too late? "If you want to know what Halloween is, or if you simply want an eerie adventure, take this mystery history trip. You couldn't ask for better than master fantasizer Ray Bradbury." --The Boston Globe
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Community Reviews
A genuine representation of all the reasons Halloween is the best holiday. In a country built of immigrants what could be more appropriate than a holiday woven together from the histories and pasts originating from the rest of the world. Through magic this story describes the very real origins of a holiday blending French, Irish, English, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Mexican, and countless other countries traditions into one grand symphony where we come together with the celebration that is Halloween. The Feast of Sowen, Time of the Dead Ones, All Souls All Saints, The Day of the Dead, Día de Muertos, All Hallows Eve, all stitched together in a harmonic holiday connecting us all from our roots to the present day. Giving us all something in common. Though some still celebrate in the old ways of their people, many have adapted to the newer Halloween traditions. I watch the movie adaptation of this book every year with my kids to help them understand the origin of this holiday. This year I was honored to be able to read the book with them. It’s the time of year where the spirit of giving is at it’s strongest. Unlike some other holidays where we give to people we know; on Halloween we give to complete strangers without expecting anything in return. Over the years it has even become tradition in some places to put candy back into bowls that are found empty on doorsteps a true symbol of sacrifice and charity. Just as symbolized in the end of the book. Though the sacrifice made in the book was far greater than a piece of candy. I sincerely hope the tradition which brings our country together spreads to the rest of the world, and I continue to believe it should be a national holiday, as it is a holiday patched together from the history of immigrants and multiple religions, and nothing could be more beautiful than that. I gave this book five stars, as it is a great explanation of the reasons behind our heritage with an enchanting twist.
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