A Great Halloween Book

“And a last thought from Tom: O Mr. Moundshroud, will we EVER stop being afraid of nights and death? And the thought returned: When you reach the stars, boy, yes, and live there forever, all the fears will go, and Death himself will die.”

The Halloween Tree is is a great story about Halloween and one of those books that should be on the list of Books to Read before you Die.  Written by Ray Bradbury of Fahernheit 451 fame and published in1972, The Halloween Tree is an example of a "Buddy" story.  Geared to teenage boys and those of us who remember our younger selves--the book tells the story of preteen boys enjoying a Halloween evening.  I cannot recommend this story enough to all the preteens, teens and those of us that are young at heart who nostalgically reflect on their own Halloween nights.  In a time with slasher movies and monsters like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees and Freddie Kreuger, the Halloween Tree is spooky without becoming terrorfying or gory.  The Halloween of The Halloween Tree is set in a different time before 2007 and the change in dates of Daylight Savings Time to the weekend after Halloween so the dark came earlier in those days.  

The story begins with a group of eight friends preparing for a night of trick or treating.  The leader of the group is Tom Skelton, who is dressed-up as a Skeleton.  The character names match their Halloween costumes.  But the friend the group can't wait to join them is Joe Pipkin.  Pipkin is the life of the party, every group has a Pipkin and on this Halloween the group is waiting for their friend to join them to lead the laughs and mischief.  However, it becomes clear that something is wrong with Pipkin.  Pipken says he will meet the group in the woods at an old mansion which seems odd but the gang follows to see what Pipkin has planned.  When they arrive at the mansion, they discover a large tree with hanging Jack o Laterns all lit up--the Halloween Tree.  The mansion has a Marley Knocker on the front door which they use.  Up from a pile of leaves, the boys meets Mr. Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud--a skeleton like person who will be their host for the evening.  

The heart of the story occurs when Pipkin's spirit shows up and then disappears.  The group of boys and Mr. Moundshroud go on a quest to find Pipkin and also learn about the history of Halloween.  From ancient Egypt to Samhain to The Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) in Mexico.  Eventually the group makes it home and discovers what happened to Pipken.  The story helps understand how the traditions of Halloween have come to us and melded over the years.  In 1993, Hanna-Barbera made a cartoon movie version with Ray Bradbury narrarating and Leonard Nimoy as the voice of Mr. Moundshroud.  The story is updated to include girls.  

I so identified with this story.  I still remember fondly some of my Halloween adventures with my friends.  One of my favorite Halloween memories took place in 1989 (30 years ago). My good friend, Jude DeAngelis, invited a group of guys from our school at Devon Prep to his home on Halloween.  We were know it all eigth graders with our whole lives in front of us.  I remember we ate pizza, got candy, watched horror movies, and played video games.  We stayed up all night.  The Halloween Tree brought back those memories.  We also did other things that weren't so good..LOL.  

The book is not perfect, the middle drags a little in terms of the story, and Bradbury writes with ALOT of description.  However its so worth it to get to the end of the story.  I loved how The Halloween Tree ended.  Tom Skelton is a fantastic character.  His a the quintessential good guy.  I think he is the type of guy that you would want to eventually date your daughter.  Tom is the leader, kind and throughtful with a streak of mischief.  At the end, he understands who Mr. Moundshroud is but is not afraid.  I have sent this book to family and given it to friends. I whole heartedly recommend you obtain a copy and enjoy the trip--you will be transported yourself.  

Keep Reading my Friends...