39 pages • 1 hour read
The Halloween Tree
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
Illinois • 1960s
1972
Middle grade
10-14 years
800L
Super Short Summary
In Ray Bradbury's The Halloween Tree, a group of children embarks on a magical and educational journey through time to uncover the origins of Halloween. Guided by the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud, the children explore various cultural traditions and historical events, emphasizing the holiday's deep roots and rich history.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Nostalgic
Adventurous
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
35,979 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury is celebrated for its rich, poetic storytelling and vivid exploration of Halloween's cultural origins. Readers admire its imaginative prose and nostalgic charm. However, some criticize its lack of character depth and narrative cohesion. Overall, it's praised for its atmospheric and educational portrayal of the holiday.
Who Should Read The Halloween Tree?
A reader who would enjoy The Halloween Tree is one with a love for whimsical, atmospheric tales filled with adventure and history. They appreciate the nostalgia of childhood exploration similar to that found in The Chronicles of Narnia and the dark charm of Coraline. Ideal for fans of magical realism and timeless Halloween lore.
35,979 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joe Pipkin
Joe Pipkin
Known for being lively and mischievous, he is a beloved member of the group and the catalyst for the story's events due to his mysterious ailment. His situation prompts his friends to embark on a significant journey.
Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud
Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud
A supernatural figure with a white face and green eyes, serving as a guide for the boys as they explore the history of Halloween. Though initially imposing with ties to death, Moundshroud provides wisdom and insights into mortality.
The Other Boys
The Other Boys
A collective group of friends distinguished by their Halloween costumes, which symbolically connect them to different historical aspects relevant to the storyline. Although they have less individual focus, their friendship is central to the narrative.
160
Novel • Fiction
Illinois • 1960s
1972
Middle grade
10-14 years
800L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.