The Halloween Tree
Book
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury is a Halloween staple that many have forgotten about in today’s world of slashers and terrifying paranormal thrillers. Originally published in 1972, this story follows a group of children as they desperately attempt to track down the wandering soul of their dying friend, Pipkin. With the help of a mysterious elderly neighbor whose magical pumpkin tree has been pilfered by Pipkin's wandering soul, the eclectic band travel through time to witness where the traditions of Halloween originally came from, and to learn that life, in all its facets, is precious and that death is inevitable. The story deals with a very heavy topic - that death is guaranteed and that it is important that one lives their life well because you never know how long yours will be.
Movie
The Halloween Tree movie is a wonderful adaptation though it cut out a number of the characters in order to reduce the runtime of the film and downplay some of the emotional punch at the end. It is a remarkably good adaptation of the book and is a wonderful Halloween staple to watch with the whole family. Narrated by the late Ray Bradbury, The Halloween Tree has a particularly educational side to it as it depicts events that took place throughout history that we now incorporate into the traditions of Halloween. This includes how the Egyptian’s mummified their dead, the terrifying gargoyles on Catholic cathedrals and Día de los Muertos or the day of the dead, demonstrating how Mexico honors their ancestors through celebration. This movie also confronts the reality of death and how each culture deals with the passing of family members and friends and teaches children that life is precious, but so is death.
Rating
The movie and book of The Halloween Tree will be receiving a G rating. This is a wonderful story to read to your children during the season of Halloween, especially if they find themselves afraid of certain aspects of the holiday. It is a way to demonstrate to them that most of the things that we interpret for Halloween come from real life practices that are not as scary as we think, and that life is a precious thing given to us that must be cherished and that death is a part of life also to be respected.
Treat
The treat for this movie is very easy and a wonderful way to introduce young chefs to safety needed in the kitchen. Create these wonderfully satisfying little treats that will sweep you right off your feet!
Witch Brooms
Ingredients
- Pretzel sticks
- String cheese of your choosing
- A thin sharp knife
1) Cut the string cheese into three equal size portions
2) Stick a pretzel partially through one end of the string cheese. The pretzel does not have to go very deep in order to stay in. And if you push it too deep, it will hinder the knife stability to cut the string cheese.
3) Next, being very careful with your fingers, cut a little more than half way up the string cheese stick. Cut multiple rows up the string cheese in order to achieve the separated texture of a broom.
Enjoy the movie!