Prefer the movie but still pretty good. ( )

Halloween story that reads like poetry. Definitely a new favorite, and one I may revisit on future Halloweens. ( )

A gaggle of boys celebrate Halloween in a small town by decking themselves out in costumes and running off to visit the local abandoned house. What they find there is much more than they bargained for, and they spend the evening zipping through time, accompanied by a ghoulish escort in the form of Mr. Moundshroud, who teaches them the origins and meanings behind autumn celebrations like Halloween.

This one starts out strong, with Bradbury’s customary mastery of wordsmithery, but I felt like the story was a little weaker than the other works of his I’ve read. Possibly because it very much seems to be intended for a younger audience? I think middle grade kiddos would love it. ( )

Oh Ray Bradbury…. just when I think you can’t get any better you surprise me with this very odd story that perfectly captures the creepy essence of Halloween night as experienced in youth. Moundshroud reminded me of a more devilish Jack Skellington. For this passage alone it’s worth reading: “Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind that night, and the darkness took on a special feel because it was All Hallows’ Eve. Everything seemed cut from soft black velvet or gold or orange velvet. Smoke panted up out of a thousand chimneys like the plumes of funeral parades. From kitchen windows drifted two pumpkin smells: gourds being cut, pies being baked.” ( )

Giddy, whimsical, fanciful, beautiful - all the things I expect from Bradbury. Full review coming soon! ( )