An Amusing Halloween Read

TheHalloweenTreeBradbury

One of my favorite authors, Ray Bradbury, provides a wonderful fantasy Halloween romp in his 1972 book ‘The Halloween Tree’.

“It was a small town by a small river and a small lake in a small northern part of a Midwest state,” reads the opening line.

In the typically quirky, spooky fantasy style only Bradbury can conjure, we follow the mysterious Mr. Carapace Clavicle Moonshroud as he leads a group of eight Halloween-dressed boys on a trick-or-treating journey that turns into a mission across time and space to find the group’s missing friend, Pipkin. Along the way, they discover the role that fear of death, ghosts, and the supernatural have in shaping our world.

This adventure is just pure Ray Bradbury fictional fun.

Book Review: Conor Kelly And The Four Treasures Of Eirean

Conor Kelly Book 1
Just finished reading “Conor Kelly And The Four Treasures Of Eirean.”

In this book, Ali Isaac has created a fascinating, imaginative tale spun between two worlds: present-day Ireland and an enchanted four-thousand-year-old realm of Irish mystical gods, kings, villains, and heroes. The author successfully brought the two domains together, painting both present-day and ancient Irish landscapes with vivid, beautiful descriptions.

She gave voice and clarity to the ancient characters of Irish history and mythology all the while providing a modern, positive message of hope and accomplishment through a young boy’s quest to find and secure the coveted, magical Four Treasures Of Eirean.

Wheelchair-bound Conor, the fourteen-year-old protagonist, transitions between the two worlds with the aid of magical realm friends, learns a vital truth about his heritage, and eventually overcomes his doubts and limitations to emerge as the most improbable of heroes. A wonderfully interesting, entertaining story for adults and young adults alike.

Learn more about the author, Ali Isaac, from her website at http://www.aliisaacstoryteller.com.