Every year I read this book to my fifth graders, and I started yesterday. I must have read it twenty times aloud, and I never get tired of it! I love this poetic book! It has all the writer's craft I want to teach them, and I even read it by overhead with transparencies so I can show them examples of all the great craft he uses. I even got a few kids over the years to get into his more sophisticated work and they've become fans as well. In 1971 I taught "There Will Come Soft Rains" to a 9th grade class and had great discussions about what it all meant back then.
I wrote my only fan letter to Ray about all this a few years ago hoping to hear from him, but wasn't that fortunate. I'm so happy he's still active and writing for us, and I was excited to find this forum of other fans.

Excellent post, lar, and welcome to the board. How about searching for the discussion thread called WHERE Y'ALL FROM and telling us about yourself.

After Halloween Tree, you should try SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES with your class - or the first page of it at least.

The Halloween Tree is one of my favorite books of all time. So happy to hear you're sharing it with your class!

Now, can someone please help me: I am writing to inquire if anyone has any idea who represents Ray Bradbury. A literary agent, an editor, as Don Congdon passed away last year? The reason: In 1980, Mr. Bradbury signed my paperback copy of The Halloween Tree, a MAJOR starstruck moment in my young life. Having never loaned it out in the 20 years since, I allowed a friend to borrow it... Car break-in, bag stolen, book in bag, book gone forever, heart crushed. I can always get another copy of the book. But it would mean so much to me if I could have him sign it again. Any leads? Whatever help you may be in this effort would be so greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
Tegan

That's tough luck, Tegan. As I always say, never let out of your hands something you can't afford to lose. (Best of luck with the autograph.)

Uncannily RB:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic..../lanting-photography

Also, check the 2nd pic in this series. I think I see a Martian sandship on the far horizon...

I received the new CD of the new Blackstone Audio reading of 'The Halloween Tree' by Bronson Pinchot. As I told another board member, I was not expecting Balky to do the reading but I find this reading to be very boring. I've found myself drifting off and all of a sudden I've "missed" a couple chapters of the reading.