Halloween: Is It for Real? [Hardcover]

Harold Myra (Author), Jane Kurisu (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Series: Is It for Real

Halloween is an odd mixture of creepy creatures, costume parties, and harvest festivals. It is also a confusing time for those hesitant to celebrate a holiday that traces its roots to pagan practices and beliefs.

Written by Harold Myra, President of Christianity Today, Inc., this trustworthy story is accompanied with fun, whimsical illustrations.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 12, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849914949
• ISBN-13: 978-0849914942
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,356,793 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Harold Myra served as the CEO of Christianity Today International for 32 years. Under his leadership, the organization grew from one magazine to a communications company with a dozen magazines, copublished books, and a major Internet ministry. Myra started his journalistic career with "Youth for Christ" magazine, which under his leadership became "Campus Life" magazine. Author of five novels, numerous children's and nonfiction books, and hundreds of magazine articles, Myra has taught writing and publishing at the Wheaton College Graduate School in Illinois. He holds honorary doctorates from several colleges, including Biola University in California and Gordon College in Massachusetts. Myra has received various awards, among them the prestigious Magazine Publisher's Award and the James Deforest Murch Award from the National Association of Evangelicals. The Evangelical Press Association presented him with its highest honor, the Joseph T. Bayly Award, for his triple career as an editor, author, and publishing executive. Harold and his wife, Jeanette, are the parents of six children and grandparents of five. They reside in Wheaton, Illinois.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not For Christians Trying to AVOID Halloween's Celebration, July 20, 2001

By 

Stacie Renae Von Holten "thisgirllovesgod, mo... (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Halloween: Is It for Real? (Hardcover)

I bought this book thinking I would use it to tell my kids about the real meanings behind some of Halloween's traditions (carving Jack-O'Lanterns, dressing in scary costumes, etc.), so they could understand why our family does NOT celebrate Halloween. I was disappointed to find that this book "waters down" the history of the holiday, and basically says it is okay to celebrate it along with the rest of the world, as long as we remember Jesus that day, and think of those who have gone before us. It mentions a verse of "Amazing Grace," then shows a Christian family celebrating with a Halloween party, smily jack-o-lanterns, "friendly" costumes, etc. The book does discuss Jesus, but doesn't really deal directly with any of the evil associated with this holiday. I know there are Christians who don't mind celebrating Halloween, and who would like a book to introduce a "Christian" focus to the holiday - if that is you, then this book is perfect for you. If you are like me and would rather NOT mix this holiday into your family traditions, I do not recommend this book. (Gail Gibbons has a book, "Halloween" that describes the holiday more accurately, but from a secular standpoint - I use THAT BOOK to describe Halloween history to my kids, then explain with Scripture why WE do not celebrate the day.)

13 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good vs. Evil - GOOD BOOK!, March 30, 2000

By 

Rebecca Perry (USA - TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Halloween: Is It for Real? (Hardcover)

This book is a good in helping explain Halloween to young children (probably best starting at age 4). Book incorporates Jesus, part of Amazing Grace song, and scripture. It is a great way to help little ones not to be afraid too! Overall, it's a good book.

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Halloween, are you for real?, October 29, 2001

By 

Rebecca C. Anderson (Indianapolis, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Halloween: Is It for Real? (Hardcover)

An absolutely WONDERFUL book!
It explains, in simple terms, how Halloween started and how Christians now celebrate it!
Friendly pictures and easy to undertand.
Works best with ages 5 and up.