By Mona Austin
Thousands of costumed kids celebrated Halloween early with Pres. Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on Monday as a misty drizzle came down over the South Lawn of the White House.
Children from public schools and military families walked up in a single file line at the "HALLO-Read" themed event to see the first couple in the most secure address in the world, a worry-free treat in and of itself.
Paying tribute to the first feline pet at the residence, dressed as her cat Wilow, Dr. Biden handed out the book "How Dinosaurs Learn to Read" which was donated by Scholastic. The president appeared to come as himself giving a wide swath of characters Hershey's kisses stamped with the presidential seal wearing a dressed down blue baseball cap. They greeted guests for around 9O minutes without the use of umbrellas.
While the U.S. observes a family holiday, the Israel-Hamas war can not be ignored in the background of global news. By contrast American children are safe and free while reportedly over 3000 of the more than 8,000 people who have died in the war are children according to the Hamas Ministry of Health.
Neither sad world events nor the weather dampened spirits at the First Lady hosted affair, scaled up from the previous year. The entire South Lawn was decorated with various thematic stations dedicated to classic books and photo backdrops sponsored by government agencies.
"HALLO-Read" White House Trick-or-treat Event
At the book nook near the fountain that was fashioned with bubbles to look like a witches cauldron, Dr. Biden read "Ten Spooky Pumpkins." "So go have fun and eat lots of candy," she told the children when she was done. Aside from more candy, Apple cider and cookies awaited them.
Several authors and members of the government also participated in storytime. Press Sec. Karine Jean Pierre and Sec. of Education Miguel Cardona represented tha administration. Dressed as an angel Jean-Pierre read "First Broom."
"I had a choice - either be an angel or a devil. I picked an angel." She stayed after her reading to greet people and hug the kids.
Education Secretary Cardoza read "The Spooky Wheels on the Bus." He sang the words to the tune of "Wheels on the Bus."
Setting an appropriate atmosphere a military string quartet and band played songs like "Thriller" and a spooky version of "Radioactive."
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