The Enchantment of the Magic Tree House Book Series
Embarking on adventures through time and space is a cherished childhood dream, and few series have brought this to life as magically as Mary Pope Osborne's "Magic Tree House" books. Since its inception, this series has captured the imaginations of countless young readers, whisking them away on thrilling journeys filled with history, mythology, and wonder earning it awards as the best chapter book series of all time. These fun yet challenging adventures of a big brother and his younger sister are great for the new or experienced reader or for a whole family to read together time and time again.
Exploring Worlds Beyond: The Enchantment of the Magic Tree House Book Series
The main characters in the "Magic Tree House" series are Jack and Annie, regular kids living in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania.
Meet Jack: The older sibling, Jack is curious, bookish, and loves to read and research. He's often methodical and enjoys solving problems logically. He carries a backpack filled with reference books that often aid in their adventures.
Annie: Younger than Jack, Annie is adventurous, impulsive, and eager to dive headfirst into the unknown. She's brave, imaginative, and often leads them into exciting situations. Annie has a strong intuition and tends to act on her instincts.
Morgan Le Fay Morgan le Fay is a powerful enchantress and an important character. She's depicted as a magical figure and sometimes serves as a guide or mentor to Jack and Annie, the main protagonists.
Together, readers will join Jack and Annie explore the magic of the tree house, embarking on thrilling adventures across time and space, encountering different cultures, historical figures, and creatures. Their distinct personalities complement each other, allowing them to navigate the challenges they face during their adventures.
The "Magic Tree House" series is typically recommended for readers aged 6 to 9, which corresponds to a reading level of about first through fourth grade. The books are designed with simple language, short chapters, and engaging storytelling, making them accessible to young readers who are beginning to read independently or looking for chapter books to explore. While the reading level may vary slightly between books, the series generally maintains a vocabulary and structure suitable for early to middle elementary school-aged children.
Magic Tree House Book Series
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Here's an extensive list with a brief summary of each book in the "Magic Tree House" series
"Dinosaurs Before Dark"Siblings Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house that takes them on a journey back to the prehistoric past and time and age of dinosaurs.
"The Knight at Dawn"Transported to medieval times, Jack and Annie encounter a noble knight and explore a castle.
"Mummies in the Morning"Their adventure leads them to ancient Egypt where they face mummies and solve an ancient riddle.
"Pirates Past Noon"Jack and Annie embark on a high-seas adventure through the middle of the ocean, meeting and searching with treasure-seeking pirates.
"Night of the Ninjas"In ancient Japan, the duo encounters ninjas and learns to navigate the night.
"Afternoon on the Amazon"Exploring the Amazon rainforest, they encounter wildlife and unravel its secrets.
"Sunset of the Sabertooth"Traveling to the Ice Age, Jack and Annie meet woolly mammoths and brave the cold.
"Midnight on the Moon"Journeying into space, they discover the wonders of the lunar surface and its mysteries.
"Dolphins at Daybreak"They visit a coral reef and befriend dolphins while on a mission to solve a puzzle.
"Ghost Town at Sundown"Jack and Annie travel to the Wild West and encounter ghostly figures in an old town.
"Lions at Lunchtime"The siblings explore the African savannah and meet various animals, including lions.
"Polar Bears Past Bedtime"Heading to the Arctic, they face challenges in the icy wilderness.
"Vacation Under the Volcano"Jack and Annie visit ancient Pompeii on the brink of destruction by a volcano.
"Day of the Dragon King"In ancient China, they embark on a quest to help the Emperor.
"Viking Ships at Sunrise"Traveling to ancient Scandinavia, they encounter Vikings and their ships on the high seas.
"Hour of the Olympics"Sent to ancient Greece, Jack and Annie witness the first Olympic Games.
"Tonight on the Titanic"On the Titanic's maiden voyage, they aim to save passengers before the ship sinks.
"Buffalo Before Breakfast"The siblings meet Native Americans on the American Plains and witness a buffalo stampede.
"Tigers at Twilight"Exploring the jungles of India, they encounter tigers and help a village.
"Dingoes at Dinnertime"In Australia, they face challenges in the Outback and encounter dingoes. The series continues with more exciting adventures that take Jack and Annie to various places and times across the globe and throughout history, totaling over 50 books in the series! Each book introduces young readers to different cultures, historical events, and scientific concepts, fostering curiosity and a love for learning through engaging storytelling.
Civil War on Sunday - Cannon fire! That's what Jack and Annie hear when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the time of the American Civil War. There they meet a famous nurse named Clara Barton and do their best to help wounded soldiers. It is their hardest journey in time yet—and the one that will make the most difference to their own lives!
Revolutionary War on Wednesday - It is a dark and snowy night when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to colonial times. General George Washington is about to lead his army in a sneak attack against their enemy. But now a terrible weather is making the great general question his plans. Can Jack and Annie keep history on track? The fate of the country rests in their hands!
Twister on Tuesday Night - An adventure to blow you away! That's what Jack and Annie get when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the 1870s. They land on the prairie near a one-room schoolhouse, where they meet a teenage schoolteacher, some cool kids, and one big, scary bully. But the biggest and scariest thing is yet to come!
Earthquake in the Early Morning - An adventure that will shake you up! That's what Jack and Annie get when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to California in 1906. As soon as they arrive, the famous San Francisco earthquake hits the city. Can Jack and Annie save the day? Or will San Francisco be destroyed first?
Stage Fright on a Summer Night Magic Tree House whisks them back to Elizabethan England. There they meet William Shakespeare himself—one of the greatest writers of all time! But Mr. Shakespeare's having a hard time with some of the actors in his latest show. Are Jack and Annie ready to make a big entrance? Or will it be curtains for Shakespeare?
Good Morning, Gorillas Gentle giants or giant monsters? That's the question Jack and Annie have about gorillas when the Magic Tree House sweeps them to the mountains of Africa. There they meet a group of amazing and sometimes frightening mountain gorillas. Annie knows how to play with the creatures right away. But Jack is left out. Will the gorillas be able to teach him some special magic?
Thanksgiving on Thursday It's a time for giving thanks when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to 1621 on the first Thanksgiving Day. The Pilgrims ask them to help get things ready. But whether it's cooking or clamming, Jack and Annie don't know how to do anything the Pilgrim way. Will they ruin the holiday forever? Or will the feast go on?
High Tide in Hawaii Magic Tree House whisks them back to a Hawaiian island of long ago. They learn how to surf and have a great time—until strange things start happening. Jack and Annie soon discover the cause: A tidal wave is headed their way! Can they help save their new friends in time?
A Big Day for Baseball PLAY BALL! Jack and Annie aren’t great baseball players . . . yet! Then Morgan the librarian gives them magical baseball caps that will make them experts. They just need to wear the caps to a special ballgame in Brooklyn, New York. The magic tree house whisks them back to 1947!
Hurricane Heroes in Texas the magic tree house whisks them back to Galveston, Texas, in 1900, they find out that a big storm is coming. But even though there is rain and wind, no one believes there is any danger. As the storm grows, seawater floods the city. Now everyone needs help! Jack and Annie have a little bit of magic and a lot of hope--but will it be enough?
Warriors in Winter When the magic tree house whisks them back to the early 100s AD, Jack and Annie find themselves in a Roman camp. Their mission: Be like a warrior.
That is easier said than done! The Roman soldiers are much scarier in person--and suspicious of strangers. Then a mysterious man riding a black horse gives Jack and Annie some advice to help them on their mission.To the Future, Ben Franklin! they find themselves in Old Philadelphia in 1787. Their mission? Help Dr. Ben. It isn't hard to find him--Dr. Ben is none other than Benjamin Franklin! But to help him, Jack and Annie have to do something they've never done before. Something daring, dangerous, and almost impossible.
Narwhal on a Sunny Night When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie off to Greenland, they're not sure what time they've landed in, but they immediately know what their mission is: save a narwhal! Then they meet a young hunter named Leif Erikson and they ask for his help. But Leif has other ideas...
Late Lunch with Llamas When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie to a mountainside, they are surprised to find farmers nearby. Then they learn that the farmer's baby llama has been stolen, and Jack and Annie vow to bring the little animal back to its owners. But the journey is treacherous--they must climb to the peak of Machu Picchu and climb back down in order to complete this mission. Jack and Annie have been on many dangerous travels, but can they survive this one?
Camp Time in California Jack and Annie must find out when the magic tree house lands in the tallest tree on earth. The nature around them is so grand and peaceful--is it really in danger? Two travelers, two sketchbooks, and one grizzly bear will show Jack and Annie that danger isn't always seen with the eyes. Sometimes it's felt with the heart.
Sunlight in Snow Leopard The magic tree house has whisked Jack and Annie to the Himalayas in Nepal. They’re searching for the mysterious Gray Ghost. Well, they’re supposed to be. Jack does not want to find a ghost. But he and Annie are excited about all the amazing animals they see. So excited, in fact, that Annie and Jack get lost in the mountains! Can they make their way to safety before the Gray Ghost finds them?
Rhinos at Recess Jack and Annie are on the playground at recess when they feel the magic tree house calling them. They sneak away and are whisked off on an adventure in South Africa, where a majestic rhino needs saving! There are a swooping helicopter, strict park rangers, and--most terrifying of all--poachers. How do you hide one of the largest land mammals in the flat terrain of the African savanna?
Time of the Turtle King It's just a regular day when ordinary kids Jack and Annie are whisked away in the magic tree house to the Galapagos islands, where they must save a giant tortoise from an erupting volcano! But what do Jack and Annie know about saving turtles?! Plenty, thanks to some magic that makes them experts. A helicopter ride, rushing lava, and a whole lot of determination make this one adventure Jack and Annie will never forget!
Merlin Missions
The Merlin Missions series is a continuation of the "Magic Tree House" books by Mary Pope Osborne, offering longer and more complex adventures for slightly older readers. Here's a complete list of the Merlin Missions books:
"Christmas in Camelot"
Jack and Annie embark on a mission to help Merlin find the secrets of happiness in Camelot during the Christmas season."Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve"
The siblings travel to an eerie castle on Halloween to save Camelot from an evil sorcerer's spell."Summer of the Sea Serpent"
Jack and Annie journey to an ancient island to help a famous explorer and search for a sea serpent."Winter of the Ice Wizard"
Sent to an icy kingdom, Jack and Annie aim to save Merlin from the Ice Wizard's curse."Carnival at Candlelight"
The duo is transported to Venice during Carnival to assist a famous glassmaker in finding a lost item."Season of the Sandstorms"
Jack and Annie venture to the deserts of ancient Iraq to help a young alchemist."Night of the New Magicians"
They visit Paris to assist famous magicians and encounter historical figures such as Louis Armstrong and Joan of Arc."Blizzard of the Blue Moon"
The siblings travel to New York City during the Great Depression to break a spell on a unicorn."Dragon of the Red Dawn"
Sent to ancient China, Jack and Annie must save a dragon and prevent an Emperor's overthrow."Monday with a Mad Genius"
The mission takes them to Florence, Italy, where they assist Leonardo da Vinci."Dark Day in the Deep Sea"
Jack and Annie dive underwater to an adventure with sharks and ancient sea creatures."Eve of the Emperor Penguin"
The duo helps a penguin in Antarctica to save Merlin."Moonlight on the Magic Flute"
Sent to Vienna, Jack and Annie meet Mozart and help solve a musical mystery."A Good Night for Ghosts"
Jack and Annie explore New Orleans and meet famous jazz musicians while searching for the secrets of greatness."Leprechaun in Late Winter"
Their mission takes them to Ireland to help a leprechaun and save four ancient stories."A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time"
Sent to Victorian England, they assist Charles Dickens and discover the true meaning of Christmas."A Crazy Day with Cobras"
The duo travels to India to prevent a disaster caused by cobras."Dogs in the Dead of Night"
Jack and Annie venture to the Swiss Alps to save Merlin's penguin and encounter Saint Bernard dogs."Abe Lincoln at Last!"
They aim to solve a time-travel puzzle involving Abraham Lincoln's hat and a rare copy of the Gettysburg Address."A Perfect Time for Pandas"
Jack and Annie visit China to help save giant pandas."Stallion by Starlight"
The mission takes them to ancient Arabia to help a young Alexander the Great."Hurry Up, Houdini!"
Jack and Annie meet the famous magician Harry Houdini in New York City."High Time for Heroes"
Sent to the Middle Ages, they must save Camelot from dark magic."Soccer on Sunday"
Jack and Annie find themselves in Mexico City to help a famous soccer player."Shadow of the Shark"
They dive into the ocean to solve a mystery involving a sunken ship and a ferocious shark."Balto of the Blue Dawn"
Jack and Annie travel to Alaska to help the famous sled dog Balto."Night of the Ninth Dragon"
They return to Camelot to solve a riddle and discover the secrets of the Enchanted Ring.
Magic Tree House Fact Checker Series
The "Magic Tree House Fact Tracker" series is a companion collection to the original "Magic Tree House" books. These non-fiction books provide additional information, facts, and background related to the topics covered in the main series.
The "Magic Tree House Fact Tracker" books aren't necessary to understand or enjoy the main "Magic Tree House" series. They do not require reading in chronological order. The original books stand alone as research guides and provide engaging adventures that captivate young readers without requiring the supplemental information found in the Fact Trackers.
However, the Fact Trackers offer additional educational value and depth to the subjects covered in the main series. These nonfiction companions provide factual information, background details, and further context related to the adventures Jack and Annie embark upon. These books can enhance a child's understanding of historical events, scientific concepts, or cultural aspects explored in the stories.
Whether they're necessary depends on the individual reader's interests and learning style. Some children may enjoy delving deeper into specific topics covered in the main series, making the Fact Trackers a valuable addition to their reading experience. Others might prefer to solely engage with the imaginative adventures presented in the original books.
Parents, educators, or children who are particularly interested in history, science, or specific subjects may find the Fact Trackers beneficial as supplementary resources, encouraging further exploration beyond the fictional narratives of the main series. Ultimately, while not essential, the Fact Tracker books can enrich and expand a child's knowledge and curiosity about the world around them.
The 42 Fact Tracker books offer supplementary information, illustrations, and facts that correspond to the topics and adventures explored in the main "Magic Tree House" series. They serve as educational resources, providing additional context and knowledge for curious young readers.
And the adventures continue through a total of over 50 books thanks to the Merlin MIssion series.
Magic Tree House Graphic Novels
Mary Pope Osborne's "Magic Tree House" series has been adapted into graphic novel format. These graphic novels retell some of the adventures from the original series in a visual and illustrated format, making them more accessible to young readers. Some of the "Magic Tree House" graphic novels include:
"Dinosaurs Before Dark" Graphic Novel The graphic novel adaptation of the first book in the series follows Jack and Annie's adventure back to the time of dinosaurs.
"The Knight at Dawn" Graphic Novel This graphic novel depicts the siblings' journey to medieval times and their encounter with a noble knight and castle.
Mummies in the Morning Graphic Novel The #1 bestselling chapter book series is now available as graphic novels! Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Get whisked back to Ancient Egypt with Jack and Annie!
Pirates Past Noon Graphic Novel Captured by pirates! When Jack and Annie are whisked away in the magic tree house, they arrive on a beautiful beach. It’s paradise! That is, until the pirates arrive.
Night of the Ninjas Graphic Novel - There's a whisper in the shadows, a silent warrior. It's a ninja! The magic tree house has whisked Jack and Annie to ancient Japan. They need to learn the secrets of the ninja in order to help their friend Morgan! But how do you find a warrior that hides in the shadows? You don't find a ninja . . . the ninja finds YOU!
Afternoon on the Amazon Graphic Novel -The #1 bestselling chapter book series is now available as graphic novels! Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Get whisked away to the Amazon rainforest on a high-stakes adventure with brother-and-sister team Jack and Annie!
These graphic novels capture the essence of the original stories while presenting them in a visually engaging format. They're a great option for young readers who enjoy the combination of illustrations and storytelling.
The "Magic Tree House" series offers a plethora of educational benefits for children and is often recommended by parents and teachers alike for various reasons:
Educational Value:
Engaging Learning: The series takes children on captivating adventures through history, science, and literature, making learning an exciting and immersive experience.
Cultural Exposure: Each book introduces different cultures, historical events, and geographical locations, broadening children's understanding of the world.
Critical Thinking: The stories encourage critical thinking as children solve puzzles, overcome challenges, and make decisions alongside the main characters.
Reading Benefits:
Reading Comprehension: The books are designed with short chapters, engaging plots, and manageable vocabulary, aiding in improving reading comprehension skills.
Encouraging Reading Habit: The series often hooks reluctant readers, motivating them to explore more books and fostering a love for reading.
Series Structure: With over 50 books, the series offers a consistent structure while exploring diverse topics, keeping children invested in the storyline.
Classroom Use:
Supplemental Material: Teachers can use the series as a supplement to their curriculum, connecting the stories to history, science, or social studies lessons.
Discussion Starters: The adventures provide ample discussion points, encouraging classroom conversations about various subjects explored in the books.
Cross-Curricular Integration: The series allows for cross-curricular integration, enabling teachers to incorporate activities related to history, geography, science, and language arts.
Parental Involvement:
Family Reading: Reading the books together can be a bonding experience for parents and children, fostering discussions about the adventures and the lessons learned.
Extension Activities: Parents can engage children in extension activities, such as research, art projects, or visits to museums, inspired by the topics covered in the books.
Encouraging Curiosity: The series stimulates curiosity and encourages children to ask questions, fostering a natural inclination toward exploration and learning.
Overall, the "Magic Tree House" series is a valuable resource for both parents and teachers, offering a blend of entertainment and education that nurtures a child's imagination, curiosity, and thirst for knowledge.
Mary Pope Osborne's "Magic Tree House" thrilling adventure series stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in igniting a passion for learning and adventure. Through its pages, children traverse distant lands, witness historical events, and encounter fascinating cultures, all while fostering a deep love for books and imagination.
With each installment, Osborne has gifted readers a ticket to limitless realms, inspiring curiosity, empathy, and a thirst for knowledge. The enchantment of the Magic Tree House continues to beckon new generations of young readers, ensuring that the spirit of exploration and wonder remains alive within their hearts and minds.
