When you sit down with a book for a bit of uninterrupted reading, or interrupted for that matter, don’t you want to be transported to another time and place, completely forgetting for a few moments the concerns or insecurities that daily life brings? Sure you do and your child does too! Author Mary Pope Osborne knows all about creating an experience far beyond the readers own. And it draws her readers in to the tune of 70 million copies sold in North America with a series of books that just hit the magic number 50! (Appropriately named, “Hurry Up, Houdini!”) It’s the Magic Tree House Series with beloved child characters, Jack and Annie. The first book was released in 1992 and the 50th book just weeks ago in 2013. It appears she is still going strong! You can find these books published by Random House at most book stores, garage sales, classrooms, flea markets, libraries, book swaps, discount book stores and dare I mention, Ebay!
The target age range is six through twelve which is quite large. Most kiddos are introduced to these books in first, second or third grade. The bestselling point of the series is that due to its well written and intriguing premise, voracious readers as well as reluctant ones are drawn to them at various ages and grades. The first 28 books are shorter beginning chapter books and those following are longer traditional length chapter books. In an attempt to synopsize the series, for you, Jack and Annie travel in a magical treehouse that takes them to other places, (mostly real with some imaginary) cultures, and time periods. While on the journey they always have a purpose. Perhaps they have to solve a problem, unravel a mystery, complete a mission or break a code in order to help someone in need, somewhere in history.
Kids, parents, teachers and librarians alike enjoy and recommend these books. Kids love the adventure, teachers love the introduction to other places or people that fit in with curriculum, librarians love it because it gets the kids hooked into a series which in turn keeps them reading and parents like the no drama reading time at home! Well, at least I know I do! Additionally, the characters display good character qualities, excellent problem solving skills, a desire to know and understand the world around them, and a love for learning and adventure. Try this on for size. Let’s say your child enjoys fiction, and after reading “Dolphins at Daybreak” he says, “Mom, I would like to know more about dolphins!” Music to a SAHM’s ear! Well, Mary Pope Osborne must have planned on that happening because she has also written 28 Magic Tree House Research Guides to accompany 28 of her 50 books! They are non-fiction chapter books brimming with facts written on student’s readability level with engaging illustrations and photos. There’s also an interactive website for the kids at www.magictreehouse.com.
Yes, there is “magic” of sorts. And yes, they do help out Morgan le Fay and meet Merlin. How else could two kids travel through time in a treehouse? You might need to have a discussion with your child about the fact that there is fiction woven through non-fiction but I’m hoping that you’ve already developed a habit of talking with your kids about what they are reading. Summarization is a challenge for students and telling you about a chapter book they just read is an excellent time for them to hone that skill! “The wind started to blow. The tree house started to spin. It spun faster and faster. Then everything was still. Absolutely still.” When your child opens yet another Magic Tree House book or gets excited when a new one is released, that my friend, is the Magic!
Have your kids read this series? What other series would you recommend?
Read Often, Vote Daily.