The inaugural volume of the Magic Treehouse series is a delightful introduction to the magical world of Jack and Annie. In this first book, titled "Dinosaurs Before Dark," the reader is transported back in time to the age of dinosaurs. Jack and Annie discover a mysterious treehouse filled with books, and as they open one of the books, they are instantly whisked away on an incredible adventure. The main idea of this book is the incredible power of imagination and the ability to explore new worlds through books. Through the magic of the treehouse, Jack and Annie are able to time travel and visit the distant past. This concept of using imagination as a passport to different worlds is an important theme throughout the series.
The books are about two kids from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, siblings/kid heroes Jack and Annie. In the inaugural incarnation of the series, Morgan le Fay orders the kids to go on missions through time and all around the world to solve ancient riddles, save ancient stories, and become Master Librarians. This is possible through their tree house, which allows them to perform Time Travel (or travel inside books, it's not really made clear which).
The first Special Edition book, Danger in the Darkest Hour , takes place during World War II where they must save Kathleen during the Blitz and a sequence where Jack is in charge of driving a van filled with Jewish kids across a Nazi-controlled outpost. That was for the first 28 of the books, and the next series was about Jack and Annie going on Merlin Missions missions directed by Merlin the magician , traveling to places like Camelot.
This concept of using imagination as a passport to different worlds is an important theme throughout the series. As the siblings embark on their dinosaur adventure, they encounter various challenges and obstacles. They must use their wits and bravery to navigate through a dense forest, keep themselves safe from dangerous creatures, and ultimately find their way back home.
Literature / The Magic Tree House
Magic Tree House is a successful series of children's books written by Mary Pope Osborne that is currently running after the first installment of the series (pictured to the right) was published in 1992. There are over fifty books in the series so far, not counting the research guides that go along with them.
The books are about two kids from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, siblings/kid heroes Jack and Annie. In the inaugural incarnation of the series, Morgan le Fay orders the kids to go on missions through time and all around the world to solve ancient riddles, save ancient stories, and become Master Librarians. This is possible through their tree house, which allows them to perform Time Travel (or travel inside books, it's not really made clear which).
That was for the first 28 of the books, and the next series was about Jack and Annie going on Merlin Missions (missions directed by Merlin the magician), traveling to places like Camelot. The books teach kids about history and the different cultures that Jack and Annie visit.
There's also a Japanese adaptation with manga illustrations. They all contain paper dolls of Jack and Annie with outfits corresponding to the stories. The first 28 volumes were published into 14 Japanese volumes, two stories to a book. After that, each book was published individually. There was also an anime movie by Ajia-Do based on the book series that was released in 2011.
As of August 2012, nonfiction companions called Magic Tree House Fact Tracker books have been written for 27 installments of the original series.
This theme of courage and resilience is a central aspect of Jack and Annie's characters and is showcased throughout the series. In addition to the exciting plot and magical elements, "Dinosaurs Before Dark" also incorporates educational content. Through their adventure, Jack and Annie learn fascinating facts about dinosaurs, such as their behaviors, diet, and extinction. This blend of adventure and education makes the book a captivating reading experience for children. Overall, the inaugural volume of the Magic Treehouse series, "Dinosaurs Before Dark," sets the stage for a magical journey through time and space. With its focus on imagination, courage, and educational content, this book captures the hearts and minds of young readers, sparking their curiosity and love for reading..
Reviews for "Embark on a Magical Journey: Discovering the Magic Treehouse Series"
1) Emily - 1 star
I was so disappointed with the inaugural volume of the magic treehouse series. The storyline was incredibly simplistic and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any sort of development. Furthermore, the writing style was too childish for my taste. Overall, I found this book to be a dull and uninteresting read.
2) Mike - 2 stars
I can't say I was impressed with the first installment of the magic treehouse series. The plot felt overly predictable and lacked any excitement. The main characters, Jack and Annie, were not relatable, and their dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. I was hoping for a more engaging and imaginative story, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
3) Jessica - 2 stars
I struggled to connect with the magic treehouse series' inaugural volume. The writing style felt choppy and disjointed, making it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The overall concept of the treehouse with magical powers seemed promising, but the execution failed to captivate me. I won't be continuing with this series.