Magic Tree House #29: Christmas in Camelot In the 29th book of the Magic Tree House series, titled "Christmas in Camelot," written by Mary Pope Osborne, Jack and Annie embark on another exciting adventure. This time, they travel back to the magical land of Camelot during the time of King Arthur. Upon arriving in Camelot, Jack and Annie find themselves surrounded by mysterious and magical Christmas decorations. The Great Hall is beautifully adorned with evergreen trees, holly wreaths, and lit candles. They soon learn that Merlin, the wise and powerful wizard, has summoned them to help with an important mission. Merlin informs Jack and Annie that Camelot is in great danger.
Presented by Lissa Brassfield, a College of the Canyons professor, the discussion will take a look at the witch and pirate trials held in Williamsburg, Virginia, when it was a British colony.
For several years neighbors talked of how the midwife, healer, and widowed mother of three had ruined crops, killed livestock, and conjured up storms. Sherwood, a midwife who at times wore men s clothes, lived in what today is the rural Pungo neighborhood, and she later became known as The Witch of Pungo.
Merlin informs Jack and Annie that Camelot is in great danger. The castle's magical portal is slowly closing, and unless it is fixed before Christmas, all the magic of Camelot will be lost forever. To save Camelot, the siblings must find four special gifts: a caldron, a silver whistle, a red cape, and a green book.
Learn about the witch and pirate trials in Colonial Williamsburg at the SCV Senior Center
Continuing its scholar series, the SCV Senior Center will focus its next historical presentation on colonial Williamsburg and witches on Oct. 31.
Presented by Lissa Brassfield, a College of the Canyons professor, the discussion will take a look at the witch and pirate trials held in Williamsburg, Virginia, when it was a British colony.
The idea originated from a recent trip Brassfield took to the former colonial capitol, she said. After speaking with the Senior Center’s volunteer and recreation coordinator Robin Clough, the decision was made for the next presentation’s subject matter.
“This was where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison went to the House of Burgesses,” Brassfield said.
Williamsburg today is known for its 18th century setting and period attire, which attracts visitors from around the world. Yet, many still want to hear about the connection to witchcraft.
Centuries ago, the charge of witchcraft was a life-threatening offense in the colonies, made famous by the trials in Salem, Massachusetts. “It’s almost unbelievable to us, not just in colonial America,” Brassfield said. “Generations before believed (witches) could exist.”
Along with witchcraft, Brassfield intends to speak about the charge of piracy in the colonial era, particularly the fates of pirates under the command of Blackbeard.
As with prior scholar series presentations, Brassfield will be sharing discussions with Senior Center residents. While the previous presentation, which focused on Robert F. Kennedy, which brought up memories of his brother’s presidency and their assassinations, Brassfield said she is “not sure what the feedback will be, but it will be very interesting.”
Comparisons to similar moments in recent United States history — such as the communist trials of Sen. Joseph McCarthy — might possibly be brought up, she said.
The presentation will take place from 10-11 a.m. in rooms A1 and A2 of the Santa Clarita Senior Center on 22900 Market St. There is no charge and it is open to public.
Grace White Sherwood
Jack and Annie embark on a search for these mystical objects with the help of three magical animals: a unicorn named Mistletoe, a hermit crab named Teddy, and a seal named Spots. Together, they face various challenges and encounter mythical creatures as they journey through the Land of the Snow. Throughout their quest, Jack and Annie learn important lessons about bravery, friendship, and the true meaning of Christmas. They discover that it is not just about receiving gifts but also about giving and spreading joy to others. In the end, they successfully fulfill their mission and save Camelot from the threat of losing its magic. "Christmas in Camelot" is a heartwarming and enchanting tale that captures the spirit of the holiday season. It teaches young readers about the values of kindness, generosity, and the importance of working together to overcome obstacles. Mary Pope Osborne masterfully intertwines history and fantasy, making this book both educational and entertaining. As with other books in the series, "Magic Tree House #29: Christmas in Camelot" encourages children to use their imaginations and explore the wonders of different time periods and cultures. It also highlights the enduring appeal of the Arthurian legends, captivating readers with its magical settings and fascinating characters. Overall, "Magic Tree House #29: Christmas in Camelot" is a delightful holiday adventure that will captivate young readers and ignite their imaginations. It reminds us all that Christmas is a time for magic, wonder, and the power of love..
Reviews for "Join the Magic Tree House #29 in their Quest through Ancient Egypt"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I have been a fan of the Magic Tree House series for years, but I was really disappointed with "Magic Tree House 29." The storyline felt rushed and poorly developed, lacking the depth and excitement that I have come to expect from this series. The characters were also lackluster and it felt like they were just going through the motions. Overall, it just didn't capture my imagination like previous books in the series, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged.
2. Ryan - 1/5 - As an avid reader of the Magic Tree House series, I was extremely let down by "Magic Tree House 29." The plot was predictable and didn't offer any new or interesting adventures for Jack and Annie. The writing style also felt repetitive and uninspired, making it difficult to stay invested in the story. Overall, I would not recommend this book to fans of the series, as it lacks the magic and excitement that made the earlier books so enjoyable.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I was excited to dive into "Magic Tree House 29," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The plot felt weak and rushed, and the overall pacing of the book was off. Additionally, the dialogue between the characters felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with them. It pains me to say it, but this installment in the Magic Tree House series fell flat and left me wanting more from the usually captivating adventures of Jack and Annie.
4. Michael - 2/5 - "Magic Tree House 29" left me feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The story lacked the intrigue and excitement that I have come to associate with the Magic Tree House series. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, and the dialogue didn't feel authentic or engaging. I found myself skimming through pages, waiting for something interesting to happen, but it never really did. Overall, this book was a miss for me and I wouldn't recommend it to fans of the series.