The seventeenth installment of the Magic Tree House series is a thrilling adventure titled "Tonight on the Titanic." In this book, written by Mary Pope Osborne, the main characters Jack and Annie find themselves traveling back in time to board the famous ship, the RMS Titanic. The story takes place on the eve of the ship's tragic sinking, and Jack and Annie must race against time to fulfill their mission and save a special gift for their friend, Teddy. As they navigate the grand ship, they encounter historical figures such as Molly and the unsinkable Molly Brown. Along the way, they learn about the ship's magnificence and the tragedy that befell it. The main idea of "Tonight on the Titanic" is the exploration of a historical event through the eyes of young protagonists.
BOOK #17: TONIGHT ON THE TITANIC: Jack and Annie are whisked away to the decks of the Titanic, where they must help two children find their way to a lifeboat - and are in danger of becoming victims of that tragic night themselves.
22 Rags and Riches Kids in the Time of Charles Dickens A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House Merlin Mission 16 A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time Magic Tree House R Fact Tracker 22 Paperback 6. We talked to them about their new Magic Tree House book, the importance of reading both fiction and nonfiction, and what they hope their adventure stories will teach young readers.
The main idea of "Tonight on the Titanic" is the exploration of a historical event through the eyes of young protagonists. The author skillfully intertwines facts about the Titanic with an engaging narrative, capturing the attention of young readers. By incorporating fictional characters into a real-life event, the story encourages readers to delve deeper into history and the significance of historical figures.
Magic Tree House authors, Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce come to St. Louis
These two sisters love learning and want to share their passion with children. We talked to them about their new Magic Tree House book, the importance of reading both fiction and nonfiction, and what they hope their adventure stories will teach young readers.
by Caitlin Carter January 18, 2011 8:18 AM
Courtesy of Random House Children's Books
Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce, authors of the Magic Tree House series, will be coming to St. Louis on January 17 and 18 to talk about their 45th addition to the series, A Crazy Day with Cobras and its nonfiction companion, Snakes and Other Reptiles. In this latest installment, the main characters, Jack and Annie, travel to Mughal, India to save Merlin’s penguin Penny from an evil spell. The nonfiction guide is full of facts and photos that answer questions about snakes and other reptiles. The theme of the series, which began in 1992, is based on the two sister’s upbringing. “Our family traveled in the military, so my brothers and my sister were my best friends,” Osborne says. “That idea of playing with a sibling is a main theme in my life, so Jack and Annie just popped out of that world of playing and closeness between children, especially if they are left on their own to play in the yard and create their own world.” They later decided to add a nonfiction component that would give readers information about the real things that their characters Jack and Annie encounter on their adventures. Osborne says that the fiction and nonfiction work together to first get children to have fun reading the fictional adventure stories then get them interested in the fact-based content within the story. “Children naturally read fiction faster,” says Boyce. “They gallop along, and their imagination goes wild. Nonfiction is a harder sell because children have to conceptualize actual things, so they read nonfiction more slowly. It’s great exercise for both sides of their brains when they are reading both books.” Osborne says this idea has been the guiding principle of Magic Tree House. She wants the learning process to be joyful. “Hopefully it never seems like something that is good for you to eat but you didn’t like,” she says. “If they can love reading, then I think the rest can fall into place.” Osborne, who writes the fiction part of the series, says that she wants to relay a message of courage, loyalty, affection and good doing to her readers through Jack and Annie. Boyce, who writes the nonfiction companion, hope that her nonfiction guides will inspire in children wonder of the natural world and history. “If you read something as strange as the way a king cobra can attack with venom that can kill an elephant, a child will look on that as almost as powerful as an imaginary animal,” she says. “That is something to be excited about.” At the St. Louis book signing, Magic Tree House fans can expect the opportunity to vote on upcoming story themes. “I will give them several topics and they vote on their favorite,” Osborne says. “I honestly navigate these books by the little polls because I go out just once a year. It’s important for the kids to have a say in Magic Tree House.” Osborne and Boyce will be at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters on Monday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m. and at Barnes & Noble in Chesterfield on Tuesday, January 18 at 6 p.m. For more information on the Monday event, call St. Louis County Library Headquarters at (314) 994-3300 or go to slcl.org; for more information on the Barnes & Noble event, call (636) 536-9636 or go to http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/69776.
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Look/Listen Look-Listen January 2011 by Caitlin Carter January 18, 2011 8:18 AM
BOOK #21: CIVIL WAR ON SUNDAY: Jack and Annie are transported to the time of the Civil War, where they meet Clara Barton.
Moreover, the book emphasizes the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges. Overall, "Tonight on the Titanic" is a captivating addition to the Magic Tree House series. Its blend of history, adventure, and relatable characters make it an excellent choice for young readers interested in both fiction and non-fiction. Through this book, children can develop a love for learning and broaden their understanding of the world around them..
Reviews for "Literacy and Imagination: How the Magic Tree House Series Engages Young Readers"
1. Emma Johnson - 2 stars
I was disappointed with the seventeenth installment of the Magic Tree House series. The story felt rushed and lacked the depth and excitement I have come to expect from this series. The characters seemed underdeveloped, and the plot was predictable. Overall, it felt like a filler book rather than a captivating adventure like the previous installments. I hope the next book in the series will be more engaging.
2. John Thompson - 2 stars
I found the seventeenth installment of the Magic Tree House series to be quite dull. The storyline felt repetitive, and the magic element seemed forced. The characters didn't display the same charm and curiosity as in previous books, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, and the ending was anticlimactic. I hope the next book in the series will recapture the magic and excitement that made me fall in love with this series in the first place.
3. Sarah Roberts - 1 star
I was highly disappointed with the seventeenth installment of the Magic Tree House series. The writing felt lazy, and the plot lacked originality. It felt like the author was simply recycling ideas and themes from previous books without adding anything new or captivating. The illustrations were subpar compared to previous books, and overall, the book failed to engage my imagination. I would not recommend this installment to anyone looking for a thrilling adventure or a fresh addition to the series.
4. Michael Anderson - 2 stars
As a fan of the Magic Tree House series, I was let down by the seventeenth installment. The plot was predictable and lacked the creative twists I have come to anticipate. The dialogue felt forced, and the characters' interactions were uninteresting. It felt like the author was running out of ideas and relying on a formulaic approach. Overall, it felt like a rushed and uninspired addition to the series. I hope that future installments will recapture the essence and excitement of the earlier books.