Why Magic Tree House Series is Engaging

There are several reasons that I am writing this post (and possibly the next few that I will be writing). So without further due, I will simply tell you.

1.  It is now fall break and why not do something that I really enjoy that is not really related to schoolwork?

2.  I went to my first literary conference yesterday.  For the entire day, I was surrounded by teachers learning about incorporating children's books into the curriculum.

Ah.  What can be more inspirational to write about and read children's literature than receiving a wealth of knowledge about children's literature including words from two authors? (More about those authors at a later point, I am sure)

3.  Today, when I went to the library, I nearly walked out without having any books.  This felt wrong and utterly disappointing especially since the book that I so desperately wanted was not to be found.

(Don't worry, the story gets better, just to reassure all my very concerned readers).  On my way out, I found a shelf of books for sale including several children's books for $1 or $0.50.  I got 12 books for $9!  That is a great ending for a sad beginning, right?  All of these books that I got today will be going into my future classroom library.

Now that we have completed the preliminary announcements, I will address the reasons that you are actually reading this blog.

Pirates Past Noon was my first Magic Tree House Series Book.  Several of my friends told me how great this series is, and I knew I would just have to read it for myself.

During one day, while at my practicum, the students that I am with were taking a test.  I had not talked to another teacher about observing in her classroom, so I had nowhere to go.  After sitting in my chair for a second or two, I went to the classroom library and found this book.

It was a quick read, and I enjoyed it.  It is on the level of being an introductory level to chapter books for young readers.  However, because of the adventure within, any child could enjoy it.

This particular book was a pirate adventure (as you might have guessed from the title).  The whole premise of the book (and I would imagine the series) is that two children have a magic treehouse that is filled with books.

When they see a picture within the book and wish to go there, suddenly their tree house becomes a time machine that transports them to the desired location.  In this book, they are on the beach of an island, when all of a sudden pirates come on-shore looking for treasure.  Seeing only the children, the pirates kidnap the children until the children reveal where the hidden treasure is.

Because of the level and length of the book, the climax is a bit of a disappointment.  There is really not much of a build-up before the denouement.  Also there were points in this particular book where I questioned the historical accuracy of certain details.

However, this series, because of its adventures with every book, can get children very excited about reading, discovering the very places that the two characters find.

The entire story is about being transported to a new land and adventure because of a book, which is exactly what this book does.

I had one student come up to me after I had completed the book and asked me where I had found it.  I showed him, and he excitedly explained how this was one of his favorite series to read.  See?  I am not making this stuff up!

So even though it was not the best book that I have ever read, I would still recommend this book and probably the series though I have only read this book.

However, I would also recommend starting at the beginning of the series.  Throughout, the children make one or two references to previous experiences that could leave a reader slightly lost, though, I was able to glean enough information to understand.

And just a little note.  Because of the time constraints that I have with grad school, from here on out, I will not be writing reviews on this blog unless I would recommend the books to some extent.