In the book "Magic Tree House: Big Day for Baseball" written by Mary Pope Osborne, the main characters, Annie and Jack, embark on another thrilling adventure through time. This time, they find themselves transported to the 1940s in the midst of a major baseball game. As avid sports fans, Annie and Jack are ecstatic to witness such a significant day for baseball firsthand. They arrive in a small town where a championship game is about to take place. The two siblings quickly notice that something is wrong – the star pitcher of the home team is missing! Devoted to helping others, Annie and Jack set out to find the missing player. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and meet historical figures such as Jackie Robinson, who will soon become the first African American to play in Major League Baseball.
There’s more to love in this version. In Round 1, the book was organized by topic. You moved through several days on a particular topic, then did not really ever return to that topic. I completely understand why that organization is useful in an introductory text–the neophyte needs time to taste and savor the major concepts before they can internalize them and use them in context. After all, I don’t teach my writing students to do everything all at once–that would confuse them beyond measure! Round 2 begins this complication. The book is organized in a series of thirteen lunations, which are further divided into waxing and waning stages. Here’s my description of the various stages:
I completely understand why that organization is useful in an introductory text the neophyte needs time to taste and savor the major concepts before they can internalize them and use them in context. In some feudal societies, if a serf ran away and was absent from his lord s holdings for a year and a day, he was automatically considered a free man.
Along the way, they encounter various challenges and meet historical figures such as Jackie Robinson, who will soon become the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. The children are amazed by the impact Robinson will have on the game and society as a whole. Throughout the story, the author highlights the significance of teamwork, perseverance, and equality.
Wicca: Another Year and a Day: 366 Days of Magical Practice in the Craft of the Wise (Paperback)
Expand your understanding of Wicca and Witchcraft, gain greater spiritual insight, and explore ways to boost your magical potential with this step-by-step guide to the Second Degree. In his long-awaited follow-up to Wicca: A Year and a Day, Timothy Roderick presents daily methods to cultivate your spirituality and become an adept in the Old Ways.
With its disciplined structure and engaging style, Wicca: Another Year and a Day encourages you to push your magical boundaries by honing your core practices and delving into advanced work. Challenge yourself with topics beyond those in your first year of study, including how to channel deities, perform planetary magic, and align with the forces of nature. Through engaging lessons and hands-on exercises, magic will take center stage in your daily life. Some Witchcraft essentials covered in the daily lessons include:
- Elemental Magic
- Sigil Work
- Ancient Grimoire Workings
- Lunar Ceremonies
- Self and Home Protection
- Easing Negative Karma
- Advanced Oil and Incense Magic
- Exorcisms
- Psychic Development
- Sabbat Mystery Plays
- Magical Condensers
- Magic Squares
- Pentacle Practice
- Taming Spiritual Forces
About the Author
Timothy Roderick has been a Wiccan high-priest and Craft leader for over 30 years. He is an award-winning author of books on earth-based spirituality and fantasy fiction. Timothy’s background as a psychotherapist and his studies in mythology, folklore, and shamanism inform his writings. His titles include Wicca: A Year and A Day, Dark Moon Mysteries, The Once Unknown Familiar, and others. For more information, visit Timothyroderick.com.
- Witchcraft (See Also Religion - Wicca)
- Comparative Religion
- Paganism & Neo-Paganism
The best suggestion I have for anyone looking to take on the Roderick project is to take a couple of weeks at the outset to pull together all his “shopping lists” into one giant list, then look to see how each of the items is being used and determine if there are any substitutions you can make more cheaply or where you can get the items themselves reasonably (hey, I made great use of Dollar Stores with no shame). For example, you can make a working chamomile oil by gently heating or sun-steeping a few pinches of dried chamomile in a few tablespoons of a carrier oil such as jojoba for pennies on what you’d pay for chamomile essential oil. While I wouldn’t use that for any medicine, it’s got a great magical punch. There’s also lots of places that sell bulk herbs that allow you to buy just as much as you need to use at one time. I’ve purchased herbs by the teaspoon in some places, which has certainly helped my pocketbook (not to mention my storage capacity). Even suggestions on how to handle candle purchases on a budget would have been helpful (making use of unscented ‘chime candles’, for example, which are often sold at 4 for $1). Splurge on the items that are most important for you to splurge on, and pinch your pennies on the rest. Just know that if you do everything “by the book”, you’ll likely spend some money.
Annie and Jack work together to solve the mystery and ensure that the championship game goes on as planned. They inspire others to never give up and show that everyone deserves a chance, regardless of their background. In "Magic Tree House: Big Day for Baseball," Mary Pope Osborne skillfully intertwines history, sports, and storytelling. Young readers are not only entertained by the exciting plot but also learn valuable lessons about the importance of determination and equality. Overall, this book takes readers on a journey through time and sports, helping them understand the impact of historical events and the values that make a difference in society. "Magic Tree House: Big Day for Baseball" is a wonderful addition to the Magic Tree House series, captivating readers of all ages with adventure, history, and the love of the game..
Reviews for "Step into a Magical Baseball World with the Magic Treehouse"
1. Sarah - 2 stars -
I was really disappointed with "Magic Treehouse: Big Day for Baseball". The plot felt so predictable and lacking in excitement. I couldn't connect with the characters or their adventures, and it felt like everything was just too convenient and contrived. The writing style also left a lot to be desired, with lackluster descriptions and dialogue that felt forced. Overall, I was left feeling bored and unengaged throughout the entire book, and it definitely didn't live up to my expectations.
2. John - 3 stars -
While I didn't hate "Magic Treehouse: Big Day for Baseball", I can't say that I particularly enjoyed it either. The story seemed to drag on, and the pacing felt off. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to care about what was happening to them. I also found the writing to be quite simplistic and lacking in detail. Overall, it was an okay read, but nothing special or memorable.
3. Emily - 2 stars -
"Magic Treehouse: Big Day for Baseball" was a disappointment for me. The plot was overly simplistic and felt like it was written for a much younger audience. The dialogue was flat and lacked depth, and I found it hard to connect with the characters. I was also hoping for more excitement and adventure, but instead, it felt dull and uneventful. It definitely didn't live up to my expectations, and I wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for a thrilling and engaging read.