Magic Tree House #19: Tigers at Twilight is an exciting children's book written by Mary Pope Osborne. It is part of the popular Magic Tree House series that follows the adventures of Jack and Annie, two siblings who travel through time and space using a magical tree house. In Tigers at Twilight, Jack and Annie find themselves in the beautiful jungles of India. Their mission is to find a special magic wand that will save a tiger cub, who is in great danger. As they explore the lush forests, they encounter various challenges and meet fascinating creatures. Throughout their journey, Jack and Annie learn valuable life lessons about courage, friendship, and the importance of protecting endangered animals.

8 Famous Witches From Mythology and Folklore

Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.

Ancient mythology and folklore is filled with witches, including the Bible's Witch of Endor and Russian folklore's Baba Yaga. These enchantresses are known for their magic and trickery, which is sometimes used for good and sometimes for mischief.

Throughout their journey, Jack and Annie learn valuable life lessons about courage, friendship, and the importance of protecting endangered animals. They encounter a wise teacher named Eesha, who teaches them about the beauty and significance of tigers in Indian culture. The story is filled with suspense, as Jack and Annie face numerous obstacles in their quest to save the tiger cub.

The Witch of Endor

Saul and the Witch of Endor, 1526. Found in the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Artist : Cornelisz van Oostsanen, Jacob (ca. 1470-1533). Heritage Images/Getty Images / Getty Images

The Christian Bible has an injunction against practicing witchcraft and divination, and that can probably be blamed on the Witch of Endor. In the first Book of Samuel, King Saul of Israel got in some trouble when he sought assistance from the witch and asked her to predict the future. Saul and his sons were about to march into battle against their enemies, the Philistines, and Saul decided it was time to get a bit of supernatural insight as to what was going to happen the next day. Saul started off by asking God for help, but God stayed mum…and so Saul took it upon himself to seek answers elsewhere.

According to the Bible, Saul summoned the witch of Endor, who was a well-known medium in the area. Disguising himself so she wouldn’t know she was in the presence of the king, Saul asked the witch to revive the dead prophet Samuel so that he might tell Saul what was going to happen.

Who was the witch of Endor? Well, like many other biblical figures, no one really knows. Though her identity is lost to myth and legend, she has managed to appear in more contemporary literature. Geoffrey Chaucer makes reference to her in The Canterbury Tales, in the tale spun by the friar to entertain his fellow pilgrims. The Friar tells his listeners:

"Yet tell me," said the summoner, "if true:
Do you make your new bodies always so
Out of the elements?" The fiend said, "No,
Sometimes it's only some form of disguise;
Dead bodies we may enter that arise
To speak with all the reason and as well
As to the Endor witch spoke Samuel.”

They have to navigate through dense foliage, climb trees, and outrun dangerous animals. The vivid descriptions of the Indian jungle and its inhabitants make readers feel like they are right there alongside the characters. Osborne's writing style is engaging and accessible for young readers. She seamlessly integrates educational elements, such as facts about tigers and India, into the narrative. This encourages children to learn while enjoying the adventure-filled plot. Tigers at Twilight captivates readers with its combination of adventure, magic, and environmental themes. It instills in children a sense of wonder and curiosity about different cultures and the natural world. The book also emphasizes the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife. Overall, Magic Tree House #19: Tigers at Twilight is a captivating and educational book that both children and adults can enjoy. It not only brings the wonders of the wild alive but also teaches important life lessons. It is a must-read for young adventure seekers and animal lovers alike..

Reviews for "A Journey Through Time: Exploring Magic Tree House 19"

1. John - 2 stars - I was not impressed with "Magic Tree House 19". The story felt predictable and formulaic, lacking the depth and excitement of earlier installments. The characters seemed flat and uninteresting, and the plot was underdeveloped. I found myself struggling to stay engaged and ultimately felt disappointed with the overall reading experience.

2. Julia - 1 star - "Magic Tree House 19" was a letdown for me. As a long-time fan of the series, I expected more from this latest installment. The story felt rushed and poorly thought out, with significant plot holes and inconsistencies. The dialogue was stilted, and the pacing was off, making it difficult to follow the narrative. Overall, I found this book to be a major disappointment and not up to the standards set by previous books in the series.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Magic Tree House 19" to be lacking in creativity and originality. The storyline felt repetitive and unoriginal, following a similar structure and formula used in previous books. The plot twists were predictable and uninspiring, failing to capture my imagination. Additionally, the writing style seemed dull and lacked the vivid descriptions that made earlier books in the series so captivating. Overall, I was not impressed with this installment and found it to be a forgettable addition to the Magic Tree House series.

4. Mark - 3 stars - While not terrible, "Magic Tree House 19" did not live up to my expectations. The story felt lackluster and failed to grab my attention like previous books in the series. The characters lacked depth and development, and the plot seemed overly simplified, lacking the complexity I had come to expect. While younger readers may still find enjoyment in this book, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed.

The Evolution of Magic Tree House in Book 19