Magic Tree House: King Arthur is the 27th book in the popular Magic Tree House series written by Mary Pope Osborne. The book follows the adventures of Jack and Annie, two young siblings who discover a magical tree house filled with books that can transport them to different places and time periods. In this particular installment, Jack and Annie are whisked away to the time of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Upon arriving in the kingdom of Camelot, Jack and Annie are tasked with helping King Arthur find the secret of happiness. Along the way, they encounter various characters from Arthurian legends such as Merlin the wizard, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the fierce dragon that guards the castle. The brave siblings embark on a quest filled with challenges and excitement as they solve riddles, outsmart the dragon, and ultimately discover the key to happiness.
About the Authors
Mary Pope Osborne was born into adventure. Her dad was in the army, so every year or two her family would move to a different state, or even a different country! By the time she was fifteen, Mary had lived in thirteen different houses and gone to eight different schools!
Writing children's books was a perfect career for Mary because she could still travel all over the world — but be back home in time for dinner. She has written almost a hundred books, including biographies, mysteries, picture books, novels and retellings of fairy tales and world mythology.
The books that have taken Mary to the most places are the Magic Tree House series. With Jack and Annie, she has traveled through time, from the prehistoric land of dinosaurs to the imaginary world of Camelot. But one of the greatest adventures of Mary's writing life is the creative journey she takes with her readers, meeting them in person in schools and bookstores and reading the wonderful stories and letters they send. This, Mary says, is true magic.
The brave siblings embark on a quest filled with challenges and excitement as they solve riddles, outsmart the dragon, and ultimately discover the key to happiness. As with other books in the series, Magic Tree House: King Arthur combines elements of fantasy, history, and adventure to engage young readers. The story offers a glimpse into the world of King Arthur and his knights, allowing children to learn about this legendary figure in a fun and accessible way.
Natalie Pope Boyce
Natalie Pope Boyce grew up in a military family, and they moved every few years. One of the most beautiful places they every lived was in Salzburg, Austria. She and Mary could see a castle from their windows and often took walks on the lovely old street where Mozart grew up. Their time in Austria later inspired Mary to write Moonlight on the Magic Flute.
In fact, Natalie says the research guides have been fun to write because many bring back memories of places where they've lived. For example, when it was time to work on Dolphins and Sharks, she remembered seeing dolphins leaping out of the water when her family's house was on the ocean in Virginia. The sight of them never failed to exciter her and her brothers and sister.
After Natalie grew up, she continued to travel. While living in Ireland for a year, she learned about Irish folklore. This made it so fun to write Leprechauns and Irish Folklore. Natalie also once lived in Hawaii, which was good preparation for writing Tsunamis. She was used to hearing tsunami warning sirens on all the beaches and had always been fascinated by their power and wondered what caused them. Natalie thinks that living in different places is a great education. She also thinks that books give kids an amazing chance to have their own adventures. . . and they never have to leave home!
Additionally, the book explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of finding one's own happiness. The Magic Tree House series has captivated young readers for over two decades and continues to be a beloved choice for both independent reading and classroom instruction. King Arthur is just one of the many exciting time periods and places that Jack and Annie explore throughout their magical adventures. Whether it's ancient Egypt, the Wild West, or even outer space, the series provides an imaginative and educational reading experience for children of all ages. Overall, Magic Tree House: King Arthur offers an entertaining and educational journey into the world of Camelot. Through the eyes of Jack and Annie, readers are transported to a time of chivalry, knights, and epic quests. This book and the series as a whole encourages a love of reading and exploration, sparking a child's curiosity about history and the world around them..
Reviews for "Unraveling the Legend of King Arthur in the Magic Tree House Series"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic Tree House: King Arthur". The story felt rushed and lacking in depth. The characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The time-travel aspect seemed forced, and it was difficult to believe in the magical elements of the story. Overall, I found it to be a letdown and not up to the standards of the previous books in the series.
2. Jason - 1 star - I couldn't finish "Magic Tree House: King Arthur". The writing style was overly simplistic and didn't hold my interest. The plot was predictable, and there were no surprises or twists. The historical accuracy was also questionable, and I found myself constantly questioning the credibility of the events and characters. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written story.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I have been a fan of the Magic Tree House series for years, but "King Arthur" left me underwhelmed. The story felt formulaic and lacked the excitement and adventure that I have come to expect from the series. The characters were bland and didn't seem to grow or develop throughout the book. Additionally, the pacing was off, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. I would suggest skipping this installment and revisiting earlier books in the series instead.
4. Mark - 3 stars - While "Magic Tree House: King Arthur" didn't quite meet my expectations, it was still an okay read. The story had its moments of entertainment, but overall, it lacked depth and complexity. The historical elements felt superficial and not well-researched. The book also seemed to rely too heavily on the previously established formula, and I was hoping for a more unique and refreshing take on the King Arthur legend. It's an average addition to the series, but nothing exceptional.