This past weekend was Easter, so with the busyness of that, I did not get to read a ton, but I did get to enjoy most of the Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon book by Mary Pope Osborne. This is the fourth book of the series. Since a couple of my classmates and I have to present at a Young Author's Conference this weekend, I chose to read this book since this is what the theme of our station is going to be.
Magic Tree House books have always been some of my favorite chapter books. As a child, I remember reading these books as though they were candy! I still think that they are great books for elementary students because they not only take the reader on an adventure, but they also give them true facts to learn about history.
In this book, Jack and Annie start out in the tree house, just as usual, but this time, Annie spots a book opened up to a page with an island and a parrot. Annie expresses how she wishes to visit the beach, when BAM, a parrot appears in a tree next to their tree house. Then, they are transported to a tropical island where they spot a ship in the distance. Judging by the flag that is flying high from the ship, they conclude that it must be a pirate ship! Jack reads to Annie from his book that pirates used to rob Spanish ships in the Caribbean Sea, so they hurriedly run towards the tree house. OH NO! Jack remembers that he left his book on the island, so he quickly goes to retrieve it when pirates start chasing him! They catch him and demand to see what is inside of the tree house because the pirates believe that the gold treasure is hiding in there. The pirates hold Jack and Annie hostage on their ship until they agree to help them find the hidden treasure. I am going to stop there, and you will have to read the rest to discover what happens!
I love that Magic Tree House books incorporate both fact and fiction aspects. Not only does it show them the adventures that a book can take you on, but they are also learning true historical facts at the same time. Excerpts from these books would make a great minilesson over fact or fiction statements.
Until next time,
Ashton Schimmelpfennig
Ashton,
ReplyDeleteTo begin with, your blog is absolutely adorable! What a creative title for it! Your creativity is beaming, so it was no surprise your post this week was wonderful as well. If I read Magic Tree House books in school, I do not remember doing so. This book sounds cute and a perfect read for young students who still turn to their imaginations often. I love the idea about teaching fact or fiction, I will keep this book and the series in mind if this is a lesson I am ever teaching!
Wonderful post!
Tara