"Space (Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #6)" by Will Osborne & Mary Pope Osborne, Illustrated by Sal Murdocca

I have always liked non-fiction books. I remember being frustrated as an early elementary student because we had to stick to the picture book section, but I always found myself wanting to go look at the "big kid books" many of which were in the non-fiction section. Reading Space as an adult really makes me wish that I could have read some of these books as a kid.

The problem with some non-fiction books for kids is how dry the material can be. I learned at a young age how to skim these books for the information I needed for research and then was done with the book. The thing I like about the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker books is that the information presented has a lot of facts, but is still enjoyable to read. I know that had these books been out when I was in the second or third grade, I would have read them like crazy and would have learned a thing or two while doing so (and much of the information covered in Space was information that I remember learning about both in middle and high school so that would have been an advantage as well). I think it is so awesome that these books go along with titles in the regular Magic Tree House series (for instance, Space specifically ties in to Midnight on the Moon) and will encourage kids that learn more about the places they visit in the books. While working at the library, I have noticed that I tend to get more requests for reading recommendations for boys and I can honestly say that now that I know more about this series, I will certainly be adding it to my list of books to suggest!

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Christmas in Camelot" by Mary Pope Osborne

Sadly, these books came out towards the end of the time when I was originally reading books like this (who knew I would start reading books for younger readers again as an adult) so I only read one. I snagged a copy of Tonight on the Titanic at some free book event at my school and I remember liking it, but never sought out the rest of the series. However, with Christmas coming up, I thought a visit with Jack and Annie would be appropriate.

In Christmas in Camelot, Jack and Annie are transported to Camelot but it's a very different Camelot than the one usually in the legends. Magic has been prohibited and the entire land is in despair. It is up to Jack and Annie to save the day- and Sirs Lancelot, Galahad and Percival!  There is actually very little focus on the fact that it is Christmas, something I thought was interesting since that was the alliteration word of choice for the title. While I think that this is a great book to use as an introduction for kids to the legend of King Arthur, I would have to say that I have a hard time counting it as a Christmas story. While kids who are into the Magic Tree House series will love this book, (and I really hope that kids who read these book look into finding out more about the places Jack and Annie visit. I know that had I read more of these books as a kid, I would have!) you don't necessarily have to save it for Christmas time.

Happy Reading!
-Melly