Midnight on the Moon and its companion book: Space - Mary Pope Osborne

#8 in the Magic Tree House series
Published 1996
70 pgs.
Still $3.99!
RL: 2.1, ages 6-9

Nonfiction partner: Space
Published 2002
Mary Pope Osborne & Will Osborne
144 pgs.
$4.99
RL 2.9, ages 6-9

I think there are at least 38 in The Magic Tree House series now, and up to perhaps number 19 in the resourse guides. So I decided that it was time to read at least one of them. I chose Midnight on the Moon, because I think I'm going to be teaching the moon, sun, and stars in science next year.

"The Universe is filled with wonders." Siblings Jack and Annie take a trip in their magic treehouse to the moon to try to find the fourth and final "M" to free Morgan le Fay from a spell.

The RESOURCE GUIDE: Space:
Includes chapter and mucho information on:
-ancient astronomy & astronomers (Copernicus, Galileo, Newton)
-the universe, galalzies, stars, the sun
-the solar system
-space travel
-moon history
-the space shuttles
--telescopes
--light years
--eclipses

Also includes a pretty decent index - perhaps a good tool for beginning teaching of how to use one.

This would be an excellent companion to a space unti for grades 2 - 4, I could see a class writing their own set about something they're studying after reading a novel and its companion. Or, a teacher could assigne book reports of one of the novels and its companion, students choosing whatever interested them. Lots and lots of teaching ideas here. Just distinguishing the difference for young readers between fiction and nonfiction could be taught VERY early.....

I've had fifth graders with reading difficulties come from fourth grade into fifth grade very excited about reading these books. (and now I've read one myself....that's a good thing). It was quite good, not boring and repetitive, and would probably keep a reluctant reader going, as well as a younger child who was reading at a more advanced level. Fits a lot of bills.

For more information, take a look at:
Mary Pope Osborne's Website
as well as
Random House's website, which includes activities for some of the books.