Magic Tree House Incredible Fact Book: Our Favorite Facts about Animals, Nature, History, and More Cool Stuff!

Gr 2-5--Jack and Annie, stars of the "Magic Tree House" books, have traveled to prehistoric times, sailed around the world, and even visited fantasy realms. These fictional installments have always been able to combine adventure storytelling with true facts and a riddle or two to solve. Now our intrepid travelers have decided to put all they've learned into a slick-looking volume. The tidbits presented aren't for serious research or study. Rather, they are for kids who love to eat up information and beat everyone else at trivia games. Each spread contains photographs, spot illustrations of Jack and Annie, and about five to 10 sentences, depending on the topic. The title is organized into various subject areas, starting with insects and arachnids and ending with an additional facts section for the content that didn't fit neatly into any other category. Although no source material is listed, the authors--Osborne and sister Boyce--have written 35 "Magic Tree House Fact Trackers," which provide their bona fides. VERDICT An additional purchase for most libraries, but a very cool gift for a child who loves to learn.--Marie Drucker, Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, NY